Graduate Studies

Funding for Graduate Student Research and Conferences

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024–2025 funding. 

Molly Tuttle presenting at the 2023 Statewide Student Research Competition

This funding is designed to support the academic and professional development of current graduate students by providing up to $300 to help alleviate the financial burdens associated with traveling to present research at conferences within the United States and purchasing essential research equipment.

Funding Availability:
  • Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Support will be distributed until the allocated budget for the 2024–2025 academic year has been fully disbursed. It is recommended that students submit their applications as early as possible, even if they do not plan to use the funds until Spring 2025.
  • If you are presenting at a conference, you will be reimbursed via a Travel Claim (direct reimbursement).
  • If you are attending a conference, your support will be processed through Financial Aid and not through a direct reimbursement. 
  • Please note that all travel expenses will be reimbursed. Funding will not be provided before travel. 
Eligibility Criteria: 
  • Only current graduate students are eligible to apply for these funds.
  • Application Submission: All applicants must complete the funding application and submit all supplemental documents, including a faculty support letter, before their application will be considered. Coordination with the Graduate Coordinator or faculty mentor is necessary to ensure timely submission of all required documents.
  • Students may apply for funding support for:
    • Travel to present at conferences
    • Travel to attend conferences related to your program
    • Research equipment
Travel Guidelines
  • Requests with Travel: Applications that include travel must be submitted no less than three weeks before the departure date. Additional coordination and documentation are required to process travel requests for students before the commencement of travel.
  • Pre-Travel Requirements: Students are required to complete all necessary Risk Management travel documents, including the Travel Liability Waiver and Emergency Contact Form. These documents are required for reimbursement.
    • The Office of Graduate Studies will request and provide the required travel paperwork to the student for completion.
    • If the Graduate Coordinator, Faculty Mentor, or home department initiates the travel paperwork, copies must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to travel.
  • Travel Reimbursement: Travel expenses will be reimbursed up to the allocated amount. Funds cannot be advanced.
  • Students coordinating travel with their department must inform the Office of Graduate Studies. This includes if they are:
    • Receiving any funding from the department.
    • Having the department cover a portion of travel and/or expenses.
    • Requesting Risk Management Travel paperwork.
 Equipment Funding:
  • Please check with the Office of Graduate Studies before submitting funds for equipment requests. For additional information, contact Adrienne Glatz at aglatz@csuchico.edu.

 For additional information, contact Adrienne Glatz aglatz@csuchico.edu

Application Process

Graduate Student Application Process

  • We are no longer taking applications for 2024–2025. 
  • Your one-page justification must include the following:
    • How the funds will enhance your research.
    • How the funds will be specifically spent: include research or conference destination, travel dates, and an itemized budget. When planning to use these funds for travel, you must submit your application no less than three weeks prior to your departure.
      • If you also be receiving funding from your department, and if those funds will be state-side or CSE.
    • Be sure to include your name and your faculty mentor's name, and your department.
    • State whether you intend to participate in Chico State's Annual Student Research Competition(opens in new window).*
    • State whether you intend to apply for the Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program in fall 2024 or spring 2025.* Information on the Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program may be found at http://calstate.edu/PreDoc/

Faculty Mentor Application Process

  • Your graduate advisor or faculty mentor must submit a brief letter in support of your research or conference attendance.
  • This letter must be submitted before your application can be accepted. We suggest you coordinate the timing of your application submission with your mentor.