Dear PhD Students and Advisors,

In response to the difficulties that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on the progress of many of our PhD students, the University of Pittsburgh has committed $4.5 million to support to PhD students who are close to completion but whose progress has been delayed by COVID-19. PhD students who have passed their comprehensive exams and whose funding has run out will be eligible for an additional semester of funding through TA/TF/GSA/GSR appointments or fellowship extensions through their schools and departments.

To be eligible for the extended support, PhD students must meet the following criteria:

• Have been delayed by COVID-19 pandemic-related issues (including, but not limited to, lack of access to labs, libraries, fieldwork; restrictions on human subjects research; restrictions on travel; interruption due to family or self-care responsibilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
• Have passed comprehensive exams
• Are making satisfactory academic progress
• Have been funded continually by appointments or fellowships for the past two years (not including summers)
• Have exhausted their funding in spring 2021 or summer 2021

We encourage all PhD students to talk to their research advisors and program directors about this opportunity as soon as possible. Each eligible student must fill out an eligibility form for extended funding. The form can be initiated through the Request for Extension of PhD Funding webpage and asks students to provide a brief description of their COVID-19 related delays. Students, advisors, program director/department chair representatives and the Dean’s Office must also confirm that the student meets the criteria above. The deadline to receive all signatures is May 20, 2021.

Please email Vice Provost of Graduate Studies Amanda Godley with any questions.