Conference Grant

The purpose of this grant is to help graduate students attend an academic conference in which they are not presenting. The funds can be used to pay for up to $1000 of the costs associated with attending a conference, including registration fees, lodging, transportation and meals.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I apply?

    Complete the GSA Conference Grant Application Form. The application ought to be submitted at least one month before the conference. Your request must be submitted by the submission deadline of the GFAC meeting in which you want your application to be considered for funding. The applicant will be notified of the decision via email within three business days after the GFAC meeting. Applications are open year round until funds are depleted.

     
  • Who qualifies?

    All current graduate students in good standing are eligible to apply. 

     
  • What types of conferences qualify?

    All academic and professional conferences relevant to the student's field of study in which they are not presenting.

     
  • What if I am presenting at the conference?

    The purpose of the GSA Conference Grant is to help students attend conferences at which they are NOT presenting. The Graduate College Travel Grant is intended for students who ARE presenting. However, a student who is presenting can still apply for and receive a GSA Conference Grant if 1.) they applied for the Graduate College Travel Grant and were denied OR 2.) they were awarded the Travel Grant, but the amount awarded will not cover the total costs associated with the conference (in this instance, the travel grant must be applied to costs first, and the GSA Conference Grant will be used to cover remaining costs) OR 3.) the Travel Grant application window has already closed for the semester. Please contact the GSA Vice President at gfac-info@wmich.edu if any of these instances are true for you to discuss your options. 

     
  • How much funding is available?

    The grant covers up to $1,000 in registration, accommodation, transportation expenses and meals. If these expenses total less than $1,000, GSA will only reimburse the expenses paid by the student. 

     
  • How many times can I apply?

    Please apply for only one grant per month. You can apply multiple times throughout the year, however once you have been approved for a grant any subsequent applications will be denied. 

     
  • How many grants can I be awarded?

    Students are eligible to receive one GSA grant  (either Certification, Conference or Data Collection) over the course of their graduate program. Students who complete multiple degrees here at WMU (perhaps obtaining two masters, or a masters and a PhD) are eligible to receive one grant for each degree program.

     
  • What if I'm awarded a grant, but I no longer need it?

    Please contact the GSA Vice President at gfac-info@wmich.edu so that the award can be voided. Once the award is voided, you will be eligible to apply for another grant. 

     
  • Can I be reimbursed for previous purchases?

    No, GSA grants cannot be used for purchases that occurred before the grant application was approved. Wait until after application approval before you pay for registration fees, accommodation or transportation.

     
  • Can the GSA make purchases for me, or do I need to pay up front and be reimbursed?

    GSA can pay for things like registration fees and airfare for you. After your grant application is approved, you will receive information explaining how to request these purchases. You are also welcome to make purchases yourself and be reimbursed. 

     
  • How long after the conference do I have to submit receipts?

    You have 30 days after the last day of the conference to submit receipts for reimbursement. 

     
  • What if the conference I want to attend occurs after I graduate?

    The conference must occur and receipts must be submitted before you graduate to receive reimbursement. 

     
  • What if I want to attend a conference outside my field of study?

    These applications will be considered on an individual basis, however, priority will be given to conferences that benefit the student academically or professionally.  

     
  • What is the selection process?

     Applications will be reviewed by GFAC. Applications which meet the criteria above will be awarded the grant. In the event that we receive more eligible applications than the budget allows, GFAC will consider the relevance of the conference to the student's field of study, as well as the date of application.

     
  • Why are applications due two weeks before they are reviewed?

    During the week between the application deadline and the review meeting, the GSA Vice President will review your application to make sure it is complete and to recommend changes if the application is unlikely to be approved. 

     
  • What is my per diem for meals?

    The daily standard per diem rate is $52. However, if meals are provided by the conference, that will be subtracted from your per diem. For more information, consult WMU Travel. 

     

If you have any questions regarding funding opportunities provided by GSA, contact us at gfac-info@wmich.edu