We have an issue surfacing here in regards to tuition remission. Our institution began the practice of including tuition in proposals a few years ago and as such, continue to get some push-back from PI's.

Recently, our Physics group approached us with the request that we review this practice for proposals related to particle physics. They have indicated that based upon their "contact" with other universities (they named Stanford) and their own review of such proposals, programs in particle physics  (primarily NSF and DOE) rarely provide for tuition reimbursement (so says the program manager they spoke to, I have yet to see such a solicitation). If the program does allow for such costs, they contend that by incorporating tuition - our institution (a 2nd tier research institution) wouldn't be competitive against larger research, resource -rich institutions.  They've also made note of the HEPAP report commissioned by DOE regarding the University Grants Program - of which respondents referenced tuition remission requirements by institutions (pages 41 & 47) as one of the difficulties associated with supporting grad students. http://www.science.doe.gov/hep/ugpsreportfinalJuly22,2007.pdf

The basics points aside (applying the cost consistently, tuition as an allowable cost, NSF specifically speaks to tuition in the GPG) - I'd like to know is whether anyone else has heard this argument, specifically in reference to particle physics funding.

I'd also like to know, when an institutional policy is in place -  what do other institutions use as a basis for waiving tuition in exceptional cases (excluding situations when it isn't allowed by the sponsor) and does anyone take program in to consideration?

Thanks..

Dara C. Little
Assistant Director
Office of Sponsored Projects
Northern Illinois University
Lowden Hall 305
DeKalb, IL 60115-2854

815-753-9285
Fax 815-753-1631

======================================================================
 Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including
 subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available
 via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists")
======================================================================