G'day!

I'd like to know how other institutions handle a couple of issues that came
up in our office recently, dealing specifically with summer benefits and
student stipends.  Let me preface my request for info by saying that I'm
coming at you from Gustavus Adolphus College, a small liberal arts college
(2,300 students) located in south central Minnesota.  While Gustavus is
certainly not known as a major research institution, it does have a
reputation of having a very active sciences division which includes a lot of
student research in addition to that of faculty.   So, in addition to all
you university folk, I'd especially like to hear from other colleges (I know
you're lurking out there!).

Q.1.  What is your policy in regard to benefits for research and/or other
programmatic activities taking place on campus during the summer, beyond the
required statutory benefits (i.e. social security, workman's comp)?  I'm
thinking of retirement benefits in particular, but I'm interested in other
issues you have dealt with as well.

Q.2.  Does your institution have a standard rate that applies for all
student stipends, or does it differ according to department/division?  My
experience here and elsewhere is that it depends upon the
department/division; a standard across-the-board rate would seem to be a
more consistent and easier route to take.  Comments?

 Thanks in advance for your feednbback.

David Muhlena
Development Associate
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 W. College Ave.
St. Peter, MN  56082
e-mail:   xxxxxx@gac.edu