The purpose of Student Initiative Grants is to provide support for the events that bring together students, academically or socially, from various departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). In addition to monetary support, GSAC is also able to waive the rental fee for 301 Philosophy for eligible groups/events. Types of events supported in the past include, but are not limited to: academic conferences, discussion groups, social events, cultural events, and community service initiatives. The 2011-2012 GSAC budget can be viewed here
EligibilityEligible events must meet the following criteria:
Previously funded initiative grants can be seen here
Application ProcessApplications for funding will be accepted in three cycles each semester (Fall: Oct., Nov., Dec.; Spring: Feb., Mar., Apr.). Philosophy 301 is closed for the semester and cannot be rented. Applications will not be accepted during the summer. Applications should be submitted to the GSAC Finance Chair by email one week prior to the General Council Meeting. A representative from the group must be present at the following GSAC meeting to describe the event and answer any questions. Funding will be determined by a vote of the General Council. Funding comes in the form of reimbursement after the event (see Reimbursement section below).
Click here to download the funding application file (MS Word format).
301 Philosophy GuidelinesNOTICE: *Philosophy 301 is closed for the Spring 2012 Semester**
Here are steps for reserving 301 Philosophy and requesting a waiver for the rental fee:
Rental fee waivers for 301 Philosophy can be approved directly by the GSAC Finance Chair.
While GSAC grants rental fee waivers for 301 Philosophy, the Lounge is subject to a $160 clean-up fee. If the event takes place in 301 Philosophy, you are responsible for returning the space to its original state. This includes, but is not limited to, cleaning, sweeping, restoring furniture to it's original location, as well as closing all windows, turning off all the lights, shutting off all running water and locking the doors behind you.Also, trash should not remain inside Philosophy Hall over night. Please do not touch or move the artwork from the walls or place any item on or near the pianos.
In the event of any damage of property, Columbia security should be notified as soon as possible as well as GSAC.
Funding is on a reimbursement basis, i.e., you must submit receipts for expenses up to the amount awarded by GSAC. More specifically, you will need a printed copy of the GSAC award letter and a complete Columbia Travel and Business Expense Report.
Details of how to fill out a Travel and Business Expense Report can be found here.
Some highlights:
Bring these items to Claudia Souffront in 109 Low Library. Make sure the person submitting these materials is the Treasurer listed on the application, otherwise the reimbursement might not go through.
Following all funded events, a report of the event should be filed with the GSAC Finance Chair. This report should include the following points:
September 2011
GSAC is a non-partisan graduate student organization. GSAC's funding of an event does not imply its endorsement of any views or opinions of the event's organizers or participants.