Support for Grads in Years 5 - 8

Continued support beyond the fourth year of study is contingent upon the student's advancement to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.

Per OGS rules, students are not permitted to receive financial support from the university or the department beyond their eighth year. Completion of the degree beyond the eighth year is granted only by special exception.

We hope to be able to provide TAships for all grads who need employment during the academic year after the fourth year. In fact, we have always been able to provide three quarters of TAships for fifth years. There may be cases when we will not have enough TAships for sixth year and later grads.

Psychology's available 50% TAships are first provided to 5th year grads for each quarter they need support. This will now likely leave some later year grads without TA employment for at least one quarter of the year. The TA appointment covers the great majority of the graduate’s fees (including health insurance) for that quarter with a balance due each quarter of approximately $180.50. A GSR, TA, or Reader appt. at 25% time or more for the quarter covers entire fees. The payment of spring fees (including health insurance) extends health coverage over summer.

Here are the options for grads that do not have Psychology TA employment:

1. Obtain employment in another department or be supported by faculty as a GSR.

2. Finish degree - only need to pay a filing fee ($150) to defend dissertation. This option though does not provide grad health insurance. You may take a LOA the quarter of defense (health insurance may be purchased during LOA quarter for $762).

3. Pay fees ($3,644.50/quarter) - Paid fees provides health insurance. If Spring fees are paid, health insurance coverage extends over summer.

4. Leave of Absence - students are allowed up to 3 LOAs in their career. A student is allowed to purchase UCSD grad health insurance during LOA for a maximum of one quarter in career only for $762. This coverage does not extend over summer. During a LOA or Withdrawal, a student may not receive any funding from the University, use University facilities nor place demands on faculty (i.e., library privileges, computer accounts, discussing dissertation with faculty, etc.) In addition, a student may not remain in student housing for more than thirty days if not registered or on leave of absence.

5. Withdrawal - No option of health coverage during this time. Student can readmit any time later with $90 fee. During a LOA or Withdrawal, a student may not receive any funding from the University, use University facilities nor place demands on faculty (i.e., library privileges, computer accounts, discussing dissertation with faculty, etc.) In addition, a student may not remain in student housing for more than thirty days if not registered or on leave of absence.

There are additional Health Insurance exceptions/policies so please contact the Student Health Insurance Coordinator for questions at 858-534-2124 or visit their website.