The Office of Undergraduate Research provides support for students presenting or performing the results of their own research or creative work at professional conferences and events, including poster printing. The work must have been completed as part of a Furman academic endeavor, such as a summer research project or a project in an academic course. Acceptance to a conference does not by itself establish eligibility; the presentation must be based on the student’s own research or creative work. Funding is not available for conference attendance, professional development, or networking that is not tied to such a presentation. Review the Guidelines for Funding to Present at a Virtual or In-Person Conference before applying, as award limits, deadlines, and the cancellation policy are detailed there.
Student Research Presentation Funding
Application and Approval Process
- Review the Guidelines for Funding to Present at a Virtual or In-Person Conference
- Submit your application, including an abstract and a copy of your acceptance letter or email, at least two months (eight weeks) before the conference or event
- Receive approval from your faculty sponsor
- Receive approval from the Office of Undergraduate Research
- Ask your faculty sponsor to complete the Sponsored Event form if you will miss class, which routes to the Office of the Associate Academic Dean ([email protected]). Notification does not guarantee an excused absence, as attendance policies are set by individual professors.
- Meet with Student Conference Travel to register and book your travel ([email protected])
- Present at your conference (have someone take photos of you in action!)
- Complete the Post-Conference Report and any other follow-up paperwork
Apply for Funding
Funding covers one in-person conference per student, per academic year (August 1 through July 31). Awards are capped at $1,250 for domestic travel, $1,500 for high-cost cities on a case-by-case basis, and $1,750 for international travel. Requests above $1,250 must come from the faculty sponsor. Where costs exceed these caps, additional support may be considered based on financial need, using FAFSA information held by Financial Aid. Students who graduate in May remain eligible through September.
Faculty traveling with a group of more than five (5) students may submit the group application rather than having students apply individually. Departments should wait for approval before making purchases. Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) staff can also purchase on a student’s behalf; students or departments purchasing on their own need advance approval from CEL.
Contact Student Conference Travel ([email protected]) with any questions.