Graduate Student Frequently Asked Questions
What sort of research can I conduct as part of this program?
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.
How long should my project summary be?
In general, the project or dissertation title with five to ten complete sentences is adequate. It should be along the lines of an abstract.
Will your office help me find housing?
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.
How long may I request to be at one of the sites?
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.
Is it possible to be at a GRI site for the entire academic year?
No. GRI students may only spend one semester at the site during an academic year.
What are the work spaces like for GRI fellows?
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.
May I teach or take classes while at a research institute?
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.
My project involves research on human subjects; do I need IRB approval?
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.
Can I get credit for this program or audit classes at the site?
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.
Do I need some sort of approval in order to participate in the program?
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.
I am a Master’s Candidate. Is there anything I should know before applying for a summer fellowship?
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.
I am a Master’s Candidate but cannot apply for a summer fellowship, or must postpone graduation in order to do so. Can I still participate?
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.
I already have a fellowship through a different institution. Can I hold a GRI fellowship at the same time?
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.
I am an international student; is there anything I should know about participating in this program?
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.
I would like to be in the city/country where the GRI institute is located, but I do not require an office or plan to spend much (or any) time at the NYU site. Do I still qualify?
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.
Are there any resources available to me to help me find out what the immigration requirements are in the country I will be going to?
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.
I would like to do research in a country that is not mentioned on your website. Can I apply anyway?
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.
I currently have funding but am not sure that I am still eligible to receive it if I leave the United States for an extended period. What should I do?
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.
I spent time abroad as a GRI fellow. Can I apply to participate again?
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.
I spent time abroad as a GRI fellow. Can I apply to participate in the Summer Dissertation Workshop as well?
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.
I have completed a summer workshop but need more time away to complete my dissertation. May I apply for a Research Institute Fellowship?
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.
I require specialized software for my research that is not part of the standard MS Office software package. Can I have this installed on my GRI workspace computer?
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.
I need a specialized workspace for my research such as a lab, studio or music room. Can one be provided?
No. GRI provides office work spaces only. We do not have access to specialized facilities.
I am a student with a disability and have questions regarding traveling abroad. Who should I contact?
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
Is there someone I can contact with questions?
Yes. If you have read through the Student Handbook and FAQs and still have questions, please send an email to global.research@nyu.edu.