GSS Funding for Professional Development

The Graduate Student Senate offers Funding for Professional Development (FPD) each semester to help graduate students offset the costs associated with professional development activities. These activities may include conferences, memberships in professional organizations, and other relevant pursuits. Applicants are required to first seek funding from their academic programs, using GSS as a secondary funding source. Further, if an applicant receives other external funding, GSS funding must be applied last.

FPD is offered in three categories.

Membership in Professional Organizations

This category covers fees for membership in professional organizations.

Academic Conference (Presenting or Attending)

This category provides funding for conference-related expenses, including registration fees, lodging (excluding Airbnbs), and transportation. Please note that meals and social activities are not eligible for reimbursement. Per university policy, to be reimbursed for any face to face conference expenses, you must register your travel via the Student Travel Registration form prior to departing for the event.

Other Professional Development Activities. 

This category covers fees for activities distinct from memberships or conferences, such as masterclasses, workshops, musical performances at national events, music tours and subscription services. Please note, software subscriptions or online courses that conflict with university courses or workshops are not eligible for funding under any category.

Please note: This year we have one application for all three types of funding. Only one award can be granted per category. For further assistance or questions, email gss@bgsu.edu. 

Guidelines for Funding for Professional Development (FPD) - Fall 2025

Activity date range:  August 23, 2025 - January 9, 2026

• Applications will open on: August 15, 2025
• Applications are due 11:59pm EST on September 19, 2025
• Applicants will be notified of the award status on or before October 3, 2025.

Please contact GSS Vice President Shubham (gss@bgsu.edu) with any questons/concerns.

We are not able to guarantee a dollar amount you will receive if you are chosen to receive funding for professional development. The amount is determined by the number of applications received and amount of funds being requested.

Click here to see how much was given in the past few semesters.

Application Process

Eligibility

• Complete the application through the Qualtrics link provided in the GSS Canvas Shell.
• Activity Date: Must fall within the semester's FPD date range.
• Enrollment Requirements:
  • Fall: Enrolled in at least 4 credit hours during the Fall semester.
  • Spring: Enrolled in at least 4 credit hours during the Spring semester.
  • Summer: Enrolled in either 1 credit hour during the Summer semester or enrolled in 4 credit hours during the Fall or Spring semester.
• In good standing with the Graduate College:
  • Minimum of 3.0 GPA and/or;
  • Not on academic probation.
• Academic Unit Standing:
  • The applicant’s Academic Unit must be in good standing with GSS.
  • Verify standing with your senator or program coordinator.
• Late submissions will not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated by the Finance and Allocation Committee* (FAC) of GSS, chaired by the Treasurer or Vice President, and including SEC members and senators appointed by the Vice President. Decisions made by the chair are final.

• Application limit per category: Only one application per semester.
• Completeness and clarity of the application
• Funding priority will be given in the following descending order:
  • Conference presenters
  • Conference attendees
  • Other professional development activities and memberships
• Explanation of how the professional development activity or membership aligns with BGSU’s mission as a public university serving the public good.
• Clear objectives and their connection to the applicant’s professional development.
• Disclosure of external funding sources, such as departmental support or grants.
• Total number of overall applications.

* Except during summer when the committee is reconfigured to accomodate the absence of senators.

Procedural Complience

• Applications must be for individuals—no group applications.
• Applications submitted in the wrong category will be denied.
• Applicants must adhere to the deadlines provided for appeals.
• Multiple applicants may not receive funding reimbursement for the same expense. No duplication of receipts.
• Only eligible graduate students may be reimbursed, departments are not eligible to receive reimbursment.
• Funding may be rescinded if reimbursement procedures or guidelines are not followed.

Reimbursement Process

Prior to beginning the reimbursement process, please review the GSS Reimbursement Instruction video. 

Timeline

• Complete application for FPD before the application deadline.
• Reimbursment will be processed approximately eight weeks after applicant correctly completes application on Chrome River.

Receipt Requirements

• Receipts must be submiteed through Chrome River within 30 days of the event or expense. Students are permitted additional time during the summer semester if and only if they do not have access to chrome river.
• Receipts must clearly show that the applicant paid for the expense. If another party paid, the applicant must provide a copy of the receipt from the billing party and a written statement from the payer confirming they were compensated by the applicant

Supporting or Clarifying Information

• Many conference registrations include and/or require a membership to the organization. In this case, please submit a membership request and a conference funding request.
• If you do not have access to Chrome River, contact your academic department support person as they can initiate a reimbursement request.

Click here to review reimbursement instructions.

Reminders, Funding Guidelines, and Appropriate Use of FPD

• Registration will be required for all FPD travel reimbursements. Please complete the Travel Registration Form.
• If offered funding, reimbursement can only be given to the category for which it was awarded. For example, if you request funding for membership fees and are approved, you will only be reimbursed for the cost of membership and not any fees associated with conference travel.

Need more help with your reimbursement submission? Sign up for FPD Office Hours! Offered virtually on Thursdays from 1-2pm and in person on Fridays from 10-11am. Email gradcol@bgsu.edu to request an appointment!