ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COLLEGE
GRADUATE STUDENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESEARCH GRANTS
Procedures
Requests for funding will be submitted to the Graduate College, where a committee will review the requests and
make a recommendation on funding to the Dean of the Graduate College or their appointed representative. The
Committee will be appointed each year by the Graduate Dean and will consist of two members from the
Graduate Council, one member from the Graduate Student Council, and a designee from the Graduate College.
There will be five review cycles (tentatively set for February 1, April 1, June 1, September 1, November 1)
where applications will be accepted and reviewed. These awards will be competitive and are not guaranteed.
Requests for funding will be reviewed during each cycle, pending available funding. The committee also holds
the right to grant partial funding for the award and will notify the applicant of the rationale used.
Grant Criteria
Professional development or research grant proposals are expected to be consistent with the Graduate College’s
vision and mission and have a reasonable correlation to institutional goals, priorities, and constituencies.
Examples include proposals that:
Contribute to growth in knowledge of a field/discipline
Contribute to research activities that will enhance the graduate students ability to put into practice
what they have learned in their graduate studies
Represent significant professional service to professional association or the community
Enhance efforts that will improve the student’s overall professional growth in their chosen discipline
Eligible Funding Items
Items eligible for funding include (but not limited to):
Expenses associated with graduate research
Professional conferences for the purpose of remaining current in their chosen discipline, presenting a
paper or program at a professional conference, or serving in a significant official capacity
(registration costs only; will not cover membership dues)
*Priority will be given to students presenting or serving in an official capacity with the
conference.
Professional development for specific knowledge and/or skill acquisition (including webinars and
virtual conferences registration fees)
Funding is provided with the expectation that the developmental activity and/or research would increase the
graduate students’ knowledge and ability to put what they have learned in their studies into practice. Students
seeking funds to cover travel expenses and lodging for conferences will be directed to apply for funds from
Student Services, “Funding Opportunities” and click on the Student Development Fund Guidelines and
Application. http://www.atu.edu/campuslife/resources.php
Eligibility
All full-time graduate students (as defined by the ATU Financial Aid Office), currently enrolled in a graduate
program are eligible for funds. Students must be enrolled the semester they intend to use the funds. Graduate
students must be in good academic standing at the time of their application with the Graduate College and have
the support of their program coordinator. Graduate students are only allowed to receive one grant/academic
year.
Professional Development and Research Grant Limitations
A maximum of $250 may be awarded for each grant. These grants will be awarded from the Foundation
Office through the Student Accounts Office. A credit will be issued to the student’s account in the amount of
the grant, and a request will be sent for an immediate refund to the student in the amount of the award.
Application Process
Submit a completed application form.
Provide an abstract with an overview of the research or professional development activity, the student’s
role in the activity or research, and how this activity/research will be beneficial.
o For ResearchShare a list of individuals working on this research and their credentials; if the
research has been approved by IRB (if applicable); timeline to conduct research; and what you
will do with the results from the research. In addition, list out the individual expenses the funds
will be used to cover.
o For Professional DevelopmentProvide documentation showing the registration costs
associated with the conference/webinar/presentation.
Submit a one-page typed report upon the conclusion of their research or upon their return from the
professional conference.
o For ResearchShare the results of their research; provide receipts of expenses totaling award
amount.
o For Professional DevelopmentProvide a copy of the presentation (if applicable); a reflection of
their experience; and a copy of the agenda or some other documentation showing their
presentation on the conference schedule.
Students that receive funding and fail to submit either their documentation or the final report will have a hold
placed on their account that will prevent them from registering for classes, and they will lose the ability to apply
for future grants.
If a student is granted an award but does not complete the research or attend the conference, they are expected
to return the funds.
For Use Only by Professional Development/Research Grant Committee
Approved _____ Denied _____ ______________ ___________________________________________________
Award Amount Required signature Date
Eligibility Verified _____ Student Notified _____/_____/_____ Fund Request Submitted _____/_____/_____
Arkansas Tech University
Graduate College
Graduate Student Professional Development/Research Grant Application
Please check the intended use of requested funds.
Conference Attendance Conference Presentation/Contribution Research
Please check the grant cycle of application.
February April June September November
Name: _____________________________________________________ T#: __________________________
Email: ____________________________ Major: ______________________ Graduation: ____________
Current Graduate GPA: ___________
Conference title, location, and dates (attach agenda or program, if available and applicable):
Research proposal, title, location, and dates (if applicable):
Estimated Costs:
________ Registration Cost
________ Materials/Supplies
________ Other (explain): ____________________________________________________________________
________ Total Requested
Program Coordinator/Department Head*: ____________________________________________________
*The Graduate College may contact the individual listed above to verify their support of this request.
Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _____________________________
Email one-page abstract and other documentation to gradcollege@atu.edu when submitting your
completed application.
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