1. The University of Maine Graduate Student Orientation
GSG Grants Workshop
August 24, 2017

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

3. Grant Cycles Deadline is September 29th at 5pm Includes summer session
GSG funds up to $850 per cycle
Fall Application Cycle
Deadline is September 29th at 5pm
Spring Application Cycle
Includes summer session
Deadline typically in February
Reimbursement of expenses incurred during previous application cycle

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

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

6. Copy of itemized budget example available on GSG Grants website:
GSG Grants Workshop

7. Application Review Professional and University benefits
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

8. Application Process FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!
Deductions are strictly applied
Late submissions are not accepted
Rejections can happen: failure to follow format / personal identifiers
Content-based rather than merit-based format
Clarity, sentence structure, intent and purpose
Follow the examples on the GSG’s website

9. 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 Officer

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, web listing, photo
Submit proof of presentation and original receipts with expense report
Failure to submit expense report affects future funding. Please see Grants Officer if extension is needed

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
If you wish to alter your use of funds please contact the Grants Officer

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
50% of funds requested can be used towards food.
Clubs wishing to exceed this amount may petition to the Grants Officer in writing for an exception.

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
Club representative presentation to GSG Senate
New club recognition applications due by September 22nd
Newly recognized clubs are on a semester-only funding schedule for one year.

14. Clubs & Organizations Clubs must apply for funding each year
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
Clubs that receive funding must submit an annual report that includes:
Briefly describe the purpose of the club and its role in the graduate community, list of events and activities, approximate count of attendees, and proof of advertising (flyer, social media, etc.)
Expense reports are mandatory and failure to submit required materials will affect changes of future funding

15. Partial List of Graduate Student Clubs
Clinical Psychology Diversity Committee
English Graduate Students’ Association
Graduate Board Game Club
Graduate Business Association
Graduate Earth Science Club
National Society of Black Engineers
History Graduate Student Association
Iranian Graduate Student Association
Men of Color
School of Marine Sciences Club
UMaine Association of Computing Machinery-Women
University of Maine Graduate Student Organization for Society and Natural Resources
Wildlife Ecology Graduate Student Group
Women in Academia

16. Contact Information
Graduate Student Government Attn: Grants Officer University of Maine 5755 Stodder Hall Orono, Maine, Office Hours: Wednesdays 1-2pm, 60 Stodder Hall or by appointment