Rackham Conference Travel Grant
U-M has updated the U-M higher risk travel designation system to be:
- Travel Health Low Risk—Exercise Normal Precautions
- Travel Health Medium Risk
- Travel Health High Risk
- Travel Warning
- Travel Restriction.
See Global Michigan and the Travel Health Plan / Safety Plan Flowchart for details.
U-M International Travel Restrictions
Due to U-M International Travel restrictions, the conference travel grants for international travel will not be granted until we have all the required documents. Once you have all of the international documentation please attach it to your travel application under “conference information and confirmation of presentation” or send copies to Rackham Finance and Fellowships at rackhamff@umich.edu.For the approval of the travel grant for international travel, please submit proof of:
U-M Travel Health Low Risk Destinations
- Travel Health Plan is not needed
- Travel registration
- Proof of GeoBlue Travel Abroad Health Insurance
- Any unit-level requirements if applicable. See the “Graduate Student Requirements” page on Global Michigan for specifics.
U-M Travel Health Medium Risk or Travel Health High Risk Destinations
- Complete a Travel Health Plan application at least three weeks before travel. (Example of a Travel Health Plan; Review Process for Travel Health Plans). Must be approved prior to travel.
- Travel Registration
- Proof of GeoBlue Travel Abroad Health Insurance
- Any unit-level requirements if applicable. See the “Graduate Student Requirements” pageon Global Michigan
Please see links below to access the required documents.
- Visit the U-M Travel Designations page to determine the status of your travel destination/s. You can see an example Travel Health Plan or Individual Safety Plan and view the U-M Travel Health Plan and Safety Plan Process for details.
- Review Global Michigan’s Travel Planning page and Safety and Security page.
- Register your travel and review details on U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance coverage details and the Post-Departure Trip Interruption coverage.
The Rackham Conference Travel Grant is intended to provide opportunities for Rackham graduate students to become familiar with, and participate in the life of, their academic professions. As part of its university-wide commitment to advancing international research and training, the International Institute provides funding for 30 awards to international destinations. The remainder of the funding comes from Rackham. You must submit your applications before the first day of the conference for travel through the end of the final term of registration. The conference may occur anytime up through your final semester of registration. Applications will not be considered for retroactive funding.The Rackham Conference Travel Grant cannot be combined with the Rackham Professional Development Grant or Rackham Graduate Student Research Grant.
Eligibility
Graduate students are eligible to apply for a Rackham Conference Travel Grant award if:
- The graduate student is in good academic standing in a Rackham degree-granting program.
- The student has responded to a formal call for abstracts.
- The student has been accepted to present a poster or paper at a conference.
Please note: M.F.A. Dance, Art and Design, or D.M.A. Music students are eligible for this funding to support a performance or exhibition at a conference.
Deadline
Ongoing. Complete applications, including the letter of recommendation, must be received before the first day of the conference.
Award Description
A student is eligible to receive one travel grant award (either domestic or international, but not both) during a fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30, based on the start date of the conference. For students who qualify for need-based financial aid (including the child care subsidy), receipt of this Rackham award may reduce the original loan amount or subsidy. Please contact the U-M Office of Financial Aid for help evaluating your individual circumstances.
- Up to $900 for the continental United States.
- Up to $1,150 for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.
- Up to $1,400 for Africa, Asia, South America, and Australia.
Application Process
Students may visit the Rackham Conference Travel Grant application and submit the following:
- Recommendation from the faculty advisor or graduate chair as to how the conference participation is directly relevant to the student’s research or graduate studies.
- Copy of the confirmation of presentation (letter or email is acceptable) with the applicant’s name clearly listed as a presenter or performer to verify the student’s acceptance to participate in the conference.
- A budget regarding the amount of funding requested and a list of the specific expenses covered by the award.