Have fellowship, accepting internship with additional stipend - question about policy

[anon.engineer1]

I have a Ph.D. graduate fellowship from University A, and I just finished my first year. For the first two years, it's pure fellowship - I'm not technically required to take any classes or do any research, but it's understood that I will take required classes and do research because renewal is "subject to review...and recommendation of my department". From my reading of my offer letter, I'm not actually required to do anything in terms of research. For years 3 and 4, I effectively have a 50% RA position, and my funding is renewable "subject to satisfactory progress in your studies..."

The fellowship letter also goes on to list some terms, including the following:

"My not accepting any contemporaneous employment inside or outside the University for the term of the fellowship without prior written approval of the department. I understand that i may work during the summer semesters of years two, three, or four, in the case that I do not receive any support from the department, without affecting my fellowship eligibility."

I'm now working on a research project in which another labmate and I are collaborating with University B and government-funded Lab C, which is nearby. Collaborator/PI at University B/Lab C has offered me a graduate fellowship that comes with its own stipend. This is a 10 week program, during which I will be doing research at both University A and University B for the same project, working with my advisor and the collaborator/PI.

My advisor at University A knows all about this, and specifically recommended me for the fellowship at University B (knowing full well of the stipend).

Am I allowed to take the stipend from University B/Lab C while still accepting the stipend from my fellowship at University A? Does my advisor's approval constitute approval of the department?

Part of me thinks I'm getting paid by two different institutions to be doing the same work - but I'm not technically required to do research to continue receiving my fellowship from University A. So does this count as me taking employment with the approval of the department (my advisor)?

At this point I'd love to do the research, take the extra money and regard it as a very fortunate circumstance. Do you think there's a chance that people who may care (deans, etc) may find out about this? If they do, what might happen? Do you think this would be against university policy? Is it ethical to take the extra stipend?

Sorry for being vague - I'm doing my best to remain anonymous for obvious reasons. If you need any clarification, I can do my best to clear it up. Thanks in advance.

[kaykaykay]

if your advisor knows about everything I would ask him/her directly. I doubt that this will matter and I think if there is market for your brain it is ethical to make money of its power. But it is better if you have your advisor on your side.Maybe I would ask for a written permission, it can take this prof 1 minute to type it and you get out of stress for the rest of the summer (and school year).

[robot_hamster]

It may depend on what the fellowship contract considers to be "the department". You may need a signature from a department chair or director. I would ask to be sure.