1. Does GSA accept/fund conferences in the summer?
Ans: Depends upon the amount of funding left after the spring semester and the decision of E-Board for creating policies for funding.

2. Can a student apply without having 4 points?
Ans: Yes.But 4 points must be accumulated before the award is processed.

3. Can I apply for a grant from the University Park GSA if I am a Biscayne Bay graduate student?
Ans: Yes.The same guidelines and requirements also apply to Biscayne Bay Campus graduate students. Guidelines, procedures and forms can be found on http://www.fiu.edu/~gsa/conf_fund.htm

4.If I am denied a grant due to exhausted funds, may I re-apply for the same reimbursement the following semester?
Ans: No.State law requires that travel funding must be approved before the fact and reimbursed after travel.  It is for this reason that we require that all necessary paperwork be completed and submitted no later than eight (8) weeks before the travel date.It is in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. The sooner a completed application is submitted, the sooner it will be considered for reimbursement.  

5. If I am denied a grant due to an incomplete application, may I re-apply for the same reimbursement the following semester?
Ans: No.Although GSA will notify applicants of missing documents in advance of the deadline, the applicant bears sole responsibility for ensuring that GSA has received these in a timely manner, and that their application remains eligible for funding.Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted after deadline.No exceptions.  

6. May I apply for reimbursement after I have returned from the conference or research?  
Ans: No.Under state law, no application can be considered for reimbursement after the event or travel dates have passed.

7. What are the considerations of giving away awards?  
Ans: Applications are approved on first come, first served basis.  However, if there is a conflict with allocating final funds, such as budgetary constraints, first-time applicants are given priority.

8.What are considered to be “travel expenses,” “conference fees,” and “required research materials?”
Ans:
Travel Expenses eligible for GSA compensation include:
a.Airfare
b.Mileage reimbursement (for local areas where no airline travel is involved)
c.Conference fees
This does not include any late fees, and is eligible for reimbursement ONLY if the applicant has been accepted to present or actively participate in the conference.  Attendance only is NOT reimbursable.   

Required research materials
Reimbursable expenses include only specific materials or expenses required to conduct experiments. EQUIPMENT PURCHASED IN THIS MANNER REMAINS THE PROPERTY OF FIU.
List of approved items can be found below:
a. Software
b. Books
c. Measuring Equipment
d. Components for tagging animals
e. Chemistry materials for experiments
f. Micro tape recorder
g. Specific type of calculator (graphic/ scientific)
h. Miscellaneous equipment needed to conduct research

9.What constitutes a completed application packet?
Ans: A package completed in accordance with the terms and conditions on the GSA website.

For Conference Reimbursement:
1.Initial request for reimbursement via On-Line Conference Funding Application Form, http://www.fiu.edu/~gsa/form_online_fund.htm.
2.Completed and signed Forms 1, 2 and 3, http://www.fiu.edu/~gsa/gsa_serv_proc.htm 
3.Detailed Budget
4.Copies of receipts and quotes to support the budget (must be copy of original or directly printed from website).
5.Letter of Support from advisor (on FIU letterhead)
6.One-page essay specifically stating the benefits to the State of Florida and FIU

For Research Reimbursement:
1.Letter of support from advisor (on FIU letterhead)
2.One-page essay specifically stating the benefits to the State of Florida and FIU
3.Letter stating relationship between items in budget and research
4.Detailed budget
5.Copies of receipts and quotes to support the budget (must be copy of original or directly printed from website).
6.Abstract
7.5-page Proposal
8.M1-2/D1-3/IACUC Approval

For your protection, we suggest you request a return receipt, acknowledging your completed submission, from GSA, upon remittance.