General OWU Connection Grants are designed to help offset typical expenses such as conference registration fees, transportation, housing, meals, and research supplies. (For a more detailed list of eligible and ineligible expenses, please see the FAQ.) Students should not expect these funds to cover the full cost of their proposed experience.
With limited funds available to support the entire student body, we use a holistic review process that considers many factors—including consideration of whether applicants have previously received Connection support through General OWU Connection Grants—to ensure equitable funding of opportunities across campus.
General OWU Connection Grants typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the specific opportunity and the degree to which the following criteria are met:
- Prior Funding
Is this the student's first time requesting General OWU Connection Grant funds, or have they received Connection support through this mechanism previously?
- Connection Alignment
Does this proposal clearly advance the overall goals of the OWU Connection?
- Appropriate Mechanism
Is this request appropriately suited to a General OWU Connection Grant rather than a different funding mechanism such as a Theory-to-Practice Grant or non-Connection funding source?
- Application Quality
Is the application complete, accurate, and carefully prepared according to the instructions?
- Conference Presentation
If this is conference-related, is the student presenting (poster/talk/creative work) and is there proof of acceptance?
- Professional Development Rationale
If the request is for conference attendance without presenting, is there a compelling pre-professional development rationale? (Note: Students who are attending a conference for pre-professional development only but who won't be presenting may be considered for partial funding.)
- Budget Justification
Is the budget itemized and limited to eligible costs, and does the request reasonably close a funding gap after personal/other support?
- Student Preparedness
Is there evidence that the student is appropriately prepared to make the most of this opportunity?
- Access
Will this funding expand access to OWU Connection opportunities across the OWU community?
- Feasibility
Are the timing and logistics reasonable and workable, and will all required approvals be completed before any funds are issued?
- International Travel
Any international travel using university funds must adhere to all international travel policies. To view our policies, please visit the IOCP website here.
