Student Travel Factsheet

What is Student Travel Fund (STF) ?

The Student Travel Fund serves as a source of financial support for RSMAS students presenting research results at scientific meetings, completing Masters internships, or embarking on certain types of degree related travel. The fund is administered by the Student Travel Fund Committee (STFC), which consists of one student representative from each division at RSMAS.

Where does the money come from ?

The fund is supported by money raised through the MSGSO auction and an annual gift from the RSMAS administration. The availability of student travel funds is dependent on the success of the auction. Student participation in fund raising events is necessary to ensure the continuation of these funds. PLEASE consider donating your time to MSGSO.

How do I apply?

Applicants should complete the appropriate application (I, II, or III) and submit it with the required supporting documents to your division representative or to the STFC chairperson. All applications must be reviewed at a STFC meeting PRIOR to travel. Retroactive applications cannot be accepted.

If fraud is discovered in an application, the committee may decide to revoke funding. Please be aware that if faculty members are co-authors of papers, the STFC expects that they will contribute to the cost of the presenting student whenever possible. Likewise, internship sponsors are expected to defray travel costs of their interns whenever possible.

Which type of funding should I apply for ?

STFC offers three types of funding: I- travels to scientific meetings, II- travels to Master's internships, III- other degree related travel (Supplemental Travel Fund). Please read carefully the information provided with each application to confirm your eligibility. Be aware that supporting documents are required with each application.

Type I: If you are traveling to a scientific meeting where YOU will be the sole presenter (i.e. first author) of research conducted while you have been a student at RSMAS. (download PDF)   HTML

Type II: If you are traveling to a MAF Master's internship, completion of which is required for the Master's degree. (download PDF)   HTML

Type III: (Formerly known as Supplemental Funding) If you must travel for any other reason besides type I and II and the travel is 1) mandated by your advisor/committee and is 2) directly related to the completion of Masters or Doctoral degree. *note- the availability of this type of funding is limited and is contingent on the success of fund raising events. STFC reserves the right to close this type of funding in years when the budget is constrained. (download PDF)   HTML

When should I apply?

STFC meets approximately 5 times per year, twice during each of the fall and spring semesters and once during the summer. Division representatives will notify students of specific deadlines and meeting dates will be posted on the MSGSO web site. The chairperson may call additional meetings if circumstances warrant. STFC suggests that you submit your completed application as early as possible.

Students may submit applications without all of the required supporting documents if they are not available at the specified meeting time. For example, a request for funds may be made after a student has submitted a paper or applied for an internship, but prior to the time the abstract acceptance or internship acceptance become available. A decision for funding can be made PENDING submission of the supporting documents. All applications, including supporting documents and signatures, must be completed BEFORE travel commences and before money will be disbursed.

What is the maximum amount of money I can receive?

STF awards are for a maximum of $300.00 for domestic travel, $400.00 for the Caribbean islands, and $500.00 for other international travel. Destinations within the 48 contiguous states are considered domestic. All other destinations, including Alaska, Hawaii and Central America are considered international. Awards can be given for less than the maximum amount when partial funding is available from other sources.

How do I receive my funds?

Student Travel Funds are only available as a reimbursement for travel expenses. Travel advances cannot be obtained through STF. Funds are disbursed from the UM business office via the RSMAS Graduate Studies Office (Susan MacMahon). It is the responsibility of STFC to award funds and to provide documentation of that award for reimbursement purposes. It is the responsibility of the student to handle their own reimbursement after travel by providing the appropriate receipts and their award letter to the Graduate Studies Office.

How often can I apply to STF?

Students are not limited to the number of applications. If students have legitimate travel that falls within the STF guidelines, they may apply more than once, even within one calendar year. Many Master's and Doctoral students travel to more than one scientific conference per year, especially towards the end of their graduate program. Please be advised that in years when the STF budget is limited, preference will be given to applicants who are in their final year and/or have not previously received an STF award.

Why was I denied funding ?

Denial of funds is rare and is usually attributed to violation of the eligibility rules provided for each type of funding. Students who are denied funding will receive notification explaining the decision. For example, if the STF budget is tight, you may be denied funding if you have already received an STF award while at RSMAS. You will also be denied funding if you are not the first author or sole presenter of the research. Type III applications may be denied when a clear and convincing case is not made by the student and his/her advisor that the travel is necessary to the completion of degree. PLEASE read the cover sheets to the applications to verify your eligibility. Again, the availability of these funds is contingent on student participation in fund raising events. Please consider donating your time.

Where else may I apply for travel funds?

Various other avenues exist for obtaining funding for degree related travel. GSA offers travel awards through a program called GAFAC. All students who pay the Student Activity Fee are eligible to apply. See the GSA web site for details.

The Provost's office also has a student travel program. Every graduate student may apply once during his/her graduate career. Applications may be obtained from RSMAS Graduate Studies Office, STFC chairperson, or the Provost's office.