University of Virginia Health System

BMBG GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK

Next scheduled date to be held in the Biochemistry Library, Room 6007, Jordan Hall at 12:00pm:
TBA 

Department and student retreats are held once a year at a destination outside of UVA to discuss research and to enjoy fun activities such as hiking and camping.

The Graduate Biosciences Society  is a student-run organization that hosts many social events for graduate students, such as river tubing, outings to local vineyards, annual retreats, and meetings on campus. 

• Forms:
You will be given a packet of forms to complete upon your arrival at UVA, including tax forms, student ID, and direct deposit.  If you need to update these forms at any time, you may access them by clicking on the following links:

Direct Deposit  Form
I-9 Form
Program Defense Evaluation Form
VA-4 Tax Form
W-4 Tax Form

• Graduation:
Information on graduation requirements and forms may be obtained in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in Room 438 Cabell Hall.  For more information, please visit http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/grad/degree/phd.php.

• Insurance:
All enrolled students are required to have health insurance.  UVA is currently providing insurance through The Chickering Group, but students have the option of choosing another health care provider.  The Chickering Group also offers an optional dental plan.  Please visit  http://chickering.com for more information or to apply online.

• Instructor Numbers:
Access instructor numbers required for registration.

• Journal Club and Seminars:
Journal Club (Masterpiece Theater) is held every Tuesday at 12:00 Noon in the Biochemistry Library, Room 6006.

Seminars are held every Thursday in Room 1-17, Jordan Hall.

• Master's Degree:
Once a student has sucessfully completed their 54 topical credits and has passed
the qualifying exam, they may apply for their Master's Degree.  The following are the links to the three forms which are required be completed and returned to the Graduate School of Arts and Science.

http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/gradschool/forms/masters_application_form.pdf
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/gradschool/forms/phd_continuation_form.pdf
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/gradschool/forms/final_defense_form.pdf

• Registration for Classes and Course Offering:
Registration for the summer is held in Room B019 in Garrett Hall located directly across from the amphitheather.

Registration for the Fall and Spring may be completed online through the Registrar's office by using ISIS.

All courses are listed on the Registrar's website under Course
Offering Directory.

• Stipend/Wages/Tuition:
Financial assistance, in the form of full tuition and fees (currently $21,250/annum), student health insurance, plus a stipend (currently $24,000/annum) to cover living expenses, is offered to all applicants accepted into the program.

**Students who win competitive awards such as NSF predoctoral fellowships or Special UVA Merit Fellowships are eligible to receive up to a $2000 merit supplement to their stipend (for a maximum stipend of $26,000 in 2007-2008).

• Student ID:
You may activate your student ID through the Dept. of Information Technology and Communication (ITC).

• Symposium:
Don't miss the annual Symposium hosted by the Biochemisty & Molecular Genetics Department.  More Details to come in 2007.