The Dean’s Student Travel Fund program provides grants for undergraduates and graduate students to present original research, papers, or posters at professional and academic conferences.

Eligibility & Award Stipulations

  • Student researcher
    These awards are available to undergraduate and graduate students with majors within the College of Letters & Science.
  • Students may apply for an award up to $1000 to present papers or posters at a conference. Expenses can include airfare, lodging, mileage and/or conference registration fees. Please be aware that the College cannot fund students who will only be attending a conference and not presenting.
  • This award cannot be used for trips to complete or shadow research. 
  • Please keep in mind that approval of applications will not be made until a few weeks into each semester, so plan accordingly and have a backup plan if you are not approved for funding. 

Application

Students must submit the following packet to clsawards@montana.edu.

  1. Contact information, including full name, major, phone number, email address, number of credits completed and GPA. Students should include this information in a cover sheet.
  2. Summary of opportunity you are applying to: Research topic, location, name and dates of conference.
  3. A short budget, to include estimated registration, travel, and lodging
  4. Essay component (300-400 words): Please describe how this award will advance your research and/or professional goals?
  5. One recommendation letter from a faculty member speaking to student potential and specific research opportunity. Please reach out to a faculty member as soon as possible to give them an adequate amount of time to write your recommendation letter. Faculty members can send the recommendation letter directly to clsawards@montana.edu.

Award Periods

There are two award periods during any given academic year:

Fall Application Period

This period covers opportunities occurring between July 1 and December 31. Fall application becomes available on the first day of each Fall semester. Any travel occurring between July 1 and notification of award will be considered for retroactive reimbursement.

Spring Application Period

This covers opportunities occurring between January 1 and June 30. Spring application becomes available on the first day of each Spring semester. Any travel occurring between January 1 and notification of award will be considered for retroactive reimbursement.

Application Due Dates, 2026-2027 Academic Year

Travel Between July 1 and December 31, 2026 - Application available first day of Fall semester

The Fall 2026 application for travel between July 1 and December 31, 2026 is due by Thursday, September 17, 2026 by 5:00 pm.

Travel Between January 1 and June 30, 2027 - Application available first day of Spring semester

The Spring 2027 application for travel between January 1 and June 30, 2027 is due Thursday, February 11, 2027 by 5:00 pm.

Acceptance

Students will work with their home department on spending their awards. Award recipients are encouraged to attend and participate in the CLS awards ceremony at the end of the academic year.