Robert Morris Dissertation Support Program
Gerontology PhD Program

The Department of Gerontology offers dissertation research support to its doctoral students on a limited basis. A description of the program and the procedures for applying are given below.

Funding Levels: The maximum amount of support for a single project is $1,500. There is no limit on the number of students supported in a given year; however, the combined value of the support will not exceed the total amount available. No obligation to spend all or any of the funds is implied. The amount of money available for this program is subject to change due to budgetary contingencies.

Eligibility: Students in the Gerontology PhD program who have completed a concept paper accepted by all members of her/his dissertation committee and who have formally constituted a dissertation committee as approved by the Graduate Program Director and the Dean of Graduate Studies are eligible to apply for these funds. Students must have completed their course work and successfully completed the qualifying paper exam to receive an award. Students may receive dissertation support only once during their program of study.

Submission Process: Four copies of the application should be submitted to the Graduate Program Director. Students are encouraged to speak with their mentor or the GPD before submitting their proposal to get feedback on the application's potential competitiveness. In addition, the student and the student's advisor must read the application and sign the appropriate form. An application form is attached. The Review Committee may seek additional information from the student if this is necessary to make an informed evaluation of the request.

Students may apply for support funds to cover dissertation-related expenses retroactively, assuming they have not already defended their final project. However, students are strongly advised to apply for funds before expenditures are made.

Review Process: Review Committees are appointed by the GPD. The Review Committee will consist of two core faculty members from the Gerontology PhD program. The Review Committee may not include members of the student's dissertation committee. In cases of a split decision, the GPD will cast the tie breaking vote. In cases where the GPD may have a conflict of interest with this process, she/he will appoint another faculty member to break the tie. If it is not possible to form an independent Review Committee, the faculty as a whole will evaluate proposals.

Deadlines for submission of applications are September 15 and January 15. The decision of the Review Committee is expected by September 30 and February 1, respectively, and students will be notified as soon as possible after the relevant review period.

Criteria to be considered by the Review Committee include scientific merit and evaluation of whether the budget is sound and appropriate to the project goals. Because the concept paper has already been evaluated and approved by the student's dissertation committee, highest priority will be given to the appropriateness of the budget and the availability of funds.

Examples of approved budget items include: travel to collect data or interview target individuals; purchase of computer software and/or hardware (most hardware purchases remain the property of the University and will be returned upon completion of the project or termination of association with the University); purchase of data; postage; office supplies; focus group expenses; telephone costs; and other expenses deemed appropriate by the Review Committee. Funds may not be used for student income or as stipends or for travel (except as indicated above).

Other Issues: Funds from this program may be combined with funds from other sources to support dissertation projects. Funds will not be provided to cover items that are paid for by other sources.

Individuals who would like to make a contribution to this program may contact the Graduate Program Director at 617.287.7300 or send an email message to gerontology@umb.edu. All proceeds will go towards this program.