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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CDI administration do to help recipients obtain faculty positions??
Since its creation, this program has operated under the name Forgivable Loan/Doctoral Incentive Program. In 2005, the Program changed its name to the Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program. This change was in response to advice from the program's policy advisory committee, and comments from program participants. These comments suggested that the current program name does not significantly distinguish it from other student loans. Participants have pointed out that they would not put "Stafford Loan" or "Perkins Loan" on their CV or resume, but would like to include the Forgivable Loan Program, since they competed for and were awarded participation in the program. Therefore, a major purpose of this change is to provide participants with a more valuable item to place on their curriculum vitae or resume when it is time for participants to enter the academic job market.
Is the program still a forgivable loan program?
Yes, the program still offers the same potential for loan forgiveness. Only the name of the program has changed. As before, participation in the program is not - in any way - a guarantee of a CSU faculty position. However, participants who earn their doctorate and subsequently obtain a teaching position at a CSU campus are eligible to have their loan cancelled at the rate of 20% of the loan principal for each year of full-time teaching service after the degree. Individuals in CSU teaching positions who teach at least half time may earn 10% forgiveness of their original loan principal for each year of postdoctoral teaching service. These loan cancellations are subject to Federal income taxes. Participants who do not obtain CSU faculty positions will repay the loan over a 15-year period.
What is the source of funds for the Program?
The Trustees of the California State University rely on the California State Lottery to provide funds for the Program. Funds for the program are contingent on passage of the state budget by the California Legislature.
When can I apply for the Program?
Application forms are distributed to campus coordinators at each CSU campus during the month of October with a return date (typically in late February) set by the particular CSU campus through which you apply. Selections are announced in May, and loan funds actually become available starting in September. Funds for the program are contingent on passage of the state budget by the California Legislature. Delays in the process can preclude us from releasing funds in a timely manner.
I currently hold a non-tenure track position with the CSU. Am I eligible for the Program?
Yes, you can apply for the program.
I currently hold a tenured faculty position in the CSU. Can I apply for the Program?
The Program is designed as a recruitment tool for tenure track faculty positions. Participation by tenured CSU faculty would not be appropriate given the goals of the program.
I am a full time lecturer employed by the CSU. If I am accepted to the program and continue to teach for the CSU, can I receive forgiveness before I finish my degree?
No. Only postdoctoral work counts towards loan forgiveness. In addition, loan forgiveness is not retroactive and will not be awarded for past service to the CSU.
I am not a CSU student or employee. Can I apply to the program?
Yes, the program is open to doctoral students across the country. However, each applicant to the program must have a full-time tenured/tenure-track CSU faculty advisor.
What is a CSU Faculty Advisor?
Each applicant to the Program must have a Faculty Advisor, who is a full-time tenure track CSU faculty member. Preferably, the advisor is in the same academic discipline as the doctoral student. Applications are submitted through your Faculty Advisor's campus.
How much money can I borrow through the Program?
Participants may borrow a maximum of $10,000 each year up to a total maximum of $30,000 over a five-year period.
I am applying to a doctoral program that is a year-round program. Can I get funding as a full-time student during the summer?
For those enrolled in year-round programs, you can submit a student status verification form and borrow funds over the summer. However, the maximum you can borrow in any fiscal year (running from July 1 to June 30) remains $10,000. Eligibility for funding begins in Fall of the selection year.
How will the funds be disbursed during the year?
Funds are disbursed according to the academic calendar of your doctoral institution. If you borrow $10,000, you will receive $5,000 for each semester or $3,333 for two quarters and $3,334 for the third quarter. Checks are sent directly to the participant.
Do I have to pay for tuition before I receive a check?
It is the responsibility of the student to pay for required fees and tuition at the time of enrollment at the doctoral institution. The program issues loan funds only after obtaining certification of your full time enrollment from your university.
After completing my coursework, can I borrow funds even if I am not registered as a full-time student?
Yes, students who have completed their coursework and are engaged in full-time study, research or writing may continue within a five-year period to borrow funds up to the $30,000 maximum. In such cases, the department chair or dissertation advisor must submit verification of satisfactory progress toward completion of the doctoral program for
each term that funds are requested.
You must continue to be enrolled at least part-time to borrow funds.
How long can loan payments be deferred while I am completing my doctorate?
Interest begins to accrue and repayments commence 12 months after withdrawal from full-time student status at an accredited institution of post secondary education; 12 months after doctoral degree is awarded; 12 months after the completion of a maximum 2 years as a postdoctoral fellow; or 5 years after advancement to candidacy with annual certification of satisfactory progress.
Can I receive loan forgiveness for teaching at other schools in California, for employment with another state agency, or for non-teaching positions within the CSU?
No. Loan forgiveness is only available to individuals who obtain instructional faculty appointments within the CSU.
If I teach at a CSU campus, what qualifies me for forgiveness?
You will be eligible for forgiveness only after you have earned your degree. You must teach full time during an academic year to earn 20% forgiveness. You must teach at least half time during an academic year to earn 10% forgiveness. Teaching in summer or other special sessions can be used to supplement units earned in the regular academic year.
What are the tax consequences of having a loan cancelled?
The Program is not authorized to provide any advice regarding taxation. When you have obtained a doctoral degree and qualify for loan cancellation for teaching in the CSU, the CSU is required to report the cancelled loan principal and foregone interest as income and to withhold Federal taxes on such income.
If I cannot find a job in the CSU what are the terms for repayment of the loan?
Repayment of the loan will be pursuant upon the terms stated in the promissory note, which you must sign prior to receiving funding from the program. You should keep a copy of the promissory note for your records.
How can I find out about job opportunities in the CSU?
There are several sources of information regarding faculty openings in the CSU. Your advisor may be aware of hiring activity on campus as well as neighboring CSU campuses. CSU campus employment information may be accessed through the CSU systemwide home page at
http://www.calstate.edu. This page contains links to job postings at each CSU campuses. Campuses also advertise positions in leading disciplinary journals or in the Chronicle of Higher Education.
How have previous years participants fared?
Roughly 35% of program participants who have completed their doctoral degree have obtained tenure track positions in the CSU. An additional 20% have obtained temporary lecturer appointments.
What does the CDI/FLP administration do to help recipients obtain faculty positions?
The Program publishes the Directory of Recipients each year that lists your name and academic specialization, by discipline, and personal information that you authorize us to publish. The Directory is distributed to all campus academic deans and to other administrators involved in the hiring process. Some of these administrators use the Directory to seek out candidates for openings on their campus; others provide information from the Directory to chairs of departments conducting searches for faculty. However, the Program does not influence hiring decisions, and participation in the program does not result in preferential treatment during the hiring process.
What will make me competitive for a tenure track position?
It is important to keep in mind that hiring decisions are made by faculty committees, so strong support from a Faculty Advisor, or acceptance to the CDIP program, does not guarantee that you will be judged as the best candidate for available positions. The Program does not influence hiring decisions, and participation in the program does not result in preferential treatment during the hiring process. CSU campuses recruit tenure track faculty from a national pool of candidates, and there is significant competition for most available positions. In general, candidates who attend highly regarded academic programs at schools with established reputations have a better chance in the competition for faculty jobs. You should consider whether the school you plan to attend would make you competitive within a national pool of candidates. In addition, decisions about the qualifications necessary for a specific position in a specific department are made at the campus level. Requirements for similar positions may vary from campus to campus. Acceptance into the Program should not be viewed as a guarantee that a participant will ultimately meet all qualifications set by the department for a given position. Therefore, you should review the advertised qualifications for positions similar to those that you will be applying for once you have obtained your degree. You should make sure that the academic program you plan to attend would provide you with the skills and experiences to meet the required qualifications advertised for similar positions in the CSU.
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