Q: How much is the stipend?

A: The amount of the monthly NIH IRTA stipend is not determined at this time. We anticipate that it will be enough to cover modest living expenses for food, phone etc.

Q: Is the IRTA stipend taxable?

A: Yes. Although no deductions are made monthly, stipends are subject to state and federal income taxes. Quarterly tax payments are advised. A tax advisor can provide further information.

Q: Is housing available?

A: Yes. Double occupancy housing has been arranged near the NIH campus. Housing is paid by NINR. All incidental expenses - food, phone, etc. - are the responsibility of the participants.

Q: Can I have single room?

A: Yes, if space is available. However, you will be responsible for paying the total fee for a private room which is approximately $125 per night.

Q: Is health insurance required?

A: Yes, SGI participants must have their own personal health insurance in order to participate in this program.

Q: Are SGI participants reimbursed for transportation expenses to the SGI?

A: No, SGI participants are responsible for all of their own transportation expenses to and from the SIG and during the program.

Q: Is parking available?

A: Yes, parking is available for a monthly fee (approximately $100 per month)

Q: Can educational loans be deferred while I am in this program?

A: Yes, SGI participants are NIH fellows and have been able to defer student loans while in this program. As an NIH fellow you are considered to be engaged in full time study. To obtain deferment, it is required that you remain in student status at your school during the time you would be in this program. Contact your loan officer to discuss this matter.

Q: Are textbooks provided for the SGI?

A: Yes, required textbooks for the SGI are furnished by NINR.

Q. Is there college credit for the SGI?

A. Yes, the SGI is approved for 12 hours of graduate credit in nursing (doctoral level) from a major university in the Washington, DC/Baltimore area. Tuition for the graduate credit is paid by NINR.

Q. Do I have to take the course for a letter grade?

A. Yes, all participants must take the course for a letter grade. The grading scale of the University that is providing college credit will be used.

Q. How is the course graded?

A. Participants will receive a letter grade for exams and papers in the course, and for the final course grade. Laboratory experiments are graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. You must have a passing grade on exams and papers in the course and a "satisfactory" grade for laboratory experiments in order to pass the course. The final grade for the course will be a letter grade.

Q: Is computer equipment provided?

A: No. High speed internet is provided in your room. All phone and on-line expenses other than the high speed internet access in your room are the responsibility of the participants. Computers are available at the NIH library on a first come, first serve basis.

Q: Will I need to bring a laptop computer?

A: Yes. You need to bring a laptop computer for exams, the research proposal and for checking your e-mail. You need to have your own Internet service Provider (ISP) such as MSN or AOL. Also, your laptop must have an ethernet cord.

Q: Do I need to bring a printer?

A. We highly recommend that you bring a small printer with cables, etc. with you. Printers are available at the NIH library on a first come, first serve basis.

Q: Do I still need to submit an official transcript even though I entered my grades into the electronic application system?

A: Yes, applicants will be required to submit an official school transcript of their most recent degree and any courses which they have taken since then or in which they are currently enrolled. The grades entered into your electronic application are for evaluation purposes only.

Housing and Roommates 

SGI participants will be assigned a roommate from the SGI group based on responses to a roommate questionnaire. The double occupancy housing consists of two bedroom/two bathroom suites and shared living/dining room and kitchen. We know that some individuals may find sharing an apartment difficult, so you need to keep this in mind when you are deciding to apply to the Summer Genetics Institute.

Mandatory Attendance Policy 

You are receiving a government stipend to attend the SGI, thus attendance is mandatory at all classes (lectures, seminars, labs, field trips). If you have a prior commitment that conflicts with the SGI, then you should wait until another time to apply for the program. We recognize that unanticipated emergencies may occur and you may need to be absent from class. These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis. All absences must be pre-approved in order to be an excused absence. Unexcused absences, absences with out leave [AWOL], are grounds for dismissal or other consequences at the discretion of the Program Director and Academic Coordinator.

If you have specific questions, you may also send an email to ninrsgi@mail.nih.gov, or call 202-255-6922.