Program Description
Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) is an on-campus organization that provides many services for students, including awarding funds to support student research. They offer a substantial amount of money, which provides funding for both undergraduate and graduate student research and creative activities. The application process has become increasingly competitive, so we recommend that students read through each application page thoroughly to ensure it is understood completely and properly.
Award Details
This program encourages and supports both undergraduate and graduate student research and creative activities by providing funding for student research and travel related to academic growth and development. Students may use the funding to conduct research for an independent study, an academic course, an honors project, or a master’s thesis project. Additionally, funds can be used to present at or attend conferences. Funding is made available through Associated Students Incorporated and Instructionally Related Programs.
Please note that funding is not guaranteed for any request or project. A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded to each student per academic year, though there is no limit on the number of requests a student may submit. However, the full amount requested may not always be funded.
All projects involving human subjects and/or vertebrate animals must submit proof of Institutional Review Board (IRB) and/or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval as part of the application and/or before the release of funds.
**IMPORTANT**
Students are encouraged to apply at least 60 days before the funds are needed to ensure that all proper approvals are received before the trip. Funds must be used within 60 days from the award date, or they will be returned to the funder for redistribution. Students traveling must submit for reimbursement within 30 days post-travel, or the award will be forfeited and redistributed.
Eligibility
- CSUSB undergraduates, postbaccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral students.
- Must be enrolled in the semester in which they apply.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Undergraduate minimum GPA: 2.5
- Graduate GPA: 3.0
NOT ELIGIBLE: Students enrolled through the College of Extended Learning
Submission Guidelines
The following submission guidelines should be followed:
- Applications are due on the 20th of each month (August- April, excluding December and May) by 11:59 pm.
- Application and proposal submission must be submitted online through InfoReady.
- Please select the grant to which you are applying,
- Log in with your MyCoyote ID,
- Complete application
- The application must be written by the student, not the faculty mentor. Any signs of
plagiarism will result in the application being withdrawn. - Incomplete applications will not be processed.
- Notification of the award will be sent to the student’s CSUSB email within 4 weeks following the application deadline.
Eligible and Ineligible Expenses
Understanding what expenses can be reimbursed is essential to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
Eligible Expenses
Travel To Conduct Research/Present at a Conference
- Economy-class airfare
- Standard hotel accommodations (shared rooms encouraged)
- Conference registration fees
- Ground transportation (e.g., mileage, shuttles)
Attending a Conference
- Conference registration fees
Research Supplies
- Disposable supplies (chemicals, reagents) services, survey instruments, and research animals.
- Bulk mailing
- Printing and Copying
Ineligible Expenses
- Meals
- Any equipment
- Association memberships, software, or subscriptions to journals.
- Personal expenses (e.g., movies, gym access, flight changes)
- Rental cars, gasoline, or upgrades
- Childcare, phone cards, or passport/visa fees
- Transportation within a destination.
Travel Pre-Approval Process
Once funding has been awarded for travel purposes, all students must complete the new pre-approval process. The OSR will assist in facilitating each student’s request; however, the following steps must be completed before the trip. Please note that failure to follow these steps may result in the non-reimbursement of expenses
- Pre-Departure Forms: Submit the Student Travel Participant List form and Pre-Departure Form, including accurate cost estimates for airfare, lodging, registration, and other expenses.
- Early Submission: SRT applications for travel should be submitted at least 60 days prior to the planned departure, and pre-departure forms should be submitted 30 days before departure.
- Concur Approval: No travel bookings should be made until the Concur Travel Request is fully approved. Student must provide:
- Travel dates and itinerary.
- Estimated costs and purpose of travel.
- If personal days are included in a business trip, clearly specify the dates. A comparison of flight ticket costs for the business-only travel dates and the itinerary with personal days must be provided. Reimbursement will be based on the lower cost of the two.
Utilization of Funds
To ensure the effective use of grant funds, students must adhere to the timelines and submission requirements outlined below.
- Utilization Period: Awarded funds must be used within 60 days of the award date. Unused funds will be forfeited.
- Travel Reimbursements: No advances will be given. Reimbursements are issued after travel upon submission of valid receipts, a reimbursement form, and a follow-up report. Requests must be submitted within 30 days after travel completion.
Processing Time
Timely processing of requests depends on accurate submissions and adherence to deadlines. The following are the standard processing times for each segment in the pre and post award process:
- Application Submission: At least 60 days prior to planned travel.
- Application and committee review: 4 weeks after the deadline.
- Travel Pre-approvals: 30 days prior to departure.
- Travel Reimbursement: 4-6 weeks after reimbursement submission.
- Research Supplies Purchase: 10-14 business days
- Funds Utilization: 60 days post award.
Award Obligations
Award recipients are required to participate in follow-up activities to demonstrate the outcomes of their funded research or travel.
- Follow-Up Report: Submit a report through detailing project outcomes and benefits.
- Symposium Participation: Present a poster or oral presentation during Research Week (April 14-16).
Please carefully read the application guidelines BEFORE applying for more info.
Student Research & Travel Application Guidelines(revised 8.11.2025)
Apply Today!
Additional funding has been identified to support SRT for this academic year only.
Application Opens on August 18th, 2025.
Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis while funds last.