WICI Student Travel Awards are awarded on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis subject to an approval vote by WICI's Steering Committee and budgetary constraints. It is anticipated that students will also seek other support for their academic travel from other sources in case expenses exceed $500 CAD. Limited funding support of up to $500 is available each fiscal year for WICI Student Members where:
- The student is applying for graduate travel funds and requires assistance in matching the funds.
- The student is presenting information acquired from their participation in a WICI-related research group and/or project.
- The student is attending a conference, symposium, etc.
- If the activity does not involve the student directly presenting a paper or talk, they may be asked to give WICI a report or presentation on the experience.
- If the activity does involve the student presenting a paper or talk, and it is deemed to be of sufficient local interest, they may be asked to present it again as part of the WICI speaker series.
To be considered for funding,
- The proposed activity must be clearly linked to, or focused on, the application of complex systems theories and/or methodologies.
- The activity must be directly related to the student’s research and contribute to the progress of said research.
- The student must be enroled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program with good academic standing.
- Funding may be used for necessary, itemized receipted (I.e., specific food, no alcohol), reasonable expenses, such as economy-class transportation, accommodation, meals, or the designated activity's registration fees per the University of Waterloo policy 31 - University Expenses.
To apply for financial support, please submit the following to wici@uwaterloo.ca:
- A cover letter briefly outlining your background, information about your program and advisor, and explaining your work’s connection to complex systems; and (if not presenting) an explanation of how the activity will be beneficial to your research progress.
- If presenting, an abstract for your presentation and/or information about the conference (links are acceptable).
- A detailed budget for your trip including estimated costs, the amount you’re requesting from WICI, and any other financial support you’re applying for and/or have received for this presentation.
You may be asked for an unofficial copy of your transcript to verify academic standing before a travel award can be approved. Awards are typically in the amount of $500 but requests up to $1,000 can be considered on a case-by-case basis if funding permits. It is helpful to show that your abstract has been accepted, though not necessary. Funding will be provided through reimbursement of expenses in accordance with the University of Waterloo expense guidelines.
Any funding received from WICI will be used solely towards itemized receipted expenses such as: travel, accommodation, meals and the designated activity’s registration fee.