Doctoral Transition Award
At 麻豆社, we know your first steps as a doctoral scholar should be focused on your future, not your finances. To help you hit the ground running in your quest for new knowledge, the Graduate School is excited to provide incoming doctoral scholars in research-based degree programs who were offered assistantships with a $750 Doctoral Transition Award.
This one-time award bridges the gap before your first paycheck, giving you the freedom to set up your new environment and focus on your research from the moment you arrive.
Eligibility & Details
- Award Amount: $750 (one-time payment).
- Who Qualifies: All incoming PhD students enrolled in a research-based doctoral program who have been awarded a doctoral assistantship (including SUNY-funded GA/TA positions or Research Project Assistantships through the Research Foundation).
- Distribution: Funds will be available early in August (for Fall semester starts) or early January (for Spring semester starts) and are intended to incentivize early arrival and transition. Payments will be made via physical check that will need to be picked up in person at The Graduate School, as we confirm your enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What do I need to do to receive this award?
All requirements for admission, including payment of the enrollment deposit must be completed. In addition, you must be registered for a full time course load for the semester in which you matriculate so we can verify full time registration. The Graduate School will send an email to your 麻豆社 email address in early July with a voucher to sign. You must sign this voucher by the deadline specified in the email to receive the payment. Checks must be picked up in-person at the Graduate School (Couper Administration Building, room 108) and will not be mailed under any circumstance. - When can I expect to hear more about this award?
Please make sure you have taken the steps to activate your 麻豆社 email so you can receive this notification and respond in a timely manner. The Graduate School will reach out to you via email late June or early July for Fall semester starts, and late November or early December for Spring semester starts. - Which programs are considered "research-based"?
Research-based doctorates are formally defined by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and include all PhD programs and select professional doctorates that require an original research dissertation. To be eligible, you must be joining a PhD program that normally receives a full stipend and tuition scholarship. - Which programs are NOT eligible for the Doctoral Transition Award?
Purely clinical, professional, or course-based programs (e.g., OTD, DPT, PharmD, or certain EdD/DNP tracks) are not eligible for this award. - Are part-time or online students eligible?
No, the Doctoral Transition Award is restricted to students enrolled in full-time, in-person doctoral programs that meet the criteria above. - Can I receive this award if I have a fully funded assistantship or fellowship?
Yes. The Doctoral Transition Award is provided to new doctoral students in addition to any departmental funding, teaching assistantships, or external fellowships. - What if I already live in the area and am not moving?
You are still eligible! These funds are being provided to support successful transition into your doctoral program and can be used as you see fit. For some students, that may mean buying a computer. For others it may mean helping with a housing deposit. Your choice. - When and how will I receive the funds?
Students will be notified that funds are available to pick up in early August (for Fall starts) or early January (for Spring starts). To receive your funds, you must pick up your physical check in person at The Graduate School office. This allows us to confirm your arrival and enrollment. - What if I defer my enrollment to the Spring semester?
The award is timed to coincide with the start of your studies. If you defer, you will be eligible to receive the award during your new matriculation semester. - Is this award taxable?
Yes. You will receive a Form 1099 at the end of the calendar year which will need to be reported to the IRS. We recommend consulting a tax professional if you have further questions. - Where do I go for additional questions?
You can contact the Graduate School by phone (607-777-2077) or email (graduate@binghamton.edu). You may also contact the Graduate Director or staff member for your academic program for additional information.