“Doctoral students are at the heart of the arts and sciences,” said China Scherz, associate dean for graduate education and associate professor of anthropology. “We simply cannot do what we do without them. They help us to recruit and retain distinguished faculty, they carry out vital research across all of our disciplines, and they serve as crucial mentors and teachers for our undergraduate students.”

In addition, said Christa Acampora, dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, doctoral students are major contributors to the common good. In addition to becoming future faculty members, they are increasingly earning their degrees to work in research institutes, consulting firms, governmental agencies and nonprofit organizational leadership.

“Investing in graduate education is good for the students, good for the University, and good for discovery, research and creative activity,” Acampora said. “This is how we can create significant value in the lives of individuals and for the betterment of society.”

In addition to a substantially increased overall support package, Arts & Sciences is extending the maximum time period for guaranteed funding in some programs.

“This good news is the fruit of efforts by many people in Arts & Sciences, including our department chairs and managers, directors of graduate studies, dedicated staff, current students and alumni, and our philanthropic supporters,” Acampora said. “This is one step toward the goal of attracting top talent to the Graduate School – it’s an essential component of a great and good research university.”

More information is available via the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website.