Graduate Research Funding

Dean’s Conference, Research, and Professional Advancement Fund

The Dean's Fund helps graduate students in specific departments with funding for research, travel, and professional development.

Purpose

The Dean's Fund aims to provide opportunities for research, travel, and professionalization for students, particularly in departments that have been historically underfunded in these areas.

Eligibility

The Dean's Fund is primarily for current PhD students in good standing and making good progress toward degree completion in the following departments within the School of Humanities:

  • English and Creative Writing
  • Philosophy
  • Religion

Students in the Departments of Art History and History must seek professionalization funding directly from their respective department.

While the priority is to support PhD students, MA students may submit funding requests, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Important Notes for PhD Students:

  • You will not receive funding after your defense date.
  • Funding will not be provided if your travel dates are within one month (30 days) before your defense date.

Approved Use of Funds

Funds may be used for:

  • Conference presentation travel
  • Research travel
  • Travel to job interviews taking place at a conference

Application Deadlines and Review Process

Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to your departure date. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as funding awards are not guaranteed until after review and approval. Students awaiting conference acceptances must apply on time (60 days in advance) and simply state that the acceptance is pending on their funding application. 

  • Application 
  • Deadline: Applications are due by the last day of each month.
  • Review: Submitted applications are reviewed by the Office of the Dean once a month, beginning on the first business day of each month.
  • Decisions: Final decisions are made by the Senior Associate Dean. Decision letters will be sent to each applicant by the 10th business day of the month.

Please note:

  • Incomplete applications will be automatically delayed and not processed until the following month. Ensure you read and follow all instructions.
  • If you are awaiting conference acceptance, you must still submit your application at least 60 days prior to your anticipated departure date. Include the expected conference acceptance date in your proposal.
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Funding Amount and Disbursement

Eligible students may apply for up to $1,500 per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).

  • Departmental Funding First: If your department offers funding for conferences and research, you must apply through your department first, according to their policies and timelines. The Dean's Fund is available only after any available departmental funding has been exhausted.
  • Funds are subject to availability.

Award Disbursement:

  • Awarded funds will be received via direct deposit. Please ensure your direct deposit information and address are current in iO.
  • For US citizens: Awards may be considered taxable income. Rice University does not withhold taxes from the award payment.
  • For International students: Taxes will be withheld from the award payment.

Post-Travel:

  • You are not required to submit an expense report or provide receipts after your trip.
  • Travel funds must be used for official Rice University business only, in accordance with Rice University Travel Policy 806.

Application Details

Please follow all instructions carefully. Incomplete applications will automatically be delayed for review and not processed until the following month.

The information requested is essential for evaluating your application and for award payment documentation.

Travel Proposal Summary

Upload a proposal summary (200 words or less) that includes:

  • Location and dates of travel
  • Explanation of how this travel funding will benefit your research or professional advancement
  • Area of research and dissertation title (if applicable)
  • Title of the conference paper and conference panel (if applicable)
  • Conference or professional opportunity name and relevant URL

International Travel: University Policy 852 requires all university-sponsored international travel to be registered at https://travelregistry.rice.edu.

Student Budget

Your budget must be as detailed as possible and can only include the following travel expenses:

  • Conference registration/membership
  • Airfare (coach class, including 1 checked bag, no seat upgrades)
  • Ground transportation
  • Lodging
  • Per diem for meals: $20/travel days; $30/onsite days
  • List of additional funding awarded or applied for in relation to your travel request

Use this budget template: Dean's Fund Budget Template.xlsx

Budgets should NOT include the following: travel insurance, airline upgrades, data plans, clothing, electronics, WIFI and WIFI upgrades, and other incidentals.

Summary Report

Within 30 days after your travel end date, you must submit a 1-2 paragraph summary detailing the award's impact on your research or professional development.

  • Where to Upload: Upload your report to the Summary Reports folder in Box: https://rice.app.box.com/f/2bf0c816e470412796c117869838dbf3.
  • Required Format: Title your report in the following format: LAST NAME, Destination (or Conference Name), Month, Year. Example: JONES, Asian Cultures Conf, Singapore, Aug 2025.
  • Failure to submit this report on time AND in the proper format will render you ineligible for subsequent funding. If you have trouble uploading, contact your Graduate Administrator.