AUTHOR

White, Brian

ETS Webinar: Recruitment Strategies for a Reopening World

July 19, 2021 by White, Brian

As we begin to move past the global pandemic, “returning to normal” doesn’t necessarily mean returning to pre-COVID conditions. In this session, we’ll share the latest graduate enrollment and student flow trends, lessons learned during the last 18 months and tools for finding and connecting with prospective candidates.

Join recruitment expert Ayo Strange Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 1 p.m. ET for this informative, complimentary webinar where we’ll explore:

The current state of college enrollment
Trends in international student flows
Changes made due to COVID–19 that are worth keeping
Tools, including the GRE® Search Service and the GradSchoolMatch™ platform, that can help programs find and build relationships with prospective candidates

For more information and to register, please visit the ETS Registration site.

RED Announces Updated GA Compensation Policy

July 14, 2021 by White, Brian

Research and Economic Development (RED) recently announced changes to the policy governing how tuition and other forms of compensation for graduate assistants (GAs) are charged to sponsored awards (Policy 50.5). Following is the text of that announcement:

To be allowable costs, tuition and other forms of compensation for GAs must meet the following conditions:

The individual is conducting activities necessary to the award
Tuition remission and other support are provided in accordance with the established policy of the department/program and consistently provided in a like manner to students in return for similar activities conducted under sponsored awards as well as other activities
During the academic period, the student is enrolled in an advanced degree program at the university and the activities of the student in relation to the award are related to the degree program
The tuition or other payments are reasonable compensation for the work performed and are conditioned explicitly upon the performance of necessary work
The program/department’s practice is to similarly compensate students under sponsored awards as well as other activities.

A recent review of campus practices indicated that compensation packages provided to graduate assistants, including teaching assistants (TAs) and research assistants (RAs) enrolled in the same graduate program often vary, making it unlikely that conditions #2 and #5 are being met. Moreover, the current version of Policy 50.5 requires that sponsored awards cover costs such as fees that are not typically provided to similar GAs supported on institutional or State funds. These forms of compensation are not allowable costs unless they are generally provided to comparable students (e.g., students enrolled in the same graduate program) supported on GAs, regardless of the source of the funds.

The revision of Policy 50.5 aims to establish consistent compensation packages for GAs within individual programs and aligns our university policy with the requirements for Federal awards outlined in the Uniform Guidance.

Although the policy will go into effect on July 15, 2021, we have worked with the college leadership to develop a phased approach (outlined below) that minimizes the impact on existing awards and provides time for programs to establish standard compensation packages for GAs. The FAQs address some of the most common questions we received over the past 18 months as we worked to update the policy.

Implementation of Revision of Policy 50.5

Phase I: Onboarding of Early Adopters (2021-22 Academic Year)

The Associate Deans in the Colleges have identified 21 doctoral programs and 9 master’s programs that currently provide standard compensation packages to graduate assistants and are therefore already aligned with the updated policy. During the 2021-22 academic year, PIs wishing to support students enrolled in these graduate programs may charge up to 100% of the compensation package to an award. PIs wishing to support a student in a program that is not on the “early adopter list” may charge stipend or wages to the award during the 2021-22 academic year, but will not be permitted to charge other forms of compensation, such as tuition, fees, or health insurance. During this period, stipend levels can still be set by the program and may vary by funding source.

Additional details include:

The compensation charged to the award cannot exceed what is described in the standard package. Compensation less than the standard amount should be accompanied by a comparable decrease in effort.
Details of the compensation packages and the associated policies governing student eligibility should be communicated to Grants and Contracts Administration (GCA) prior to the submission of a Student Educational Award Form. Any changes to standard compensation packages must be reviewed and approved by Academic Affairs and reported to GCA for publication on the RED website.
When preparing proposals with start dates after July 15, 2021, PIs wishing to support students enrolled in programs with standard compensation packages must include all components of the package that are permitted by the sponsor, including stipend, tuition, and health insurance.
PIs with existing awards that include GA support should work with their grants administrators to re-budget costs that are no longer included in the standard compensation package or are no longer allowable.

Phase II: Full Implementation of Policy 50.5 (2022-2023 Academic Year)

Policy 50.5 will be fully implemented at the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. Only students enrolled in programs with approved standard compensation packages will be eligible to be supported on GAs from sponsored awards. PIs may charge up to 100 percent of the standard compensation package to an award and all components of the package that are permitted by the sponsor must be included in any request. Programs without standard compensation packages will no longer be allowed to charge any costs associated with GAs to an award.

Additional details include:

As outlined above, funds allocated for items, such as fees, that are not included in a standard compensation package may be re-budgeted to cover other allowable costs (with sponsor approval, if required).
Budgets for new projects with start dates after July 15, 2022 that include GA support should include costs associated with the current or anticipated standard compensation package.

For more information, please contact Rick Tankersley, rtankers@uncc.edu.

New to GPDNet?

July 13, 2021 by White, Brian

If you’re just now receiving your first copy of New on GPDNet, welcome! You or someone near you recently completed a form indicating you are a new Graduate Program Director, affiliate or coordinator.

GPDNet is an online repository of graduate enrollment data, tools, news and information and collaborative tools to help graduate faculty and staff succeed. New on GPDNet is a periodic e-news message to let you know the latest news and information posts. We encourage you to use GPDNet to its fullest.

If you believe your name was added in error, or if you know of other faculty and staff who should be getting these updates, please contact us at grad-comm@uncc.edu.

Webinar Planned for Funding/Assistantship Questions

July 12, 2021 by White, Brian

The Graduate School Funding and Assistantships team will host a webinar July 19 to provide information and answer questions from faculty and staff.

Topic: Meeting with Funding/Assistantships Team
Time: July 19, 2021, 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Meeting ID: 971 4543 6961
Passcode: 477656

Zoom Link

Graduate Life Ambassadors Sought

July 12, 2021 by White, Brian

The Center for Graduate Life (CGL) is seeking volunteer Graduate Life Ambassadors (GLA) who assist with event planning, promotion, and suggest new initiatives.

The GLA experience offers:

A chance to enrich the graduate student experience
Service opportunities that bolster the resume/cv
Free food and swag
A positive, supportive and driven community

To register as a GLA, please visit the Center for Graduate Life.

Dissertation, Thesis Formatting Workshop Planned

July 06, 2021 by White, Brian

The Center for Graduate Life (CGL) will host a workshop on Dissertation and Thesis formatting July 15, 5-6 pm.

The session will include answers to questions on formatting, defense and submission procedures.

To register, please visit the Center for Graduate Life.

Chronicle of Higher Ed Shares Notes on Diversifying the Grad Student Pipeline

June 30, 2021 by White, Brian

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently distributed a summary of key take-aways from a the presentation Diversifying the Graduate-Student Pipeline hosted by the Chronicle and ETS.

The PDF format document is available for download.

Are You Leaving Us?

June 28, 2021 by White, Brian

If your role is ending as GPD, please complete the GPD and Affiliates Change Form and let us know who will be stepping into the GPD role. Form is also available inside eGRAD.

Dean's Dissertation Award Goes to Carrier

June 28, 2021 by White, Brian

Tyler Carrier, Ph.D., Biological Sciences, 2020, is the 2021 Graduate Dean’s Distinguished Dissertation Award winner in Biological Sciences/Life Sciences for his work on “Symbiosis Across Diet-Induced Phenotypes of Larval Sea Urchins.”

2021 Recruiting Events Listed

June 28, 2021 by White, Brian

Graduate Admissions staff participate in several recruiting fairs each year and maintain a list of high quality events that provide great opportunities to connect with prospective students.

For more information, download a copy of the spreadsheet of current opportunities and contact MaryanneMaree-Sams@uncc.edu for more information.

Workplace Competencies Certificate Adds Final Touch to the Resume

June 28, 2021 by White, Brian

The Graduate School’s Certificate in Workplace Competencies is an excellent way for students to add a an important credential to their resume, and it is ideal for GASP-funded doctoral students who are finished with coursework.

The certificate focuses on improved written and verbal communication, stronger online presence and creating effective presentations.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Center for Graduate Life.

Recruit Graduate Assistants at Campus Job Fair

June 28, 2021 by White, Brian

UNC Charlotte’s Virtual On-Campus Job Fair will be held Aug. 3 from 11-2 p.m., providing an opportunity to recruit students for on-campus positions and interview candidates before they return to campus.

Departments can recruit for FWS, STW, UPIP and Graduate Assistant positions.

To register, log in to your Hire-A-Niner account, go to Events, select Career Fairs, locate the On-campus Job Fair 2021, and select Register for Event.

For more information, please contact Michelle Wann.

U.S. Provides Update on India Student Visas

June 22, 2021 by White, Brian

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India have published an update on efforts to expedite student travel for the fall semester. The following text was taken from their website:

“Student visas remain a top priority for the U.S. Mission to India and we are making every attempt to facilitate student travel in time for the fall semester. As such, on June 14, 2021 we will open limited July and August student visa appointments at posts across India. Students may visit our website, https://ustraveldocs. com/in, to view availability and schedule an appointment.

Prior to your visa interview, please review your I-20 program start date. Students beginning a new program with a program start date on or after August 1 may travel to the United States up to 30 days prior to the program start date and do not need to submit a request for a national interest exception. Continuing students may also resume their programs on or after August 1, and travel 30 days before their program resumption date. We are unable to approve expedited requests for Fall 2021 students with scheduled appointments in July or August. If your appointment date may result in a potentially late start, please reach out to your school to discuss options.”

For more information, please visit the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India.

Update Provided for eRA System Rollout

June 17, 2021 by White, Brian

Rick Tankersley, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development (RED), recently distributed an update on the rollout of the Niner Research integrated electronic administration (eRA) system.

Following is Tankersley’s message in full:

Dear Colleagues:

The rollout of the Niner Research integrated electronic research administration (eRA) system continues. We are preparing for the launch of the research protections modules, starting with the IRB/Human Subjects module. The IRB/Human Subjects submission, tracking, and management system of Niner Research is scheduled to go-live on July 1, 2021. In addition to the rollout of the IRB module, the Niner Research development teams from Research and Economic Development and OneIT are planning for the migration of certain data and information currently housed in the IRBIS system to Niner Research.

July 1: Niner Research IRB module go-live to campus. New protocols should be submitted in Niner Research.
July 9: (around 12 noon): IRBIS system is no longer available for modifications and renewals.
July 9-25: IRBIS system available for administrative review and PI’s actions.
July 26: IRBIS retirement.

Once the Niner Research IRB module is live, new initial study submissions should be submitted in Niner Research. Users are encouraged to wait for the Niner Research IRB module to go live on July 1 to submit new applications. The use of the IRBIS system should be limited to submitting study modifications and renewals before 12 noon, July 9, 2021, and for finalizing the administrative and IRB review steps for studies that are currently under review.

The Office of Research Protections and Integrity (ORPI) will provide more information in the coming weeks. Any information available for the transition from IRBIS to Niner Research IRB (e.g., timing, training, FAQs) will be available at our Niner Research website.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Rick Tankersley, Ph.D.

Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development

More information is available from Research and Economic Development.

CGL Weekend Write Set for June 19

June 15, 2021 by White, Brian

The Center for Graduate Life (CGL) is sponsoring the popular Write-A-Thon Saturday, June 19, 9-12 p.m.

The Write-A-Thon provides an opportunity to get work done on a dissertation, thesis or term paper. The event offers structured writing time and help with goal setting and accountability and a Slack group for connecting with peers.

To register, please visit the Center for Graduate Life.

Key Considerations to Prepare for Fall Semester

June 09, 2021 by White, Brian

Following are some tips to help prepare for a successful start of the fall semester:

Catalog Update Petitions

Students must wait to submit 2021-22 Catalog Update petitions until the fall 2021 semester begins. Catalog Update petitions are automatically processed under the term in which they were submitted. This means that if you submit a Catalog Update petition during the Summer 2021 term, the student’s catalog will reflect the current 2020-21 catalog. To update a student’s catalog to the upcoming 2021-22 catalog, the petition will need to be submitted after the first day of fall classes, Aug. 23.

Advanced Standing Track Requests for Doctoral Programs

Doctoral students who enter with a relevant master’s degree may be admitted to an Advanced Standing track in some doctoral programs. In those programs offering this option, the Graduate Program Director must recommend admission to the Advanced Standing track for the term in which the student begins their graduate study. Please send these requests to Sandra.Krause@uncc.edu.

Incomplete Grades that will Default to Unsatisfactory

If you have a student that has been assigned an Incomplete grade (I) that will default to Unsatisfactory (U) at the end of the summer semester, the grade must be assigned and submitted no later than August 16, 2021 to avoid suspension or termination. The Graduate School will communicate with individual instructors as well.

June A2i Series Features Career Search Strategies

June 07, 2021 by White, Brian

A series of virtual career search sessions are available at no cost through the Center for Graduate Life’s partnership with Accelerate to Industry (A2i). Presenters from a variety of companies will share strategies for landing a career role in the private sector, non-profit or government.

The sessions will take place twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon-1:00 pm EDT. For more information and to register, please visit A2i Industry Job Search Strategies.

User-Friendly Writing Workshop Offered

May 31, 2021 by White, Brian

An online workshop hosted by NC State and planned for June 2 and June 9 from 10-12 noon, will help students learn How to Write in a User-Friendly Way.

Facilitated by Katie Homar, this two part workshop will address the challenges of conveying research in a persuasive way for technical and nontechnical stakeholders.

For more information and to register, please visit the Center for Graduate Life.

Applicants Sought for Economic Mobility Research Grants

May 31, 2021 by White, Brian

The UNC Charlotte Urban Institute has opened applications for a new cohort of Gambrell Faculty Fellows. The Fellowship Program funds short-term research projects (up to 18 months) examining issues related to economic mobility in the Charlotte region.

Now in its third year, the Gambrell Faculty Fellowship Program is a grants program for UNC Charlotte faculty funded by The Gambrell Foundation. This year, the program is particularly interested in racial equity and the impact of the pandemic on economic mobility.

Up to 5 fellowships will be awarded this year. Proposed projects can have a maximum budget of $15,000. The deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. The grant period will begin August 15, 2021. Information and application form.

Orientation Events Announced for Fall Semester

May 26, 2021 by White, Brian

Graduate Student Orientation for the fall semester will have three components:

The Graduate Student Onboarding Portal that was built last summer. The analytics for this site are positive–there were over 6,000 users and more than 29,000 page views during the past 10 months. Like last year, there will be a section where GPDs can list their individual department or program orientations. If you would like to participate, please contact Dan Jones.
A Graduate Student Virtual Orientation session, a format that attracts almost twice as many attendees as the previous face-to-face version. This fall’s session is scheduled for Aug.19 at 4 p.m. and will include a welcome from the Graduate School’s Dean and Associate Dean, an overview of CGL support CGL Executive Director Jill Huerta, and a Q&A panel with the CGL’s Graduate Life Fellows, moderated by Assistant Director Aura Young.
New Graduate Student Welcome Receptions will be hosted on three days during the first week of class, divided by college. The schedule is available on the CGL Orientation site. GPDs, faculty, staff, and student organizations from each of the colleges will be invited to attend the appropriate reception. This should be a fantastic opportunity for new students to build a sense of belonging, meet peers, and connect with others within and outside of their programs. More details will be shared at a later date.