Summer Dissertation FAQs
What is included as part of this program?
This is a six-week intensive workshop for doctoral candidates to focus on completing their dissertations in a distraction-free environment. Students are provided with travel and a shared workspace at the site. Housing is also provided, along with a $50 per diem. There will be a faculty advisor on site to provide general advice and moral support.
I am behind schedule and still in the process of conducting research for my dissertation. I have not completed as much writing I expected to. Am I still eligible?
No. It is designed for PhD Candidates in the final write-up stages of their dissertations with their research completed. As these groups are small, this is important to foster a maximally productive atmosphere. Students who are not far along in their writing will not gain the intended benefits of the program. This can in turn affect the group dynamic for the rest of the participants.
I would like to participate in this program, but I can only attend for part of the six-week period. Can I attend for only part of the program?
No. Participants must be present for the entire duration of the workshop.
I would like to travel while participating in this program. Is this possible?
It depends. Participants are expected to be in residence during the week, from Monday – Friday. Travel must be restricted to weekends with participants departing no earlier than Friday afternoon and returning no later than Sunday night.
Do I need approval in order to participate in the program?
Yes. All acceptances are provisional until our office receives an email from the applicant’s advisor indicating that the student has indeed reached the final writing stages of the dissertation and is a good fit for the program.
Do I need to submit a summary or report after I have completed the workshop?
No. The goal of the trip is for students to focus on completing and filing their dissertations. We do not ask that participants provide a report or summary.
I am thinking of applying for another GRI program in the future. Would I be eligible after participating in a summer workshop?
No. The dissertation workshop is meant to be the final step in a doctoral candidate’s degree progress. Only enrolled students are eligible for GRI programs and they may not participate in a dissertation writing workshop more than once. Any application submitted by a summer workshop participant for a future fellowship will be considered invalid, regardless of any notification they may have received from GRI.
I would like to travel with my partner/child/friend and have them stay with me in housing. Can I do this?
No. The housing is for participants only. Overnight guests are not permitted for workshop participants.
A friend/family member will be visiting the city; can they stay with me for a weekend or short period?
No. The program is designed to give dissertators a chance to work on their writing without interruption. Overnight guests are not permitted for workshop participants, regardless of the guest policy at the respective dormitories.
May I have my pet stay with me at the dorm?
No, pets are not allowed at NYU dorms.
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.