Travel Awards
The Institute for Sustainable Solutions (ISS) seeks to recognize outstanding work of PSU students, faculty and staff in the area of sustainability by helping to fund their travel to sustainability conferences and events, or to share the results of sustainability research. The award funds can be applied to airfare or mileage, conference fees, lodging, food, and other travel-related expenses as specified in the PSU Travel Guidelines (pdf). We will be offering travel awards for the 2011-2012 Academic Year that begins July 1, 2011 and ends June 30, 2012.
For the 2011-2012 academic year, the ISS is piloting a Sustainability Travel Award Program with monthly deadlines; this approach will be evaluated during the Winter term and revised as needed for subsequent terms.
Application Guidelines
- Travel may occur any time between July 7, 2011 and June 30, 2012.
- Applications are due January 13, February 1, March 1, April 2, May 1, and June 1.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply 2-3 weeks before the dates of travel.
- Award notification will be made approximately 2 weeks after the application due date.
- Early funding decisions will be contingent upon receiving documentation that proposed presentations have been accepted by conference organizers.
- Awards are given on a reimbursement basis only after the completion of the proposed travel.
- Student awards will be given in varying amounts, up to a maximum award of $750 for domestic travel, $1,500 for international travel, and $2,000 for internships of at least 2 months duration.
- Faculty/staff awards will be given in varying amounts, up to a maximum award of $1,500 for domestic travel and $2,500 for international travel.
- ISS reserves the right to partially fund an award.
- Applicants may apply more than one time during the academic year (July 1 - June 30), however priority will be given to those who have not previously received an award during this fiscal year.
- If, for any reason, recipients do not attend or participate in the function as described in the application, the award will be cancelled. The applicant may apply for future funding.
Selection Criteria
The selection process is very competitive, and funds are limited. Preference will be given to:
- Applicants who have not previously received ISS funding.
- Travel that aligns with PSU's sustainability vision and mission, sustainability research areas (for faculty), and campus-wide sustainability learning outcomes (for students).
- Travel to a conference or event where sustainability is the main focus.
- Applicants presenting keynotes, papers, posters, in panels, or otherwise actively participating in an event.
- Applicants demonstrating the importance of the travel for their scientific or professional development, academic achievement or professional networking.
- Clear and complete applications and budgets
Award recipients are required to provide a brief evaluation report upon completion of the travel. Portland State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity institution and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.
