Undergraduate Research

Conference Funding

Student Conference Funding

The Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences maintains a limited fund to support student
participation in professional meetings to present research. Students who have conducted particularly noteworthy research and who wish to travel to a professional meeting to present their work, may apply to the Office of the Dean of Arts & Sciences for grants to cover half of their total travel costs, up to $500. The remainder of expenses may come directly from the student, a faculty grant (if the terms of the grant allow), a departmental gift fund, or another source. Professional meeting attendance is an important development tool for students. If the student isn’t presenting, departmental endowed or restricted funds can be used to support their costs.


Given the high demand for support, funding is limited to students currently enrolled in
the College and recent graduates who wish to present their research during the summer
months immediately following graduation. Students may request Dean’s Office funding
for no more than one conference from the time of their enrollment at the College
through three months following their graduation. Departments seeking funding for more
than two students to attend the same conference should consult with the Dean’s Office
before submitting the request. The total amount of funding awarded to multiple
students from one department will not exceed $1,000 per meeting.


As a condition of funding, students must provide documentation of their invitation to
present their work, the specific dates of travel, the means of travel, and the place of
accommodation (hotel, friend, etc.). Prior to travel, the student must sign and submit to
the Dean’s Office a waiver releasing Oberlin College from liability while the student is off
campus and acknowledging that the student is subject to the College’s regulations,
policies, and procedures while off campus. A waiver form is available on the A&S Dean’s
office Blackboard site under the Student Travel tab. ObieSafe policies should be followed at all times and take precedence over this document.


How to request support: Students should apply by sending a letter to Angela Szunyogh, Chief Business Officer, indicating:

(a) the name of the professional meeting, its location, and date(s);

(b) a brief description of the nature of the research project that is to be presented and the manner in which the results will be presented;

(c) documentation of their invitation to present their work,

(d) a budget detailing anticipated travel, registration, and lodging costs;

(e) the name of the faculty member who supervised the
research;

and (f) a travel waiver.

The faculty research supervisor should also send an email endorsing the trip. If the faculty member has a grant with funds allocated to student travel, the grant funds should be utilized for that purpose. Chairs and Directors should indicate by email if departmental funds are being used for the match.


Travel grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, and receipts are required for all expenses. Within 30 days of the conference students who receive travel funds must submit – to Angelina Baker, A&S Business Manager – a brief report on their conference participation along with receipts. Reimbursable expenses are limited to travel, registration and lodging. The College also reserves the right not to grant a reimbursement for any travel during which the student engages in any conduct violating applicable College policies, practices, or procedures, or any applicable law.

Student Wavier for Arts and Sciences Travel