EGSA Conference Support Fund

The EGSA Conference Support Fund is designed to defray the expenses of graduate students to attend conferences by reimbursing shared travel and/or accommodation expenses of up to $100 per pair of graduate students. This fund is designed to work in tandem with other funding sources, such as the department funding and GPSS Professional Advancement Grants, to provide comprehensive financial support for conference attendance.

APPLY HERE
*please read instructions before applying*

Eligibility Criteria:
Be a current EGSA member.
 Apply for department funding and GPSS PAG.
Share conference expenses (accommodation or transportation) with at least one other EGSA member.

Priority may be given to pairs where at least one student:
Has not been approved for a GPSS PAG award or has exhausted allowable department funds.
Is attending the conference as a non-presenter (eligible for $375 department funding only).
 

Eligible Expenses Ineligible Expenses

Shared Accommodation Costs: 
Lodging expenses split between two or more students.
Receipts must clearly show the total cost and how it was divided.

Shared Transportation Costs:
Fuel/mileage and parking fees for personal vehicles used for carpooling.
Ride-sharing services (e.g., Uber, Lyft) for shared airport trips.

-Meals, snacks, or personal food and beverage expenses, even if shared.
-Entertainment, shows, or recreational activities outside of conference events.
-Expenses that are not shared between students.

Application and Reimbursement Process


Step 1.
Complete the application form
Fill information regarding conference information, shared arrangements with the other EGSA member, and estimated costs.
Provide proof that you have applied for or have been approved for departmental funding and GPSS PAG (if eligible).
Submit the application two weeks before the conference start date.
 

Step 2.
Receive confirmation for approval of EGSA funds
EGSA will notify you of your funding approval within two weeks of application submission. 
Be aware that funds are limited, and approval operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
You may also receive partial reimbursement based on fund availability.
 

Step 3.
Attend the conference
Keep detailed receipts of shared travel or accommodation expenses. 
Make sure receipts clearly indicate the total cost and how it was split between students.
 

Step 4.
File for reimbursement using Workday
Submit original receipts within two weeks after the conference ends.
Ensure receipts clearly show the total cost and each student’s share.
Workday directions for filing reimbursement can be found [here].
If you encounter issues with Workday, contact egsa@iastate.edu
 

Step 5.
Reimbursement Review
EGSA will review receipts for compliance. 
Approved reimbursements will be processed up to $100 per pair of students.
 

Questions:
For questions or support, please contact EGSA team.

*This fund is being supported by the Department of Economics and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.