I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for Ph.D. students during the period of their full-time enrollment in the graduate program at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBMS) at New York Medical College (NYMC) who receive full financial support toward their degree program from GSBMS or Dissertation advisor(s) but wish to hold an additional employment beyond their academic and research responsibilities.
II. POLICY
Earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, with a few exceptions, requires full-time commitment to research, course work and other institutional responsibilities. Accordingly, employment outside of the doctoral program, whether on or off campus, is undesirable and in most cases precluded. It is the policy of NYMC to grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis, provided the following conditions are met:
A. A student receives written approval from their Dissertation Advisor(s), Program Director, and GSBMS Dean’s office;
B. Outside employment will not hinder timely progress towards the doctoral degree;
C. Outside employment does not exceed an average of 10 hours per week and must be conducted outside of class time and working hours of the research laboratory that the student has joined;
D. Outside employment is professionally relevant and necessary but cannot be directly related to the student’s thesis research; and
E. International students will also need to provide appropriate work authorization from the Davis International Center, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or the J-1 program sponsor.
Engaging in paid work without approval or exceeding the hourly limit of outside part-time employment may lead to discontinuation of full-time Ph.D. status and revocation of the financial aid package (stipend, tuition waiver, or medical insurance) from GSBMS.
III. SCOPE
This policy applies to all full-time Ph.D. students who receive full financial support toward their degree program from NYMC (GSBMS or Dissertation Advisor(s)’ research grants) but wish to hold an additional employment beyond their program activities and obligations. It also applies to students participating in paid teaching activities at NYMC/Touro or in outside institutions. For Ph.D. students who are supported by external research grants, fellowships, or awards, the policies of the funding agency will supersede this Policy.
IV. DEFINITIONS
A. GSBMS: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
B. NYMC: New York Medical College
C. Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy Degree
V. PROCEDURE
A. Written approval of the student’s Dissertation Advisor(s), Program Director, and GSBMS Dean must be obtained in advance of the request (see Request for exceptions to policy on outside employment and professional activities for full-time PhD students).
B. Arrangements for additional part-time employment must be approved by the Dean of GSBMS.
C. All students are expected to follow all pertinent GSBMS and NYMC policies and regulations.
VI. EFFECTIVE DATE
This policy is effective immediately.
VII. POLICY MANAGEMENT
Executive Stakeholder: Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Oversight Office: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dean’s Office
