Funding Policy for IPER Student Research and Miscellaneous Expenses
November 17, 2006 updated 2/9/07

IPER has a relatively modest pool of unrestricted funds that we can use for limited support of students’ research and other expenses related to the IPER student community.  In general, it is expected that students’ faculty advisors support their research as much as possible and in some cases, students’ own fellowships include a research allowance.  And, of course, for summer research expenses, dedicated funds such as McGee and Rudolf are available on a competitive basis.  IPER also supports program-wide activities like the Brown Bag Lunch, the Mentoring program, and other IPER community events.

Recognizing that there are circumstances in which IPER would be the appropriate or only available source of funds for certain expenses, we ask that a request be submitted in writing for evaluation and record-keeping purposes.  This is not meant to be arduous for the student but allows us to ensure fairness, equity, and accountability in how we allocate funds. Typically expenses of up to $300 will be considered through this process.

Examples of expenses that have come to our attention that would fall into this category include software for data-analysis not available elsewhere and refreshments/support for student research symposia. For software specifically, IPER will cost-share with the student, covering up to 50% of the purchase price.

In your request, please include the following, as applicable and to the best of your ability:

• Description of item(s) to be purchased or expense to be covered, including how it advances or enhances your (and/or other IPER students’) research (a few sentences only);

• Estimated cost/budget and other contributions (i.e. cost-sharing for a symposium);

• List of users or participants (i.e other IPER students, students from a different program, faculty, off-campus collaborators, etc.);

• Explanation of what other sources of funding you have pursued and/or why alternative sources of funding are not available (i.e. why software needs to be purchased rather than used from an alternative free source on campus;

• If you are requesting reimbursement, please submit your receipt to Danielle Nelson.

Keep it simple – if we need more information we’ll ask.  Decisions will be made as quickly as possible by IPER staff in consultation with the Faculty Director, ExCom, or StuCom as needed.  Note that this is not a competitive process and there is no deadline.  While IPER funding is not a bottomless pot of gold, we have sufficient funds to get you what you need to succeed!