Funding

ESPM is instituting a new funding structure starting in the academic year 2022 to 2023. We'll learn more as it rolls out, but here are the best resources from Prof. Perry de Valpine, our Head of Grad Finances. 

Here's the top points from Funding Policies for the ESPM PhD program, 2022-2023:

Summary

1. The annual minimum income for ESPM PhD students in program years 1-5 in 2022-2023 will be $31,000.  As in previous years, we will try to extend that level at least to program year 6, but it is not guaranteed.

2. This minimum income level will be prorated for students who file their dissertation before the end of the academic year.

3. A one-semester GSR position is expected to achieve 50% of the minimum income, which may be done by a combination of the GSR pay (determined by step level) and additional pay during the semester or the following summer.

4. Faculty may request top-ups from the grad program if their funds for a GSR are insufficient.  Such requests need compelling justification.

5. A one-semester GSI position will automatically come with a top-up allocation from the ESPM grad program, to be paid in some combination of the semester and following summer, to achieve 50% of the minimum income.

6. A student with a fellowship below the minimum income level can be awarded a top-up of at most the amount of a GSI top-up.

7. Some options for flexibility and exceptions are allowed.

8. Faculty and students are strongly encouraged to discuss plans for the student’s support next year if they have not already done so.

Also check out the slides from a presentation that Perry made to graduate students on May 13, 2021. These include some good visuals, like this one below that shows how the department will top-up GSI (teaching) funding to the $15,500 minimum: