No official funding letter?

[Cashmere]

So I'm in an interesting quandry at the moment.

I have managed to narrow down my options for next year to two solid programs at two very different universities. Of these two universities (B and A) I am much more drawn to A and feel as if I would have many more opportunities and resources at my disposal through my years as a student there. The only issue is that my funding package at A is significantly less than that which B has offered me. So far this sounds just like an introduction to your typical "negotiate for more funding" post, but here's where the twist comes in.

I haven't actually recieved an official award letter (university letterhead, etc) from B, but was told by my POI during my visit and through email that they have awarded me full funding and assistantships for my incoming year. Now when I told my POI at university A what university B had offered me, he said he would be able to push for more funding for my incoming year to cover non-resident tuition costs and match the competing offer. The only problem? They need a copy of the official funding letter from university B.

Now, when I pressed B for an official letter, the grad secretary proceeded to break down the costs of attendance and my award in full in an email, but there is no official letter in sight. They seem to be treating the issue much more casually than I expected and in the email the secretary seems to shrug off the necessity for an official letter because "[they] can take care of all the financial details when get [there] and set [me] up in Payroll". I asked her nicely if she could send me an official letter for my records, but I feel like if I keep pushing the issue they are going to catch wind that there is something up, namely I am trying to get my hands on an official award letter so I can use their offer to get myself more funding at university A, which is where I really want to go.

How far is too far? Aren't they required to provide me with some sort of official documentation? I really don't want to step on any toes as I greatly enjoyed my time visiting university B and enjoyed talking to the grad secretary in person, but I also don't want to lose out on additional funding at A because of any hesitation on my part.

Edited April 11, 2011 by Cashmere

[borderlands]

Before you make that decision be sure to have a written copy of the funding offer. This is standard practice. Call them and say I cannot consider your offer because i don't have an official letter of funding from your program.

Word of mouth and unofficial emails is not going to keep them from backing out or altering the offer once you have accepted! Best of luck!

[Pilule]

Hello,

I have a question about a no official funding offer email. The university sent me one first email informing that the Department committee of admissions had recommended my dossier to the Graduates Studies committee, which takes the final decision. However,the chair of the department sent me the email taking as if I were already accepted. I only replied with my thanks. After the chair of the department sent me a new email doing an offer of funding, not oficial. But they are asking if I am interested. How I do reply to this second email, in order to only say thank you, I am interested but still thinking about another offer? The fact that this is unofficial makes me get confused... Could someone help with ideas, opinions, etc.? Thank you.