FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS

TUITION AND FEES

During the appointment, MUSC is responsible for the payment of tuition and fees directly to the participating university. Optional, refundable, and penalty fees (such as late registration and duplication fees) are not payable by MUSC. MUSC pays health insurance fees only if they are required for all graduate students. Tuition and enrollment fees for the graduate program must be consistent with those made to regular graduate students. In August of each year, MUSC sends a notification letter to the university's bursar describing the procedures for invoicing tuition and fees on behalf of the fellow.

STIPENDS

In addition to tuition, fellows receive a monthly stipend of $2,400 throughout the duration of their appointment. The monthly stipend increases by $500 (prorated) while the fellow is on a practicum assignment. MUSC will either deposit stipends directly into the fellow's bank account or mail monthly stipends to the fellow.

While participating in the NFGFP, the fellow may accept other awards, prizes, and similar payments (including veteran's benefits) that do not require a product or service. If a fellow accepts another award, such as a research assistantship or other responsibilities in which funds are provided and the fellow is required to spend time on the project, MUSC must be informed in advance and funds may be deducted from the fellow's stipend. In addition, MUSC reserves the right to withdraw the fellowship if the fellow receives compensation without notifying MUSC as to the nature and extent of this payment.

TRAVEL

Travel expenses are approved by MUSC and DHS/DoD prior to actual travel and are based on U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) accepted rates. In general, travel reimbursements are considered for seminars, conferences, and workshops associated with this program or any meeting for which the DHS Program Office requests attendance. Travel in excess of 50 miles to and from the approved practicum location will be reimbursed, in addition to the Dislocation Allowance provided during the practicum assignment, In addition, travel expenses are allowable on occasions requiring the fellow to consult with the university graduate committee and/or deliver a presentation of thesis/dissertation research.

THESIS RESEARCH AT PARTICIPATING DHS/DOD DESIGNATED FACILITIES

A fellow may request to work full or part-time on thesis/dissertation research at one of the participating DHS/DoD-approved facilities (see page nine of this booklet). Off-campus research requires that the fellow complete a request form (available from MUSC) and have it endorsed by the faculty advisor, university coordinator, and facility coordinator. Throughout the research assignment, the faculty advisor must agree to supervise the fellow's progress, coordinate activities with facility personnel, and make one trip to the facility to review the fellow's research. In addition, a research advisor assigned by the facility will mentor the fellow and serve on the fellow's graduate thesis research committee, if approved by the university. Travel expenses are reimbursable in accordance with MUSC's Travel Policy.