On May 20, 2011, the National Science Foundation (NSF) clarified its position on activities allowed while in Graduate research Fellowship (GRFP) service. In NSF 11-050, NSF GRFP FAQ about GRFP Fellowship Terms and Conditions, the NSF reverted back to its previous policy, which permitted “Fellows to engage in teaching or similar activity that is a part of the Fellow’s educational activities, ‘not service to the institution as such.'”

In the section titled, Service Expectations, FAQs 34-37 further clarify NSF’s position and outlines what activities can be exercised while in Fellowship service. For the full list of FAQs please see here

The Council on Government Relations (COGR) suggests that, “NSF is making an important distinction between teaching and other activities that are an integral part of the educational program designed and offered by the institution to all its students and simple teaching service to the institution. colleges and departments should consider how students gain substantive teaching or other experience as a part of their graduate programs and describe those elements or aspects of the program in the graduate catalog or program guide.”