document iconmyCSUSM
cougar courses logoCOUGAR COURSES
email iconEMAIL
email iconMS OFFICE APPS
password iconPASSWORD
MANAGEMENT
Your  Account:
document iconmyCSUSM
cougar courses logoCOUGAR COURSES
email iconEMAIL
office iconMS OFFICE APPS
password iconPASSWORD
MANAGEMENT
Research

Student Travel Resources

Student Travel Resources are Now Available!

Students are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited and applications will be supported while funding is available.

Please keep in mind that submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Any funds awarded are non-transferable and must be used for the approved travel. Reimbursements will be based on actual, approved expenses incurred, up to the amount awarded.

We’re happy to help support student travel and encourage you to explore the resources available!

Student Travel Resources

The Graduate Research Dissemination Fund and Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Fund are designed to help students capitalize on scholarship and creative activity completed at CSUSM.  

Funding  for students may range from $50.00 up to a max of $500.00 of allowable costs.  

Funding decisions shall be made in the order of when the application was received. Funds are on a first come, first service basis until funds are exhausted. 

Show All
  • Eligibility

    Who Can Apply?

    • You must be a currently enrolled CSUSM student.
    • You must be in good academic standing when you apply and during your travel.

    Funding Opportunities 

    Graduate Students

    • Funding is available through the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.
    • You must be presenting your research at a conference.
    • You can receive funding once during your graduate program, depending on available funds.

    Undergraduate Students

    • Funding is available through the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities program.
    • Funding supports students presenting research or creative work completed at CSUSM.
    • You can receive funding once during your undergraduate career, depending on available funds.

    Eligible Travel

    • Travel should occur between September and May of the current academic year.
    • Examples of eligible activities: Presenting a paper or poster at a conference.
  • Guidelines
    • Funding is limited:
      • Once per undergraduate career
      • Once per graduate career
    • Applications are reviewed and funded in the order they are received. Funds are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted.
    • Applications should be submitted 2 weeks before travel.
    • Incomplete applications will not be sent on for review.
    • Payment & Expenses:
      • Funding is provided as a reimbursement after travel is completed.
      • Conference registration fees are an exception and must be paid on a Universal Card. These fees can be processed in advance, if needed.  
      • Meals are reimbursed using a daily per diem rate (not actual receipts). 
    • Other expenses must be:
    • Additional Notes: 
      • The amount of the funding may depend on other funding your receive. 
      • Both individual and group projects are eligible for funding. 
  • Application Process

    If you have not yet received confirmation of your presentation acceptance within the two (2) week deadline, you may still apply.

    • Submit your application along with a brief statement indicating that you have applied to present and are awaiting a decision.
    • Any funding granted will be contingent upon proof of acceptance to present.
  • Approval
    • If funded, the applicant and faculty advisor will be notified via email and will receive a letter from the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.
    • Funds are granted as a reimbursement on actual travel incurred expense as indicated in the CSU Travel Policy and CSUSM Procedures.  
  • Reimbursement

    Most travel reimbursement will be process through the college travel coordinator. 

    Conference registration will be paid using a universal card rather than reimbursement. 

    After travel, work with your college contact to submit materials needed for an expense report:  

    • Agenda: Conference agenda
    • Receipts: Receipts for expenses being reimbursed
    • Proof of Attendance: Photo of your name badges or another photos confirming attendance
    • Mileage: If claiming mileage, provide your Driving Safely, Driving Smarter certificate.

    A quick note about timing: Reimbursements must be completed before the end of the fiscal year. Materials should be submitted as soon as possible after travel to allow plenty of time for processing. 


Other Resources

Contact Information

  • Office of Graduate Studies and Research