Once the DOE Scholars Program has selected you, there are several steps that need to be completed before you can begin your appointment.
The DOE sponsor is responsible for submitting all necessary paperwork to ORISE. You may not begin your appointment earlier than the start date approved by DOE, nor can you continue past the approved end date without an approved extension (see Extension of Appointment). DOE will notify ORISE of this information.
Once ORISE has received the approval and selection from the DOE and has confirmed the availability of the specified funds, ORISE will send you a letter of appointment. You must review, sign and return the letter from ORISE, along with ORISE Terms of Appointment and other required forms, before your first day of participation to ensure that you will be eligible to receive a stipend.
You are required to have health insurance in place no later than the first day of the appointment.
It is your responsibility to ensure that ORISE receives the following items before your appointment and stipend payments can begin:
- Signed letter of appointment and ORISE Terms of Appointment
- All other forms and documents stated in the letter of appointment
- Verification of most recent degree received or proof of enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program
- Verification of current health insurance
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
Finally, your DOE Scholars Program coordinator or mentor will certify the date upon which you began participation through the required Certification of Starting Date form. Once all of these steps are complete, ORISE will begin your stipend payments.