Students in the Ph.D. program are guaranteed full support, including the cost of tuition and a stipend. (2008-2009 = $31,000) Students are expected to engage full-time in advanced study and research. University policy does not permit students to accept activities for compensation. While the university guarantees support, students are encouraged to apply for appropriate fellowships. If necessary, these will be supplemented by the university to the current stipend level, plus $5,000 in the case of competitively awarded fellowships. The university also supplies each student with an independent research allowance, supplementing the laboratory’s budget. Because the university, rather than an individual investigator, provides the stipend and research allowance to the student directly, students have flexibility and may join any laboratory they wish. During the first two years, the research allowance is $2,500 annually. In the third year and beyond, the amount is $3,000 annually. Up to $500 of the annual supplies budget can be used for research-related reading materials. Students may spend up to $1,500 of these funds each year for travel to scientific meetings. They may also purchase two computers, which become their personal property, and charge up to $2,500 to their research budget per computer purchase. A few fellowships are available for participation in collaborations abroad. In addition, Rockefeller students have an option to be covered by one of two comprehensive health plans, one dental plan and one vision plan for themselves, their spouses or domestic partners and children. The university pays for the elected coverage. (Coverage for domestic partnership may incur imputed income costs.)