Center for Student Research and Scholarly Engagement

Funding eligibility is open to undergraduate or graduate students who meet the following criteria: 

• Enrolled in a GVSU graduate program at the time of travel or halftime undergraduate student of Grand Valley State University at time of travel (6 credits for undergraduates)
• Is the primary presenter (listed first in the proof of acceptance) of research at a professional conference, or whose creative work is accepted for an exhibition or performance at a state, regional, or national competitive, juried event. 
• Have written support from a GVSU faculty member who can attest to the quality of the work and the academic or professional value of the conference. 
• Are in good academic, financial, and judicial standing with the University. 
• Have obtained all required research compliance approvals (for example, human subjects or animal care protocols), that are applicable. 

Applications must be submitted through the Center for Student Research and Scholarly Engagement’s online application system. A complete application includes: 

• Completed applicant profile in the application system. 
• Conference information (name, location, dates, sponsoring organization). 
• Proof of acceptance to present or perform, indicating the student’s name, project title, format (paper, poster, performance, exhibition, etc.), and the conference or event name. 
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV). 
• A faculty recommendation submitted by a GVSU faculty mentor or advisor. 

Applications will not be reviewed until all required materials, including the faculty recommendation, have been received. 

1. Review the eligibility criteria and important dates to confirm that your conference and travel dates fall within an open quarter and that you can submit at least 30 days before travel. 
2. Access the Academic Conference Fund application through the Center for Student Research and Scholarly Engagement. 
3. Complete your applicant profile and provide all requested conference details.
4. Upload your résumé or CV and proof of acceptance to present or perform. 
5. Identify a GVSU faculty member who will submit a recommendation and enter their GVSU email address correctly in the system, so the request is routed to them. 
6. Submit your application once all sections are complete and your faculty recommendation has been requested. 

You will receive an email notification once a decision has been made. Please allow for 10 business days for processing.

All funded Graduate and Undergraduate students are expected to: 

• Represent GVSU in a professional manner at the conference or event. 
• Comply with all University policies related to travel, conduct, and research compliance. 
• Acknowledge support from the Academic Conference Fund and the Center for Student Research and Experiential Learning in presentation or performance materials, when appropriate. 

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in ACF applications must align with University and OURS AI guidance on academic integrity. 

• AI tools may assist with brainstorming, editing, or revising application materials, but may not replace your own analysis, critical thinking, or reflection. 
• If AI tools are used in preparing your responses, you must clearly disclose that use within the application and indicate which portions of the text were significantly influenced by AI. 
• You are responsible for the accuracy, originality, and quality of all submitted work, regardless of whether AI tools were used. 

Failure to follow these expectations will be treated as a violation of academic integrity or research conduct policies.