• Question: How does the DSI Scholars stipend/matching fund process work?

    Answer: Stipends are issued directly by Student Financial Services in coordination with the Data Science Institute. PIs for selected projects will be asked to make a commitment as to the level of their support, after which the DSI will arrange for the stipend to be issued. Simultaneously, the DSI staff will work with the PI’s department administrators to transfer the base amount to the DSI. Please note: stipends are only issued once per term (fall, spring, summer), so if a deadline is missed there may be some delay in arranging a payment to your student.

  • Question: Why is the stipend mechanism used? Can I hire a student directly and still receive the matching fund?

    Answer: The DSI scholars program is a research experience program that provides a stipend to defray incidentials incurred during a research internship. To hire a research assistant directly, faculty can submit their project to Campus Connections and indicate their preference.

  • Question: Is it required to use the stipend during a specific term?

    Answer: No, it is up to the PI to decide how to use the fund. However, we strongly recommend that time spent during the academic year is compensated with academic credit and that the stipend be used during the summer to support an internship. The primary benefit to students in the program is the experience provided.

  • Question: My project wasn’t selected for a matching fund. Can the DSI still help me find a student?

    Answer: Yes. We are happy to provide match-making services to as many projects as possible. Selected students will still be eligible for educational support activities.

  • Question: I don’t have any funds of my own. Can I still participate?

    Answer: You can still recruit students through the program, but your project will not be eligible for matching funds. It is possible to structure your project as an unpaid internship, however it is important to abide by federal and state regulations. The ISSO maintains a valuable overview of these regulations as they apply to all students. Projects focused on the social good may also seek volunteers through our Data For Good program. Please contact us at dsi-scholars@columbia.edu for further information.

  • Question: I’m not sure that my project is a good fit for the program. Are there any other options?

    Answer: Yes. The DSI maintains a number of programs that can connect you with student or faculty resources. Please submit your project through Campus Connections, or contact us at dsi-scholars@columbia.edu. Please see here for high-level overview of DSI programs.

  • Question: Can I select more than one student?

    Answer: Yes. It is up to PIs to determine the best way for their projects to proceed.

  • Question: I missed the deadline to apply, can I still participate?

    Answer: Yes. If there is still is time, we will add your project to the umbrella application. If there is not time, the DSI maintains a number of ways to help you recruit students. In either case, please submit your project through Campus Connections.

  • Question: Will there be another call in the future?

    Answer: Yes, calls for applications go out every August for the fall and every December for the spring/summer.

  • Question: My project was selected for a matching fund, but I missed the term deadline to submit a student. Is my project still eligible for support?

    Answer: Yes. However, as we issue stipends only once per term, there may be some delay in arranging a payment to your student. Please note that graduating students are only eligible for stipends so long as they are currently enrolled at the time the stipend request is made with the Student Financial Services office.