Graduate Student Professional Development Monetary Support

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Last Updated: Aug 07, 2024, 11:49 AM

The Graduate School will assist graduate students with professional development expenses by reimbursing up to $500 per student per professional event. Students are required to professionally participate in the event to receive this support. (See Eligibility.)

Questions may be directed to gradbusiness@siu.edu.

Eligibility

  1. The graduate student must be currently enrolled in an SIU graduate program, and their cumulative GPA must be 3.0 or greater.
  2. The event must be a regional, state, national, or international conference, professional meeting, or event that the student's graduate program confirms is appropriate for the student's academic growth.
  3. The student must have been invited/accepted to officially participate in the event, e.g., had a paper accepted, made a presentation (poster or oral) which they have authored/co-authored, presented an exhibit, performance, or led a conference session. Proof of invitation/acceptance must be provided along with the request.
  4. Events may be in person or virtual.
  5. For projects that involve more than one SIU graduate student, this program can only fund one of the student authors.
  6. Students on Research Assistantship appointments that are supported by external funds are not eligible for Graduate School funds under this program. Instead, the PI of the student MUST make a financial commitment to reimburse the student for more than or equal to $500.
  7. Students with Scholarships or Fellowships that include funds designated for travel, such as the NSF GRF, are NOT eligible for Graduate School Professional Development funds at this time.
  8. A student may only receive this award once every two academic calendar years.

Student Responsibilities

  1. At least 30 days prior to the start of the event, complete page 1 the Graduate Student Professional Development Funding Request (GSPDFR) and submit it to gradbusiness@siu.edu along with a copy of the invitation/acceptance letter/email from the event organizers.
  2. After the GSPDFR is received, the Graduate School will forward it to your Academic Advisor and Director of Graduate Studies for their approval. Both parties must approve in order for your request to be processed.
  3. After your GSPDFR is processed by the Graduate School, you will receive a signed copy via email from gradbusiness@siu.edu.
  4. Attend the professional development event, and save all receipts for expenses paid.
  5. Within 10 days after the close of the event, submit all receipts, a copy of the event program page that documents your presentation/participation, and the required Travel Expense Voucher or Invoice Distribution Form to your Director of Graduate Studies or the business staff for your program.

Limitations

  1. Funding for graduate student professional development is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on available funds.
  2. Requests must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event, and follow-up documentation must be received by the Graduate School within 20 days after the event.
  3. All University/State restrictions on travel apply.
  4. A student may only receive this award once every 2 academic calendar years.
  5. Funding will not cover expenses that are already being reimbursed by other agencies or funding sources.

Instructions for Requesting Funding Support (pdf)

Graduate Student Professional Development Funding Request Form (pdf)

Students are encouraged to pursue other opportunities for professional funding, including their graduate program, school, or academic college. Also, the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) provides the following support to students: Travel and Conference Award and Professional Development Award. Visit GPSC Programming and Awards for more information about these awards.