Interdepartmental Graduate Programs (MCB, NSB, OEB, PB)
The purpose of the IDGP Student Travel Awards Program is to encourage students to attend these events by providing funds to supplement travel costs. Attending professional events is one of the best ways to learn about a discipline and begin building professional networks.
Eligibility
All PhD students in the MCB, NSB, OEB and PB programs who are in good academic standing are eligible to receive supplemental funds to attend Conferences and Workshops once each fiscal year, up to a lifetime limit of $2,500, depending on budget availability. Starting in their 3rd year, students must present their research in order to receive travel funds for a conference or workshop.
The travel funds are:
- $450 before completing the Prospectus
- $800 after completing the Prospectus
Travel Registration
Travel prior approval is required for all UMass student travel: Pre-Travel Authorization (Required Before Booking Travel).
Important: The pre-travel approval must be requested from either your home Department’s Chair or your graduate program director. Please refer to your CONCUR profile for further information on your assigned delegate.
Once the pre-travel authorization via CONCUR has been obtained, submit your request to the IDGP Office using this form and include the following information:
- Student’s Advisor Full Name
- Student’s Home Department Name
- Have you completed your Prospectus? YES/NO
- Year of study in the graduate program
- Travel Registration / pre-authorization ID (found in CONCUR)
- Conference or workshop (name, location and dates)
Once a query for a travel award has been submitted, the IDGP Office will confirm your GPD's approval for the travel award.