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Tuition and Benefits

The Cell and Molecular Biology Training Grant pays tuition and health insurance as long as sufficient funds are available. Other elective fees are the responsibility of the trainee and are not paid by the Cell and Molecular Biology Training Grant.

Stipend

The 2004-2005 stipend is $1,731 per month ($20,772 per year). The rate is set by NIH each July 1. One semi-monthly paycheck on regular UW paydays, the 10th and 25th of each month, will include the stipend and salaries from part-time appointments such as TA, RA, etc. Checks or direct deposit statements will be mailed to the trainees unless a trainee requests that it be held for pick up.

Taxability of Stipends

The Tax Reform Act of 1986, Public Law 99-514, impacts the tax liability of individuals supported under the NRSA program. Currently the UW is not withholding tax from stipend income. Trainees may wish to receive a revised W-4 Form to increase the tax withheld from the portion of their check received from part-time appointments. Trainees are urged to consult with Student Legal Services (543-6486), the UW Payroll Department (543-9202) or the Internal Revenue Service (206-442-1040) about their income tax liability. The MCB Office will pass along information received from the NIH and the UW regarding taxability of stipends, but we cannot dispense tax advice. It is up to each trainee to determine his or her own tax liability.

Support during Final Quarter

Trainees approaching their final quarter of study must plan ahead carefully. In order to have tuition paid by the training grant, a student must be appointed for 5 out of 6 pay periods during a quarter and must be registered for at least 10 credits. If a student is taken off the training grant before 5 out of 6 pay periods have passed, he or she will automatically receive a bill for the full tuition. If a student plans to leave the University earlier than this to accept another position, he or she may petition to register for fewer credits. However, students registered fewer than 10 credits are not eligible to be supported by the training grant and the studentıs stipend will need to be provided by the department. The student will also be responsible for payment of that quarterıs tuition. Students who anticipate being paid by the training grant during their final quarter should consult with their departmentıs administrator and the MCB Office in advance of their final quarter.

Travel Awards

Requests for travel funds are available in the MCB Office. Travel funds are available each year on a first-come, first-served basis. Travel requests are reviewed and approved based on the application and availability of funds. Trainees are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time for review of the request and for prepayment of airline tickets and registration fees. The maximum allowed is $300 per year of appointment.