1. The University of Maine Graduate Student Orientation
GSG Grants Workshop
August 25, 2016

2. GSG Grants
GSG grants fund graduate students’ research and professional development
Graduate students in all disciplines may apply
Eligibility Requirements:
Graduate Student Activity Fee
Department’s GSG Senator: 75% attendance at GSG Senate Meetings
The GSG grants are set up to serve graduate students. We want to support the professional development of students and to support students’ research.
It’s very important to make sure that your department is represented in the GSG. Your rep needs to attend at least 75% of the bi-monthly senate meetings. I highly recommend that you come to our first senate meeting on September 10th. Everyone is welcome and if you think that you want some leadership experience, you can help represent your department (and ensure that you’re eligible to apply for grants)
GSG Grants Workshop

3. Grant Cycles GSG funds up to $850 per cycle Fall Application Cycle
Deadline is September 30th at 5pm
Spring Application Cycle
Includes summer session
Deadline typically in February
Reimbursement of expenses incurred during previous application cycle
There are two application cycle for our grants.
GSG Grants Workshop

4. Funding Categories Travel to Present Degree Related
Expenses to travel to and present at a conference or professional meeting
Only one individual funded per presentation
Degree Related
Professional development or networking opportunity
Research supplies (including undergraduates)
Travel expenses to a conference if not presenting
GSG Grants Workshop

5. Application Process The application includes:
Abstract: 2 typed pages, double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman font, 1” margins
Itemized Budget
Budget Explanation
Submit a single pdf that includes your abstract, budget, and budget explanation
GSG Grants Workshop

6. Application Process FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!
Deductions are strictly applied
Late submissions are not accepted
Rejections can happen!
Content-based rather than merit-based format
Clarity, sentence structure, intent and purpose
Follow the examples on the GSG’s website
GSG Grants Workshop

7. Copy of itemized budget example available on GSG Grants website:
Application Process
Copy of itemized budget example available on GSG Grants website:
GSG Grants Workshop

8. Application Process Seek assistance from:
Your advisor or graduate coordinator
Other graduate students in your department
The Writing Center at 402 Neville Hall (9-5pm), Fogler Library (6-8pm)
Website:
Tel: (207)
Paige Mitchell works with international students
GSG Grants Officers
GSG Grants Workshop

9. Application Review Applications are anonymously reviewed
Interdisciplinary panel of graduate students
Write to an educated general audience
Unfamiliar with the merits of your work
Eliminate jargon or colloquial language
Professional and University benefits
Grants awarded at 100%, 75%, and 50% of the amounts requested
Consider alternative sources of funding

10. Funding Obligations
Awardees must submit all original receipts with a typed, dated, and signed report by deadline specified in the application
Proof of presentation required for travel-to- present category
Conference itinerary or web listing
Submit proof of presentation and original receipts as soon as possible after the conference
GSG Grants Workshop

11. Funding Obligations
Funds can only be used for specific items approved in the application budget
Misused or unused GSG funds must be returned to the grants officer with:
Letter of explanation
Check payable to:
Graduate Student Government
GSG Grants Workshop

12. Clubs & Organizations
GSG will award up to $600 per year to clubs and organizations that promote professional, educational, cultural, and/or social engagement of the graduate community
Guest speakers in relevant field
Networking opportunities
GSG does not fund social events.
Beer and pizza parties
Bowling night
Explain social events versus social clubs: i.e. Habitat for Humanity social group -we would cover cost of driving to building sites but not fund a night out to discuss which sites to go to
GSG Grants Workshop

13. Clubs & Organizations
Clubs seeking recognition submit an application to the GSG Senate for approval.
Briefly describe the purpose of the club and its role in the graduate community
Clubs must apply for funding each year
Clubs that receive funding must submit an annual report that includes:
Names of Executive Committee and GSG senator
Outline of the activities conducted
List of expenses with original receipts
Statement reflecting benefits to graduate community
GSG Grants Workshop

14. Clubs & Organizations
Funds are not dispersed until the department’s GSG senator confirms that the club meets the GSG mission to serve the professional and social life of graduate students
GSG Grants Workshop

15. Partial List of Graduate Clubs
Chemical Engineering Graduate Students
Clinical Psychology Diversity Committee
English Graduate Students’ Association
Food Science Club
Graduate Business Association
National Association of Women MBAs
National Society of Black Engineers
History Graduate Student Association
School of Marine Sciences Club
Wildlife Ecology Graduate Student Group
Women in Academia
GSG Grants Workshop

16. Contact Information
Graduate Student Government
Attn: Grants Officer
University of Maine
5755 Stodder Hall
Orono, Maine,
Website:
GSG Grants Workshop