Graduate Student Frequently Asked Questions

This program is for graduate students who are currently working on a research project as part of their degree progress. In the case of PhD Candidates, this is their dissertation. Master's Candidates work on a thesis or similar, in-depth, long-term project. Capstone projects requiring long term research may also be an appropriate fit. Fellows use this program to conduct research in libraries, archives, and museums.

In general, the project or dissertation title with five to ten complete sentences is adequate. It should be along the lines of an abstract.

No. As stated on our website, we do not identify or provide housing for fellows. Some sites have provided us with a list of housing suggestions, which we circulate when it is time to book travel.

The minimum stay is one month and the maximum is 90 days. A fellowship can last for the entire semester, if immigration regulations and office space permit. Per diems are always capped at 90 days.

No. GRI students may only spend one semester at the site during an academic year.

The offices vary quite a bit from site to site. However, what remains the same is that students are all assigned a shared office with their own desk, a desktop computer connected to a printer, office supplies, and modest administrative support. Per NYU regulations for graduate students, fellows must share offices, even if there is a vacant office somewhere on the floor. 

No. The program is designed to address the needs of graduate student research and writing. Tax and visa regulations forbid students from working during their stay.

Yes. As in New York, IRB approval or exemption is absolutely necessary for anyone conducting research that involves human subjects. This includes, but is not limited to, interviews and surveys. Applicants must confirm exemption or provide proof of approval in order to participate in the program.

No. GRI is not a degree granting program: it is not possible to participate in this program for credit from GRI, nor take/audit classes at the site. Rather, it is designed to provide support for doctoral students who are conducting research for a dissertation, most of whom have completed their coursework, or advanced Master’s candidates who are writing their thesis. Some Master’s candidates may be able to get credit for an independent study if it is permitted by their department.

Yes. All acceptances are provisional pending advisor notification or approval. The advisors of PhD candidates are copied on acceptance notification. Master’s candidates must discuss their research plans with their advisors. GRI will contact their advisors directly to ensure that the student’s trip is a fit for their research.

Yes. As the program serves largely doctoral candidates, Master's candidates must meet certain criteria to be eligible. Students must be full-time, fairly advanced, and have completed much, but not all, of their coursework. They must be working on a long-term research project such as a thesis or, in some cases, a Capstone or independent study (when the latter makes sense to do so). They must discuss their research plans with their advisors and relevant faculty members to decide whether GRI is a good fit for their degree program, prior to applying. After an application is received, GRI will follow up with the  student's department to confirm eligibility. As stated on the main page, Master's candidates may only apply for a summer semester fellowship, between their first and second year, and may never postpone graduation in order to participate in the program. It is important to note that the fellowship is not a fit for all Master's degree programs.

Unfortunately, no. Master’s candidates graduating in May cannot postpone graduation in order to participate in a summer fellowship, even with departmental approval, as this is in violation of University policy. Spring and fall fellowships are not available to Master's candidates as they interfere with their coursework progress, and GRI does not offer a J-term. See above for a complete explanation of the criteria Master’s candidates must meet in order to participate.

It depends on what is offered and required as part of your current fellowship. Monetary support is compatible with the GRI fellowship. A presence at the site is a requirement. As such, it is not appropriate for scholars who expect to travel frequently, require little or no use of the office and/or already have an office as part of another fellowship. It is important for students to check the terms of any current fellowships or funding to confirm compatibility with the GRI fellowship.

Yes, international students must meet with Office of Global Services prior to departure and bring with them a printout of the email indicating advisor approval and confirm that they can travel without violating the terms of their visa. They should also discuss with an outbound advisor whether a visa is needed and what steps must be taken in order to get one. Students may also consult GlobalChek Plus, a tool for members of the NYU community to get personalized immigration information for trips taken for official NYU business. Find a link to FAQs about GlobalChek Plus and login instructions here.

No. The academic community fostered by the institutes is considered an important part of the program. While there are no stipulations as to how many hours per week fellows must be in their office (it is expected that fellows will make trips to archives and libraries), fellows should plan to be in their office at least three days per week. This program is for those who intend to use the office space provided.

Yes. Fellows may contact an outbound advisor at NYU's Office of Global Services (OGS) and even set up a meeting, if necessary. Students may also consult GlobalChek Plus, a self-service visa and immigration program specifically calibrated for use by the NYU community. Members of the NYU community can use this tool to find personalized information about their visa and immigration needs. Fellows planning longer trips should use this tool and consult with an OGS advisor prior  to purchasing tickets. It is strongly recommended that International Students or anyone that suspects they will need a visa for travel consult GlobalChek Plus and follow up with an OGS advisor soon after acceptance so that any arrangements to secure a visa can be made well in advance. Follow this link to FAQs about GlobalChek Plus, including login instructions. Students contacting OGS with questions should identify themselves as GRI fellows and include the site and desired length of stay in the message.

No. We can only consider applications for NYU sites where a GRI Institute is located. These are listed at the top of the Research Institute webpage.

Not all funding is still granted if the recipient is abroad. Applicants are strongly encouraged to check the terms of any funding prior to applying for a GRI fellowship. MacCracken funding can be received while conducting research abroad, but this is not the case for all funding.

Yes. Students may apply again but only for a different academic year. These applicants may automatically be waitlisted until all first-time applicants are placed. See Student Handbook for more information on applying for the fellowship again.

Yes. Note that the Summer Dissertation Workshops are the last GRI program in which a student may participate. Those that have completed a summer workshop may not apply for a future fellowship or participate in a future summer workshop.

No. The Summer Dissertation Workshops are the last GRI program in which a student may participate. Those that have completed a summer workshop may not apply for a future fellowship or participate in a future summer workshop.

No. Software must not be added to or removed from GRI computers. We recommend fellows bring their own laptops prepared with any software necessary for research.

No. GRI provides office work spaces only. We do not have access to specialized facilities.

The Moses Center for Student Accessibility (CSA) works with NYU students with disabilities to obtain appropriate accommodations and services.  Students are asked to self identify and make known their requests for accommodation or other support.  Staff is available for consultation regarding the definition of disability, the decision to register, submitting documentation and the registration process.  Accommodations are based on students' disability-related needs, submitted documentation and NYU program requirements, and are determined on a case by case basis.  All disability information is kept confidential. 

If you would like to fill out an Application for Services, please click on the 'Get Started' button on the following web page: www.nyu.edu/students/communities-and-groups/students-with-disabilities

Yes. If you have read through the Student Handbook and FAQs and still have questions, please send an email to global.research@nyu.edu.