Graduate Student Research and Travel Grants

Western Kentucky University supports creative scholarship and the pursuit of excellence in graduate education. Limited funding is available for graduate student research projects and scholarly activities. These grants are intended to support research and creative inquiry that would not otherwise be possible with normal departmental resources.

The Graduate Council Research Committee (GCRC) reviews all proposals and makes funding recommendations. The Office of Research and Creative Activity (ORCA) administers awards.

Fall 2026 Semester Deadline: October 1, 2026

Spring 2027 Semester Deadline: February 2, 2027

Fall 2027 Semester Deadline: October 4, 2027

Research Grants

1. The graduate student completes the WKU Graduate Student Research Grant Application, which includes the Proposal Budget and Proposal Narrative
2. The student sends the application to their faculty advisor. The mentor/advisor must complete the one-page Letter of Endorsement in the space provided and sign the application within Section A indicating approval
3. The faculty advisor forwards the completed application to the department chair for signature in Section A
4. The department chair forwards it to the college dean or college signatory for signature in Section A
5. Once all signatures are obtained, the fully completed application is submitted to gsresearchgrant@wku.edu.

Travel Grants

1. The graduate student completes the WKU Graduate Student Travel Grant Application, which includes the Proposed Budget, Budget Justification, and Conference/Meeting Abstract (attach acceptance notification if available)
2. The student sends the application to their faculty advisor for review and signature indicating approval
3. The faculty advisor forwards the completed application to the department chair for signature in Section A
4. The department chair forwards it to the college dean or college signatory for signature in Section A
5. Once all signatures are obtained, the fully completed application and attachment are submitted to gsresearchgrant@wku.edu

Only completed applications with all required signatures will be reviewed

If the project involves human subjects, animal subjects, export control issues, rDNA/RGZ microbe, or bio-hazards, 
appropriate institutional approval must be obtained from the Office of Research Integrity. For questions, contact ori@wku.edu.

Fundable Expenses

• Subject participation payments, data coding and processing, clerical, and other needed support
• Special materials and equipment not normally provided by the department
• Travel essential to conducting the research or creative activity
• Cost of procurement of information, documents, and media not otherwise available
• Necessary stationery, supplies, and postage
• Conference registration, accommodation, and travel (for Travel Grants)

Non-Fundable Expenses

• Expenses already incurred
• Publication costs
• Equipment the department would normally purchase
• Books the library would normally acquire
• Salary for the student

Budget Requirements

• Must be itemized and directly related to the research proposal
• Any cost-share must be noted
• Deviations from the approved budget require a revised budget submission

1. Submit the complete application with all signatures to gsresearchgrant@wku.edu by the deadline
2. The Graduate Council Research Committee reviews the proposal (this process typically takes 3-4 weeks)
3. The student receives an email notification of the decision before the Award Start Date
4. If awarded, the student is contacted by email and receives an Award Letter, Initial Contract, Final Contract, and Budget Spreadsheet (spreadsheet is for the student’s personal use and does not need to be returned)
5. The Award Letter includes the award amount, the award expiration date (one year from the Award Start Date), and Procedures for Spending Grant Funds. The entire email is cc’d to the faculty advisor
6. The Initial Contract must be signed by the student and faculty advisor and returned to gsresearchgrant@wku.edu before any spending can begin
7. The Final Contract must be signed and submitted after the research project is completed. Both the student and faculty advisor must sign and return the Final Contract to gsresearchgrant@wku.edu.

• Work with your department office associate to make purchases using the department procurement card
• For travel or human subject payments, use Travel Expense Vouchers or Payment Authorization forms
• All purchases must follow WKU Purchasing Policy
• No reimbursements will be made for expenses that do not follow proper procedures or the approved budget

• Students may receive up to two research grants and two travel grants per degree (maximum total $2,500)
• Priority is given to students who have not previously received funding from this program
• Collaborative projects are allowed but must clearly define each person’s contribution
• Expenses incurred before award notification are ineligible
• Acknowledgment of support is encouraged in publications and presentations
• Apply early!