SC15 Student Volunteers Program Now Accepting Applications

Feb. 18 — Student Volunteers play a key role in supporting the overall conference and conference attendees. Undergraduate and graduate student volunteers help with the administration of the conference and have the opportunity to participate in student-oriented activities, including professional development workshops, technical talks by famous researchers and industry leaders, exploring the exhibits and developing lasting peer connections.

This year the Student Volunteers program will accept an increased number of students, both local and international, with the goal of transitioning students into the main conference by way of the Technical Program, Doctoral Showcase, and Early Career professional development sessions. Students will be required to work a maximum of 8 hours during the conference, which will give them more time to engage in important education and career-advancing activities such as tutorials, technical talks, panels, poster sessions and workshops.

With the increased number of students we are accepting, there is limited support for transportation expenses (such as airfare) and housing. We encourage each student to seek funding from his or her institution or organization for housing and transportation expenses. If the student is unable to obtain funding to support their travel, the student should notify us at [email protected]. We will evaluate applications and distribute available funds on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements for applying

Complete an application to the Student Volunteers program. Applications open Monday, March 16, 2015.
Submit a Student Travel Funding Request (STFR) form that should be completed by the students’ university or organization. The form will be uploaded as a part of the application. See the “Tips for Seeking Funds” section below for ways to seek funding assistance.

**Please note: The application process will not be considered finalized until the STFR form has been completed and uploaded along with the application.**

Submit a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor or other department personnel, which will also be uploaded along with the application.
The deadline for applications is Monday, June 1, 2015.

Tips for Seeking Funds

Depending on the size of your school, there may be a variety of places to request funding for travel related to your studies. Many schools may not publicize the availability of these funds, so you’ll need to ask. Here’s a step-by-step way to do that. Prepare your ideas in advance so you make a favorable impression.

Your advisor. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate, you likely have an advisor. This person may or may not be able to directly support your travel to SC, but, if they can’t directly help you, they may give you some good ideas on who can!
Your Department Head. Most departments actually set aside money specifically for student travel. If you tell them you’ve applied to the Student Volunteer Program at SC and tell them what you will gain from this experience, they will likely support you!
Your Dean. The dean’s office also typically has discretionary funds for this purpose. This should not be a scary thing – deans actually love to see students, especially those who are active in their research communities. You will make their day by going to see them!
Association of Students or other student groups. These organizations may also have funds available to students for conference travel. Keep in mind that these organizations sometimes only meet monthly, so contact them early to get information on the procedure and time frame for requesting funds.
Vice President or Chancellor for Research. Call the main number to this office and explain that you’re a student seeking conference travel funds. The person who answers the phone will likely direct you to the right person to talk to in the office.
College Research Dean and College Education Dean. Call the office main number and explain that you’re a student seeking conference travel funds. You will likely be directed to the right person to ask in the office. You may be required to make an appointment to see the dean. If this is the case, have your short speech prepared so you can make your case succinctly and effectively. These people are busy and don’t have time to extract the nature of your request from you!
Graduate School. Just because you’re an undergrad doesn’t mean you can’t request funds from the grad school. You may be a future grad student! The grad school does have funds to support student activities such as conference travel. Call the main office number to determine to whom you should talk about your request.