Penn State’s Initiative to Enhance Graduate Student Funding Support
In response to the escalating costs of living faced by graduate students, Levon T. Esters, the vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School at Penn State, has initiated a special task force. The primary objective of this task force is to evaluate the existing graduate student funding structure at Penn State and devise a more effective model to bolster graduate student success. Recognizing the pivotal role graduate students play in advancing the University’s teaching, research, and outreach missions, the task force aims to enhance funding opportunities for these students.
Esters emphasized the critical influence of funding on the graduate student experience, particularly amidst the annual surge in expenses like food and housing. By exploring innovative funding avenues and conducting benchmarking exercises, Esters seeks to attract and retain talented graduate students across Penn State, thereby enriching the academic landscape.
Penn State boasts a diverse array of over 300 graduate degree programs across six campuses, catering to a student body exceeding 13,000. These programs have a longstanding tradition of offering competitive assistantships and fellowships that cover tuition, health insurance, student fees, and stipends. Such financial support enables graduate students to engage in comprehensive training through teaching, research, and other scholarly pursuits, augmenting their academic journey. The task force’s overarching goal is to ensure the sustainability of these opportunities for aspiring graduate students.
The initiative led by Esters focuses on aligning graduate education support with key priorities such as enhancing student success, promoting interdisciplinary research, and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Graduate education at Penn State, deeply intertwined with the institution’s scholarly pursuits, plays a vital role in mentoring undergraduate students, thereby enhancing the University’s academic reputation.
The task force, comprising a diverse representation from various graduate education disciplines at Penn State, will meticulously review the existing funding mechanisms. By enhancing financial aid packages, developing a scalable funding model, and revising pertinent policies, the task force aims to fortify Penn State’s commitment to supporting graduate students effectively.
Executive sponsors for this endeavor include Esters, Andrew Read (senior vice president for research), and Tracy Langkilde (interim executive vice president and provost). The task force members, carefully selected to reflect the breadth of Penn State’s graduate education landscape, encompass faculty and students from a multitude of programs.
The task force, scheduled to convene in the spring of 2024, will embark on a comprehensive 12-month analysis to revamp the existing funding models and propose a more robust framework by project completion. Stay tuned for further updates on this transformative initiative from the Graduate School at Penn State. For the latest developments, subscribe to the newsletter or visit the official website.