The Brown School Graduate Conference Fund (BSGCF) provides financial assistance to Brown School master’s level graduate students to participate in activities intended to facilitate their professional development, expand their educational experience, and expose their work and research to larger audiences. The Brown School is able to provide this support through the generosity of donors to the Jerry & Bonnie Alpert Fund for Student Development.
Students are encouraged to apply for assistance when financial barriers would otherwise prevent them from taking part in meaningful, career-oriented learning events or activities. Students may apply for assistance with the following costs:
- Academic or Professional Conference Registration Fees
- Leadership Development, Training, or Professional Workshop Fees
- Associated Travel Expenses
Financial assistance is allocated throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis, dependent on the availability of funds. Funding is typically approved in the amount of $150-$500 depending on event or activity.
The following activities will not be considered for BSGCF financial assistance: courses for credit towards your degree; study abroad opportunities; and costs associated with licensure exams, conducting a research project, completing a course project, interviewing experts, seeking practicum or job opportunities, visiting agencies/organizations, or participating in rallies.
Applicants must be enrolled in a Brown School masters-level program in good academic standing.
Applications should be submitted at least 30 days before the conference or activity is scheduled.
- Download and complete the application PDF form here:
Brown School Graduate Conference Fund (BSGCF) Application.pdf. - Email a completed copy of the BSGCF Application form and any supporting documents to brown-financialaid@email.wustl.edu
The BSGCF application form requires the following information:
- Applicant and program information
- Event or activity information (dates, location, purpose, web link)
- Description of planned experience and participation
- Itemized listing of anticipated expenses and amount of assistance being requested
- Disclosure of any additional funding support received or expected
- Explanation for late submission (if applying for assistance within 30 days)
- Supporting documentation, if applicable (e.g., copy of invitation or acceptance, presentation abstract, etc.)
- Completed applications will be reviewed within five business days of receipt by the Brown School Student Financial Services office; the applicant will be notified via email of the review outcome. If financial assistance is approved, the email will include the amount of funding provided and instructions for obtaining the funds via check or direct deposit.
Please note and avoid the following reasons that a request may be denied or delayed:
- Application form is not fully completed
- Application is submitted less than 30 days in advance of the event or activity without a stated justification
- Funding is being requested for an event or activity outside the parameters indicated above
- Students typically self-register and make their travel arrangements for associated events and activities.
- Students are responsible for informing their instructors in advance if participation in an event or activity will cause them to miss any class time; students are expected to minimize this.
- If multiple Brown School students participate in the same associated event or activity, they are expected to coordinate itineraries.
- Students are representing the Brown School publicly and should be mindful of their role as “ambassadors” of the University.
- Students must adhere to all Brown School and Washington University policies and codes of conduct.
Tips for Reducing Costs
Here are some ways to maximize your funding:
- Plan early; registration and other costs go up closer to the date of the event
- Inquire with the sponsoring organization about student rates or potential discounts
- Ask about volunteer opportunities; some conferences seek student volunteers and offer a registration discount
Questions? Please email brown-financialaid@email.wustl.edu.