The GSA Travel Fund was established in 1993 as a result of a GSA fee increase that took effect Winter Quarter of 1993. The GSA has continued to grant awards on a semi-annual basis since that time. The awards are granted to students attending either professional meetings or any professional development meetings that deal with topics affecting the graduate students' future goals (e.g. leadership, community service). Presentation of original scholarly work at the meeting is not required, but does increase your chances for funding (see selection guidelines below).

Three key differences exist between the Graduate Studies Travel Award and the GSA Travel Award. First, the Graduate Studies award applications are reviewed by your program chair and only a limited number of applications for awards are forwarded to Graduate Studies from each program. Second, Graduate Studies travel awards are for future travel only. Third, a Graduate Studies Travel Award can only be received once in a career, whereas a GSA Travel Award may be received multiple times. Awards are weighed toward applicants that have not received a GSA Travel Award in the last 6-12 months. In addition, a GSA Travel Award cannot be awarded concurrently with a Graduate Studies Travel Award.

The GSA Travel Award Committee awards grants. The committee is comprised of graduate students and chaired by the GSA Treasurer. If you are interested in being on this committee, and learning what it takes to write a dynamite travel award application, please contact the GSA Treasurer.

Eligibility

GSA members at the time of the application deadline are eligible. You are automatically a GSA member if you are a regularly enrolled graduate student (e.g., not on filing fee), enrolled in the Graduate School of Management, or enrolled in the Teaching Credential program. If there are questions about your eligibility please contact the Office Coordinator at 752-6108 or gsa@ucdavis.edu.

Awards

Awards range from $50-$500 and are based on the relative ranking of applicants based on established selection guidelines (see below). The number of awards will be based on the number of applicants and the merits of their applications. A minimum of 12 awards will be given in each period.

Awards are distributed as reimbursements. Reimbursement is contingent upon submission of original receipts and a completed Travel Expense Voucher.

Travel Award Guidelines

GSA Travel Awards are granted twice per year. Late applications will not be considered.

Fall Application Deadline (fiscal year: July 1 to June 30)

Friday January 4, 2008 (covers travel occurring from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008)

Spring Application Deadline (calendar year: January 1 to December 31)

Wednesday May 28, 2008 (covers travel occurring from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2008)

Application Packet Contents

1. Completed  Application 
2. Abstract of paper or poster as submitted for the meeting. Also include a notice of acceptance or copy of meeting brochure. If not presenting a paper/poster, submit a copy of material to be presented at the meeting.
3. A one page essay of why attending this meeting is important to you. (i.e., career placement, research exchange, specific relevance of this meeting, lack of opportunities to travel due to funding, etc.). As you write your essay, please keep in mind that your audience (the committee deciding whether to grant your award) may not be familiar with the meeting you plan to attend; if it is the most important meeting in your field, it would behoove you to mention that fact. This essay is your chance to argue on your own behalf. Be mindful that your application will be competing against many others which assert that the groundbreaking work that is part of the dissertation or thesis will be presented at the field's most prestigious conference in a context which will increase opportunities for networking with the field's most influential people. Your essay should somehow stand out from all of these others.
4. Copy of UC Davis graduate transcripts (unofficial SISWEB copies are acceptable)
5. A page or two on which you list:
   • leadership and community service activities. Please list a maximum of three (the most significant) of each. Detail nature of leadership or community service as necessary,
   • publications and awards. Please list a maximum of five (the most significant),
   • expected expenses for travel to meeting.
6. Letter of recommendation from peer, professor or administrator. Like the essays, the most effective letters of recommendation go beyond the already very high average set by the bulk of applicants.  Letters must be turned in with with application by the due date. 
   
7. Return completed applications to the GSA office, 253 South Silo.

The Travel Awards Committee will meet shortly after the application deadline. Applicants will be notified of the results by letter. One week after the posting of those letters the GSA's website will also include a list of the names of those who have received awards.

Selection Guidelines (Total of 100 points)

1. Progress to degree (more senior students score higher): 10 points
2. Abstract of presentation, and/or Meeting brochure: 20 points
3. Essay stating significance of meeting to future goals: 25 points
4. Academic Record: 10 points
5. Leadership and Community Service:10 points
6. Publications and Awards: 10 points
7. Letter of Recommendation (peer or professor): 15 points
8. Have received a GSA Travel Award in the last 6/12 months: Subtract 10-20 points
   

Past Travel Award Recipients

Congratulations to January 2007 Travel Award Recipients:

Note: If you did not recieve a letter, please come by the GSA office and we can give you a copy.