How The Model Works

All students in the funded cohort will fall into one of four categories: Core Package, Scholarship Package, Combined Research Fellowship/Graduate Assistantship Package, and Major Research Assistantship Package. The only difference between these four categories is how the funding package is comprised. All students in the funded cohort are entitled to the graduate funding no matter what category they move into.

It is expected that students will move between the four categories during their time at OISE. For example, a student with a Core Package or the Combined RF/GA Package may receive a large scholarship in their second year and receive the Scholarship Package in Year 2. They may not receive a major scholarship in their third year and will, therefore, receive a package of a different composition in Year 3.

Please note that under the current Graduate Assistantship (CUPE3907) collective agreement, all cohort students are offered a Graduate Assistantship position, except those holding scholarships with the value of an OGS (currently $15,000) or greater, a full TEPA/TA at OISE, a Sole Responsibility position, or a Major Research Assistantship. Those students in the Core Package Group who obtain a half TEPA/TA at OISE will receive an offer of a half Graduate Assistantship to complete their package.

We have listed below the general details about the four different categories. However, since each student’s situation is different, we will be sending out personalized information packages to all students in June. The package you receive will confirm the composition of your funding package as well as the options available to you. It will also provide you with the process and documentation that needs to be completed in order to obtain your funding. If you have not received your information package by August 3, 2012, please contact us through the email address below.

CORE PACKAGE

This category includes all students who do not hold a major scholarship, a Combined RF/GA, or a Major Reserach Assistantship. Funding packages for students in this category will normally be comprised of a Graduate Assistantship and an OISE Funding Grant.

A student in this category may choose to decline the Graduate Assistantship and only accept the OISE Funding Grant (except as noted for students eligible for a Practicum Exemption). A student who applies for, and is awarded, a full TEPA or other OISE funded teaching assistantship will substitute this position for their Graduate Assistantship in their funding package (the Graduate Assistantship offer will be recinded in this case). If a student receives an offer of a half TEPA they will be offered a half GA to complete their package.

SCHOLARSHIP PACKAGE

This category includes all students who have large scholarships (worth at least 40% of the graduate funding level for domestic students). For example, if the domestic funding level is set at $21,000 then a student holding a scholarship valued at $8,400 or more would be part of this category.

A student who holds a scholarship valued at $15,000 or greater will not be offered a Graduate Assistantship (due to CUPE3907 collective agreement). Their package will consist of their major scholarship and possibly an OISE Funding Grant.

A student who holds a scholarship valued at less than $15,000 will receive an offer of a Graduate Assistantship as part of their package. Their package will consist of their major scholarship, the Graduate Assistantship, and possibly an OISE Funding Grant. These students may choose to decline half of their Graduate Assistantship. If they do, their OISE Funding Grant will be increased in value to meet the minimum funding level set for the year.

COMBINED RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP/GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP PACKAGE

This category includes all students who have been offered a Research Fellowship/Graduate Assistantship Package with an OISE faculty member. The Combined RF/GA Package is designed to improve student experience by creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop research skills through their involvement in faculty research.

All students in this category will receive an offer of a Research Fellowship for the fall session and a half Graduate Assistantship for the winter session. Details of the Combined RF/GA Package.

MAJOR RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP PACKAGE

This category includes all students who have been offered a Research Assistantship with an OISE faculty member worth at least the equivalent value of a full GA.

All students in this category will receive an offer of a Research Assistantship and an OISE Grant.

For further information, please feel free to email:
oise.gradfinasst@utoronto.ca