CivMin's Funding Commitment
In Civil & Mineral Engineering all full-time MASc & PhD students who are in good academic standing are guaranteed a funding package for a set period of registration. The guaranteed period of funding is:
- 2 years for MASc students
- 4 years for PhD students
- 5 years for direct-entry PhD students (no previous master’s degree)
Each year the Department sets a base funding amount for each student category. Base funding indicates the minimum funding package each student within their period of guaranteed funding will receive in that year. Base funding is made up of:
- Research Fellowship (MASc & PhD)
- Paid by the student’s supervisor on the 28th day of each month.
- Typically paid over the year in equal monthly instalments.
- Guaranteed TA Income (PhD only)
- In order to receive this component of base funding, PhD students must seek TA employment (either by accepting a subsequent appointment and/or by applying for available positions), and must accept any TA employment that is offered. Failure to apply for and accept TA work will result in the forfeiture of the TA component of the funding package.
- Any TA income earned above the Guaranteed TA Income amount in the funding package will not affect a student’s funding package; such income will be separate from, and in addition to, the funding package.
Funding Packages
Student income often exceeds the base funding amount. Student income will be higher if:
- the student holds an award
- Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships & awards and are required to report all awards to the Student Services Office.
- All awards will increase the total amount of a student's funding package. A portion of awards valued at more than $3000 will be used to replace part of the Research Fellowship component of base funding.
- the student’s supervisor voluntarily tops up the Research Fellowship
- the student earns TA income above the Guaranteed TA Income amount in the funding package
Funding packages are effective from September 1 to August 31 each year. Students within their period of guaranteed funding will receive a funding letter by September 30 outlining the details of their funding package for the year. Any changes to the funding package within the funding year will result in an updated funding letter.
The various elements of the funding package will be paid to the student; the student is responsible for paying their tuition & fees as indicated on their ACORN invoice by the appropriate deadlines.
Payments
Research Fellowship & TA payments are made through the University’s payroll system; a record of payments can be viewed on the Employee Self-Service tool.
If you hold an external scholarship or award, please consult the funding agency for details on how and when installments will be paid. Many external awards are paid through ACORN and can be viewed on the ACORN invoice; if you expect an award payment through ACORN we recommend setting up direct deposit in the ‘Financial Account’ section.
Beyond the Period of Guaranteed Funding
A student beyond their period of guaranteed funding is not guaranteed any further funding and will no longer receive a funding letter. Students are encouraged to discuss the possibility of continued funding with their supervisor before their period of guaranteed funding ends.
PhD students who are beyond their period of guaranteed funding but still within their program time limit may be eligible for a Doctoral Completion Award (DCA). The amount of this award varies each year. Eligibility & application instructions are typically distributed by email in June.
PhD students who have worked as a TA will typically continue to receive TA offers in accordance with the subsequent appointment regulations within the CUPE 3902 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.