STUDENT FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION The University offers financial assistance to graduate students through a variety of programs including fellowships, assistantships, internships, work-study programs, student jobs, and loans. Since these programs are administered by separate offices, a student interested in applying should contact the appropriate office for more detailed information. Graduate School Scholars Program Superior graduate students awarded departmental assistantships and fellowships may, on departmental nomination to the Graduate School and selection by a faculty committee approved by the Graduate Dean, be designated Graduate School Scholars. Students selected for these awards receive a monetary enhancement to their departmental assistantship/fellowship. Nominations will be considered by the Graduate School until funds are exhausted. Graduate School Tuition Awards The graduate dean can award up to 200 tuition exemptions to graduate students from underrepresented groups. These tuition awards provide for an exemption from the resident or nonresident fee, or both the resident and nonresident fees. Preference is given to students from Latin American countries and to African-Americans. Students must be admitted to a graduate program at LSU and be nominated by their departments. Externally Funded Fellowship and Grant Programs The Graduate School publishes several guides listing regionally and nationally funded programs offering stipends in numerous fields of study. Students can review these references in 114 David Boyd Hall. Federal Work-Study Program Another form of financial assistance available to graduate students is the federal work-study program. A graduate student who qualifies for this program can be assigned part-time employment in an academic area or in any other University office. The amount of aid available is determined by assessment of the student's needs. Students may also be assigned to community service agencies. To be considered for the work-study program, a current or prospective graduate student must file the "free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)." This form should be completed and filed as soon after January 1 as possible. It is to the student's advantage to apply early. Aid is awarded on a yearly basis, and students must reapply each year. Application forms are available from the Office of Student Aid and Scholarships. Loan Programs The Office of Student Aid and Scholarships administers a number of loan programs created to help deserving graduate students who need financial assistance to continue their education. All such funds are subject to policies and regulations authorized by the Faculty Senate Student Aid and Scholarships Committee. To be eligible, a student must be making satisfactory academic progress. Contact the office of Student Aid and Scholarship for further details. Veterans' Benefits The Office of Veterans' Affairs has the responsibility for handling all applications for benefits under the various public laws. In order to receive full VA benefits, a veteran graduate student must be registered for nine or more semester hours. Details and additional information concerning benefits for veterans may be obtained from the Office of Veterans' Affairs, 112 Thomas Boyd Hall. Bulletin Boards Several "Bulletin Boards" are located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Energy, Coast and Environment Building.  They should be checked periodically for events and activities within the Department as well as around campus. These bulletin boards contain information such as job opportunities, conferences, campus events, and financial aid availability.