Returned-Check Fee If for any reason a check does not clear for payment after being deposited, a penalty of $30 is charged to the student’s account. The university cannot presume that the student has withdrawn from classes because the check has not cleared or has been stopped; payment and penalty remain due. Payment for the amount of the returned check and the $30 returned check fee must be made with cash, a certified bank check, or a money order. Another personal check is not acceptable. A penalty (ten percent of the balance) is charged if payment for a returned check is not received within four weeks. If a second check is returned, all future charges must be paid with cash, a certified bank check, or a money order; personal checks will no longer be accepted. Federal Income Tax Considerations Any financial aid above the direct cost of education (tuition, fees, books, etc.), other than loans, is taxable income and must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Taxes at the rate of 14 percent must be withheld from stipends of international students unless, on the basis of a tax treaty, documentation can be submitted to the university exempting the student from withholding. Students should be aware that under certain circumstances, educational expenses undertaken to maintain or improve skills required by the individual in his or her present employment might be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Students are advised to carefully review IRS regulations concerning any educational financial assistance when filing income tax forms with the IRS.
STUDENT LIFE New School for Social Research students are a diverse group of adults with many personal and professional responsibilities. Student Academic Affairs coordinates academic events that span departments and provides other services such as academic writing assistance and professional development. The office is also a base for coordinating student activities and interests designed to promote a sense of academic and social community among students. This section briefly describes services provided or coordinated by the office. Academic Advising A clear understanding of the academic program and contacts with faculty inside and outside the classroom are essential for successful graduate study. At The New School for Social Research, academic advising takes place in both formal and informal ways: written materials, orientations, individual appointments, informal conversations, and such non-classroom academic forums as student conferences, workshops, and seminars. Faculty advisors serve as academic mentors and are complemented by a peer advising system of departmental student advisors. Student advisors, who are advanced students, assist students in planning their programs of study, offer advice on program requirements, provide information, and meet with prospective students. They also act as liaisons between students and faculty and participate in orientation activities. Students are expected to consult faculty and student advisors at least once during each semester. Academic Review Academic review of students’ progress toward the degree is one of the most important aspect of advising. The academic review affects whether students are able to register, whether they are eligible for institutional or federal financial aid, and whether they are allowed to continue in their program of study. Academic review is also an important and direct mechanism of communication between the department and the student to inform students of the quality of their academic performance in their department or committee. Academic review is conducted biannually before each semester’s registration period. All students should note that New School for Social Research programs will warn students who fail to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress and will place students on probation based on the policy stated under “Academic Standing and Progress” in this catalog. Students who fail to resolve their probationary status will be dismissed and may choose to appeal a dismissal through the school’s Student Academic Affairs committee. Orientation Activities Each year Student Academic Affairs in conjunction with the university’s Office of Student Development and Activities coordinates orientation activities for new students at The New School for Social Research. An Orientation Guide is mailed to new students in advance of fall and spring semester registration to acquaint them with the university and enable them to schedule events. A separate Student Handbook is available from Student Academic Affairs at the start of the academic year. Fall orientation activities begin during registration week and continue during the first few weeks of the new academic year. Orientation events include meetings about the registration process, financial aid, and student services; panel discussions on graduate study; workshops on building academic communities, teaching, and other professional opportunities and on issues particular to students of color; tours of university facilities and library and computing center orientations; and an orientation for international students focusing on immigration and naturalization issues and international student services. In addition, students are invited to the University Convocation, the President’s Reception, and the Dean’s Reception for faculty, students, and staff. The school’s Student Senate usually schedules an event as well. An orientation meeting is held during the first week of spring semester for new students beginning study at that time.
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