3.1 In-state vs. Out-of-state Designations
Tuition for out-of-state students is significantly more expensive than for in-state students. Thus, it is a great idea for students entering the program to apply for in-state residency as soon as possible. The department pays the additional fee for out-of-state students, but this will only be guaranteed for a single year. If funds are available we will gladly pick up subsequent years as well, but funds are seldom available (and the competition for the limited out-of-state tuition waivers is increasing).
3.2 MSCJ Assistantships and Scholarships
UNF has made some graduate funding available directly
through the various graduate programs for eligible students in those programs.
Such MSCJ program opportunities usually take one of the following forms:
Graduate
Teaching Assistantship
The Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) works in consultation
with the course faculty member and MSCJ Director to gain teaching skills and
an increased understanding of the discipline. GTAs work under the direct
supervision of graduate faculty and will be assigned to duties related to
instruction for about 20 hours of work per week in the CCJ department. These
include teaching-related activities such as assisting in the preparation of
lectures and exams, grading papers and exams, leading Breakout Group
discussion sections, designing assignments, maintaining student contact and
keeping class records and attendance. The position provides a partial in-state
tuition waiver and a stipend. GTAs are required to take 18 credit hours of
graduate coursework in the MSCJ program during the academic year for which
they are hired and to be full-time students. Applicants must have a minimum
3.00 GPA in the MSCJ program at UNF in order to qualify. Candidates should
demonstrate potential for teaching and research and the ability to mentor
undergraduate students in the undergraduate program. The GTA position(s) are
advertised widely along with an application deadline.
Usually, applicants are required to submit a letter
expressing interest and describing qualifications for the position, a
curriculum vita/resume, at least two letters of reference, and an unofficial
copy of their transcript with their highest degree.
Once hired, the GTA must meet ongoing expectations during
the academic year in order to maintain the GTA position and its accompanying
financial award. The conditions are as follows:
- Must be fully admitted to the program
- Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0, be in good standing and be
carrying no more than one Incomplete
- Maintain professional demeanor and attire
- Show effort and due diligence in the development of lecture
material, the preparation and grading of exams, student contacts, and all
other related teaching assistant duties as designated by appropriate faculty
members
- Receive a formal and written evaluation by a supervising
faculty member of performance during classroom observation
- Receive formal, end-of-semester evaluations by students
using the Narrative Evaluation for Graduate Assistants
- Meet SACS requirement 3.7.1 of “direct supervision by a
faculty member” via numbers four and five above, from which a formal written
evaluation by either the department chair or the graduate program director
will be generated and provided.
- Meet SACS requirement 3.7.1 of “regular in-service
training” by attending all mandatory programming scheduled by the Graduate
School.
Graduate
Assistantship
The Graduate Assistant (GRA) duties involve assisting
in/working on research projects with faculty members. The GRA will work in
consultation with the MSCJ Director and under the direct supervision of
graduate faculty and will be assigned to duties for about 10-15 hours per week
in the department. The GRA will receive a stipend for the semester.
Application requirements are similar to those for the GTA and the position is
advertised widely.
Graduate
Scholarships
Graduate Scholarship Awards are typically a dollar amount
close to the cost of one three-credit hour graduate course, though graduate
students may use the money for any purpose related to their graduate studies.
Application requirements include a letter indicating an interest in receiving
scholarship funding, to what use the student would put such funds if they were
received, and personal and professional ambitions in the field, along with a
copy of the student’s unofficial transcript showing courses completed to date
and current graduate GPA. The call for Graduate Scholarship applications is
advertised widely.
3.3 Student Loans
By far the most accessible form of funding for graduate
students, subsidized and unsubsidized student loans are available from the
One Stop Student Services office. Returning
students must reapply for student loans each year. The Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available January 1 each year. Complete the
FAFSA or the renewal online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov.
The UNF school code is 009841. If you need financial aid beginning in the
spring semester, visit One Stop Student Services and complete a Midyear
Financial Aid Request form. If you need aid beginning in the summer semester,
visit Once Stop Student Services and complete a UNF
Summer Financial Aid Request form. UNF recommends that you file your FAFSA
each year by April 1.
