Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Am I eligible for the PEER graduate training program?
Only U.S. citizens or permanent residence from the following underrepresented groups are eligible to apply: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islander groups, women, and persons with disabilities enrolling in a Ph.D. program at the University of Tennessee in life sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
How soon will I know if I’ve been selected to receive a PEER stipend award?
PEER applications will be reviewed as they are received. Financial awards will be announced by April 15. A letter requesting your signature of award acceptance will be sent to your home address and must be returned by the stated deadline date.
What are the requirements for a PEER financial award?
PEER is a non-degree granting program. As students are admitted to a department, a faculty/department sponsors that student for a contractual position as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) during the two years of the PEER award. In addition to your core curriculum and research rotations, over the first two years of the program a set of activities is designed to build community and foster professional development among students. PEER scholars are encouraged to attend all PEER funded activities.
How and when will I get paid?
Checks are paid on the first of each month. Your first paycheck will be available at the beginning of the month following your first full month of employment or appointment. You must have a bank account to have your check deposited directly at your financial institution. It is important that you visit your academic department’s personnel officer when arriving on campus. Your personnel officer will make sure forms are filled out and entries are made to get you on UT payroll, so s/he is VERY important to you!
Am I required to work during the summer?
Yes, PEER scholars are given a year-long appointment for the first two years of graduate school. Any vacation/time off must be negotiated with your faculty mentor and PEER director.
What if I want to be employed elsewhere while I’m a PEER scholar?
“Students may not concurrently hold another federally-sponsored stipend or fellowship, other federal award that duplicates IMSD support, or supplemental salary support, e.g., from mentor’s federal research grant.” (NIH/IMSD R25 Award)
What happens if I change my degree status?
PEER fellowships are awarded to students striving to pursue a Ph.D. degree with an emphasis on quantitative biology. If you should change your graduate status (Ph.D. to M.S.), your status as PEER scholar will be terminated and your academic financial package must be renegotiated through your department. Your first step of action is to notify your research advisor and then the PEER Administrators.
What happens after the PEER funding period has ended?
When the PEER funding commitment has ended, each scholar will need to seek funds through their academic departments, research advisors and/or via external funding agencies. Although the financial commitment has ended, you will remain a PEER scholar and will be contacted periodically for information. We will also continue to advocate on your behalf as long as you are enrolled and making progress towards a degree.
Contact Information
Cynthia Peterson
Phone: (865) 974-1531
Email: cbpeters@utk.edu
Sekeenia Haynes
Phone: 865-974-4064
Email: shaynes6@utk.edu