Participation in conferences is one of the most important means of
professional development for academic researchers. When you present
papers at conferences, you will have an opportunity to meet other
professionals who are either working in your field or are interested in
what you are doing. Presenting papers hones up your presentation
skills, and the more you do it, the more comfortable and better you
will get at it. (Remember to bring along copies of your CV or resume
and/or business cards to hand out at all professional conferences.)
To
support your efforts, the Graduate School has developed a Matching
Travel Fund, each year setting aside approximately $15,000 to help
advanced Ph.D.candidates in one of the 31 Arts and Sciences programs
participate in major national professional conferences (or DMA
candidates who travel for first performances of original musical
compositions). We require that departments match the amount granted
with funds from their own budgets. GSAS will match up to a maximum of
$250 towards transportation expenses only. Food, lodging, registration fees, etc. will not be considered for reimbursement.
Eligibility: To be considered for a Matching Travel Award, students must have completed all of the requirements for the
MPhil degree by the conclusion of the semester during which the
conference takes place. The student must be within the seven (7) year
academic time limit and be presenting a paper at an appropriate
professional conference. Students may not receive travel funds more
than once per academic year. When applications exceed available funds students who have not received an award in previous years will have priority over those students who received awards.
Deadlines: Matching Travel Awards are awarded three times per year, with the following deadlines:
3 July: For conferences occuring between 20 May and 31 August
3 November: For conferences occuring between 1 September and 31 December
3 March: For conferences occuring between 1 January and 19 May
Please Note: We can only accept travel award applications for conferences that occur during the period of time covered by the deadline date.
Applications are available through the link below, and hard copies are
can also be obtained in 301 Philosophy Hall and in most departments.
All applications must include copies of original receipts
(not the originals themselves) or estimates of expenses. Completed
applications should be forwarded to the student's department.
Departments will then forward the application to Beatrice Terrien, Associate Dean, 107 Low Library, MC 4304. Applicants will be notified of the results by email within one month.
Reimbursement: Students who receive notification of an
award must then submit original receipts to their departments. The
department will complete a Travel & Business Expense Report, noting
"graduate student" next to the student's name. On the first account
line, the department will list the appropriate account to be charged
for their share (50%) of the grant. The completed form is then
forwarded by your department to Donna James in 109 Low Library, who
will add the Graduate School's account information and submit the form
and original receipts to the Accounts Payable office for processing.
For more information, please contact Craig Knobles at jck2@columbia.edu.
Travel Award Application Form (pdf)
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