Department of Speech: Financial Support

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Funding Topics

| Graduate Assistants | Graduate Division Tuition Waivers | Pacific-Asian Scholarships | | East-West Center for Scholarships | Graduate Student Organization | | National Resource Fellowships for Foreign Language and Area Studies | | Some Tips of How to Get a Grant | Where to Look for Further Information |

Graduate Assistants

Through the Graduate Division, the University gives a number of graduate assistantships to various graduate fields of study. These, in turn, hold competitions among their eligible students, both new and continuing, for the limited number of awards available. The graduate assistantship is a half-time appointment in which a student provides, on the average, twenty hours a week of teaching or research assistance to a faculty member while carrying an academic load of at least six credits (this is considered "full time" for graduate assistants).

There are two types of graduate assistantship appointments: 1) teaching assistantships of nine months, service starting one week prior to registration through commencement, which currently carries a minimum stipend of $11,364 and, 2) research assistantships of eleven months which currently carries a minimum stipend of $13,302. For both the teaching and research appointments, the stipend is paid out twice monthly over a twelve-month period. The tuition for the appointee is waived according to percentage of time worked. However, the appointees must pay for their own activity/laboratory fees.

To be considered for these appointments, students must apply through their graduate field of study. All candidates must be classified students at the University of Hawai‘i, must have a satisfactory academic record, and must have a high level of English proficiency.

Graduate Division Tuition Waivers

The graduate division allocates a limited number of tuition waivers to graduate fields of study. Full-time graduate students in good academic standing are eligible to apply through their individual graduate field of study. The tuition waiver covers full tuition costs. However, students must pay their own activity/laboratory fees. Tuition waiver is normally for one academic year (subject to continued eligibility).

Pacific-Asian Scholarships

These scholarships are for highly qualified full-time students whose presence advances the University's unique mission as a bridge between east and west. They are open to students from Asia or the Pacific or to other students whose present or planned work has an Asian or Pacific focus. Full-time graduate students in good academic standing are eligible to apply through their individual graduate field of study. The scholarship covers full tuition costs. The scholarship is normally for one academic year (subject to continued eligibility) with possible renewal. However, students must pay their own activity/laboratory fees.

East-West Center Scholarships

These scholarships are for study in various UH fields of study at the graduate level. Generally, the award includes tuition and fees, round-trip air fare from the student's home, housing in Center residence halls, and a modest stipend for food and incidental expenses. Scholarships for study are awarded for 11 months and reviewed annually. Further information may be obtained by writing to Awards Services, The East-West Center, 1777 East-West Center Road, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96848.

Graduate Student Organization

The Graduate Student Organization maintains information for students on fellowships, scholarships, and grants by outside agencies through a computer data base. Students are encouraged to go to Hemenway Hall 212 and review materials on possible sources of support for their particular programs of study. Don't wait until the last minute! Many of these awards work on a yearly cycle--i.e. application deadlines are in the fall, notification of awards takes place in the spring, and resulting funds are made available the following fall.

National Resource Fellowships for Foreign Language and Area Studies

For a number of years, the University of Hawai‘i has received funds from the U.S. Department of Education to support students whose work includes study of the language or culture of East and Southeast Asian countries. Further information on these awards is available at the Asian Studies Program in Moore Hall.

Some Tips of How to Get a Grant

The most basic thing you need to do is to maintain as good an academic record as possible. Your hard work will pay off in the keen competition for available grant funds.

Next, you must DO YOUR GRANT HOMEWORK! It's up to you to learn what opportunities are available to you. The offices listed below (Where to Look for Further Information) can help, but only you can do the research required to discover the "right" opportunities for someone with your abilities and needs.

It's also essential to PLAN AHEAD. Many opportunities require much advance planning and waiting. Also, in most cases, you will need letters of reference, and your referees will appreciate advance notice.

Prepare your application CAREFULLY. Study the grantor's statements and instructions and make sure your application is responsive to them. Ask an "objective" person to read your application and tell you if any part is unclear. The care you take here may make the difference in the success of your application over one that the reviewers feel is carelessly prepared or confusing.

Where to Look for Further Information

The first place to inquire is your field or department. The chairperson of your field of study is likely to be aware of most sources of support for graduate students in your field. Also, remember that many awards require nomination by your department.

Graduate Student Organization, Hemenway Hall 212. The organization maintains a computer data base system that provides information on awards offered by outside agencies.

Student Employment Office, Student Services Center, 2600 Campus Road #113, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822. Information about jobs in the community and on campus is available to assist students who seek part-time employment to defray their expenses. Students are cautioned about depending on part-time work to cover their expenses; Hawai‘i's cost of living is high. Those interested in part-time work may register with the Student Employment Office indicating their skills and the type of work in which they are interested.

Financial Aid Office, Student Services Center, 2600 Campus Road #112, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822. The Financial Aid Office processes loan requests. Also, the University of Hawai‘i participates in the Federal College Work Study and Scholarship Programs. The application deadlines are March 1 and October 31.

Center for Student Development, Student Services Center, 2600 Campus Road #312, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822. The Center for Student Development maintains a reference library containing an extensive collection of college catalog and informational materials on U.S. colleges and universities of interest primarily to students who are considering continuing their education at another institution. Students may examine this material at any time during the University office hours.

Source: Graduate Division, Finacial Matters, UHM