University Grants Academy FAQ

Last updated on 08/15/2022

• I have already done the UGA, can I repeat it?

  • No. The UGA is a significant investment in each faculty member by the University and it can only be taken once in your career at SJSU. However please reach out to Research Development and they will help you with future proposals or resubmissions. For resubmissions for UGA proposals that were not accepted, we now have the Resubmission Working Group program.

• I am a lecturer. Can I apply for the UGA?

  • No. This opportunity is only for tenured/tenure-track (T/TT) faculty.

• I want to do the UGA but I do not need the 0.2 AT buyout. Can I bank this for future semesters?

  • No. The AT buyout for Spring UGA is given so you have time to design and write the proposal during that semester. It may not be deferred.

• Do I really have to turn in a full proposal with all components by the specified date if the target opportunity I am applying for is not until well after that?

  • Yes. The goal is to get a complete proposal with all supporting documents finished during the UGA while you have the active support of the program. You may continue to refine all components however until the actual submission deadline.

• If I do not meet the UGA requirement to submit my proposal by the next available deadline after the UGA, can I still get the bonus submission incentive?

  • No. You must meet the submission deadline of the next available deadline after the UGA to get this submission incentive.

• When can I apply to the Summer 2023 UGA?

  • The application window will open in early early November, and applications will be due by April 7, 2023.

• I am unsure of my summer plans, can I apply for the Summer UGA closer to the summer?

  • At this time you may only apply for the Summer UGA by applying by the specified deadline.

• As my target proposal to write for the UGA, can I use a competitive faculty fellowship?

  • Yes. The UGA supports Competitive Faculty Fellowships that are at least one academic year in length or longer. Please contact your Research Development Specialist if you have any further questions.

• Do I need to get approval from my chair and dean before I turn in my application?

  • InfoReady will automatically ask your chair and dean for their signatures based on the emails you provide; you do not need to request their signatures separately. However, it is a good idea to check with your chair and dean ahead of the application submission to be sure they are aware and supportive.

• Where should I expect to receive my summer fellowship check?

  • The Payroll department processes summer fellowships during the following pay period (e.g. a July fellowship will be processed in early August). If you are on direct deposit, you will receive payment electronically while paper checks will be released to your department admin. 

• ​Is the summer fellowship taxable?​

  • ​Yes. The summer fellowship is considered taxable income is taxed as follows:
    * Federal tax: 22%
    * State tax: 6.6%
    * Social Security and Medicare: 7.65%

    If you have any question about your check once you receive it, please contact your Payroll Representative. 

• As a Summer UGA participant, I will receive a summer fellowship check but I'm on an H-1B visa. Will this be an issue?

  • No. Summer fellowship checks are issued by SJSU, your current employer.