The Extension of Graduate Student Assistantship (stipend) program is a collaboration between the Graduate School, the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, and the Office of Budget and Finance. The intent of the program is to provide assistance to graduate students whose research progress was significantly disrupted by the restrictions imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic (State, Federal, International restrictions) in 2020.

The criteria and eligibility requirements are outlined in the attached document. The student should complete the fillable pdf petition form and include any additional documentation they deem appropriate that can support the request for an extension of their assistantship.

While we recognize that both doctoral and master’s thesis research programs were impacted, due to the limited amount of funds available at this time, priority will be given to doctoral students. However, it is hoped that due to the recent passing by Congress and signing by the President of the Biden Administration relief act that there may be additional funds available to assist graduate students whose research has been impacted by the pandemic. Please be sure that the form has secured all appropriate signatures before submitting the form and documents to the Graduate School Office, attention of Ms. Amanda Baine (abaine@grad.msstate.edu).