Graduate Applications Due

January 12, 2011

With a Feb. 15 deadline for graduate admissions applications on the horizon, SUNY Plattsburgh’s director of graduate admissions wants students and prospective students to know about some special opportunities to defray college costs.

SUNY Plattsburgh offers graduate students a number of fellowships and assistantships that cover 100 percent of in-state tuition and, in some cases, provide a stipend as well, Director Marguerite Adelman said.

Up to five graduate diversity fellowships and more than 25 graduate assistantships are available to students who will be taking a full-time course load of 12 or more credits.

The diversity fellowships are open to students applying for entrance into one of the college’s graduate degree programs for the fall of 2011 and are designed to honor diversity in the broadest sense of the word. Students who are non-traditional, have faced economic barriers, have been challenged by a disability, are first-generation college students or will be in a minority group in their chosen field are all encouraged to apply.

Applicants must complete a 250-400 word essay explaining how they will contribute to the diversity of the student body in the graduate program and how they have overcome disadvantages to succeed in higher education.

Graduate assistantships are available to well-qualified, full-time matriculated graduate students. Full-time graduate assistants typically work 20 hours a week during the academic year; part-time graduate assistants may work from 10 to 15 hours a week, depending on the position.

Three types of graduate assistantships are offered: residence directors; administrative assistants; and research/teaching assistants.

Both awards cover tuition, and assistantships provide stipends of $5,320 or more per academic year depending on the position. Part-time assistants receive 50 to 75 percent of the in-state tuition rate and a stipend of $2,660 or more, again, depending on the position. Resident directors also receive housing and a partial meal plan.

Applications for both types of awards, as well as applications for students wishing to enter a graduate program at SUNY Plattsburgh in the summer or fall 2011 semesters, are due Feb. 15. Forms may be found online at www.plattsburgh.edu/admissions/graduate/assistantships/.

For more information on the general graduation admissions application or eligibility requirements, contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 518-564-4723 or visit the website at www.plattsburgh.edu/admissions/graduate/.