This page is designed as a resource for UMBC faculty and staff with Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) stipend recipients. Current and prospective graduate students should contact their academic department with specific questions about the GAANN stipend.
Getting Started
Upon grant notification, the department should reach out to Colleen Lindbeck, Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid, at csly@umbc.edu. Departments will be advised to submit name and ids of their prospective GAANN stipend recipients for Title IV and need based aid eligibility determination.
It is critical departments reach out prior to awarding the student the stipend to ensure the funding does not exceed the student’s Cost of Attendance (COA). The Cost of Attendance is a federal regulation that prohibits a student from receiving any financial assistance above the overall cost of their education.
A response will be provided sharing each student’s maximum GAANN stipend eligibility.
What’s Next
Upon finalizing recipients, the department will notate the stipend award amount for each student. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will then post a placeholder on the student’s account for the amount of the stipend the department is awarding.
If the department chooses to cover the students fees, submit the Award and Disbursement Request Form. This form is located on our Department Scholarships page under the heading Awarding Students. Kindly indicate GAANN in addition to the department name when submitting the form. The designated amount will disburse to pay student fees on their billing account.
What Else to Know?
- Please ensure the students understand that they must enroll in the summer for at least one credit in order to receive the maximum amount of the stipend.
- Departments should confirm enrollment plans with the student before determining the award amount. If the student will not be enrolling in the summer for at least one credit, ensure this information is provided in the initial eligiblity request.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the GAANN process, please contact Colleen Lindbeck, Senior Associate Director, csly@umbc.edu.