Tl/dr: See below for important updates regarding errors in the COVID-19 funding extension application process. In short, you do not have to be post-qualifying to be eligible, and you do not have to currently be in good academic standing. Management has updated the form and stated that they will send an email clarifying the corrections—both violations of our negotiated Memorandum of Agreement—on Tuesday, but we want you to know as soon as possible so that all eligible grad workers have the opportunity to apply.
Dear colleague,
The application form for COVID-19 funding extensions is open until June 1. This is a one-time opportunity for grad workers running out of funding this academic year. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply. If you have applied or will apply for extension funding, please fill out this union form. This will allow us to follow up with you to see how many extensions are granted and possibly take action if a majority are denied.
There have been many questions about the form and the application process. Some application criteria were inaccurately stated on the form by management. The form has been corrected, but please be aware of the following:
- The form initially said you needed to be “post-qualifying” to apply and to list the date you were admitted to candidacy. This is incorrect. Any grad worker running out of funding can apply, as long as they are working on anything relevant to dissertation research.
- The form initially said your GPD would be be required to say you are currently in good academic standing. The form has now been changed to state that you must have been in good academic standing prior to the pandemic.
- The form asks you to describe your plans for dissertation completion. This and other questions concerning previous stipend amount, tuition remission, and fee remission were not explicitly stated in the negotiated Memorandum of Agreement. In our subsequent communication with management, we were notified that information concerning dissertation completion plans may be used to determine whether to award one or two semesters of support.
If you or your GPD has any questions about the COVID-19 extensions program, please email aaup@rutgersaaup.org. And again, if you have applied or will apply for extension funding, please fill out this union form so we can keep track of this process as best as possible.
In solidarity,
Erin Santana, Graduate Steering Committee, Executive Council, Rutgers AAUP-AFT
Rebecca Givan, President, Rutgers AAUP-AFT