Graduate Automotive Technology Education Center
Advanced Energy Storage Center

Conditions of Award

GATE Fellows are required to be enrolled in courses for Fall 2000 and Spring 2001 semesters and will conduct research during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters of the 2000-2001 academic year. Acknowledging the importance of integrating research and education, such programs may include a reasonable amount of teaching activities as are, in Penn State's opinion, contributory to the progress of the fellow toward and advanced degree. Scholarly development of fellows, not service to Penn State, will govern the assignment of these activities.

After a fellowship award has been made, any major deviation from the GATE field of specialization requires prior DOE and the Advanced Energy Storage Center approval or the fellowship will be forfeited. Should a fellow voluntarily separate from the GATE Program, reimbursement of fellowship funds is mandatory.

All fellowship awards are made subject to applicable University policy.

Fellows are expected to maintain the same high standards of ethical and moral behavior expected of faculty as dictated in Policy AD47. This policy also serves as a reminder of the variety of obligations assumed by all members of the academic community.

Fellows are expected to adhere strictly to University policy covering patents and copyrights. Policy AD36 establishes appropriate policies for ownership and management of University intellectual property. During the course of the fellowship, any invention first conceived and for which a patent application may be filed is to be reported to the DOE.

Full-time fellows are required to have health insurance coverage. Fellows have the opportunity to choose between the Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan or provide their own insurance coverage that meets the standards established by the University Student Insurance Committee.

Other obligations of the fellow include registering his/her vehicle and complying with University regulations concerning motor vehicles and University property. Penn State Policies are available on line at http://guru.sp.psu.edu/guruhome.html.

Tenure

The tenure of a GATE Fellowship is 12 months starting Fall 2000. DOE support for subsequent years is contingent upon certification to DOE by Penn State that the fellow has made satisfactory academic progress toward an advanced degree in the automotive engineering field and upon availability of funds.

Stipend and Allowances

The GATE Fellowship stipend during the 2000-2001 academic year will be $15,996 for a 12-month tenure. This stipend will be paid on the last working day of the month at a rate of $1,333 monthly. In addition to receiving the stipend, GATE Fellows will be exempt from paying tuition normally charged to students of similar academic standing.
A fellow may not accept simultaneous remuneration from another major fellowship; e.g., if an applicant is offered two fellowships, the applicant must choose between them. A fellow may solicit add-on support from the University during the course of his/her fellowship (see side note).