Graduate Student Professional Development Awards (GSPDA)

Note to applicants - Given the limited budget for funding each year, students should: 1.) Plan and select their professional development opportunities at least 1 year in advance. 2.) Plan cost sharing in their budget: apply for and secure funding support from multiple sources. 3.) Request a consultation with the Office of Grants and Fellowships prior to submitting their application. 4.) Submit the application at least 3 months prior to the proposed event/opportunity due to the high cost of travel and high demand for spring and summer events. Available funding rapidly depletes beyond February and March. The last 2023-24 submission cycle will be April 2024 (May 2024 funding decision).

Graduate School Professional Development Awards (GSPDA) support academic and research training of graduate students within our degree programs. Awards are funded by the Notebaert Professional Development Fund, the Joseph F. Downes Memorial Fund, and the Zahm Research Travel Fund. Funding is available for expenses related to conference presentations; participation in seminars, short courses, or workshops; research at other institutions; and other training activities in support of scholarly and professional development. Note: Arts and Letters students seeking dissertation research travel or artistic projects (MFAs) should apply for an ISLA Graduate Student Research Award (GSRA).

GSPDA funding is not typically limited to a set amount or number of awards per student. However, you are encouraged to apply to multiple sources, including other campus partners e.g. GSG, ISLA, Nanovic, etc. and your program.

Note to international/non resident students: please consult the university FSA tax letter for important implications regarding higher tax withholding on award payments and reimbursements.

Please consult the the GSPDA Drive for detailed application instructions and post-funding requirements. Students are highly encouraged to review the: Proposal Guidelines and Application Instructions

Application Checklist: Did you include the following?

• Proposal - upload, with word count: 1,000 word limit
• Budget - upload itemized costs; optional: justification, if helpful
• Faculty recommenders notified (A&L: 2 letters required; 1 letter ok if DGS/advisor are same/no advisor; Keough-PhD, Sci & Eng: LORs not required)
• Supporting document uploads: budget estimates (flights, hotels, 1/3 per diem, activity costs, etc.); conference/workshop acceptance notification; programs/agendas optional
• NDI Travel Registry - required for all international travel
• IRB approval - if required for research presentation
• CV - include professional development awards/activities, travel grants, and/or external funding won or applications submitted, regardless of result/status

1. If you encounter technical issues, please contact Submittable technical support.