Geography

The Department of Geography prioritizes some funds to support graduate students presenting their work at conferences and workshops. Please review the eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria below before applying.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for a travel award, applicants must meet all the following:

• Advance application: Submit your applications at least 60 days before the start of the conference or workshop. Late or retroactive applications (for past events) will not be accepted.
• Award frequency: Students may receive only one travel award per academic

Review Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on the following factors:

Stage in program: Priority is given to PhD candidates (ABD), though all eligible graduate students are welcome to apply.

Presentation type and role:

• Invited presentations (highest priority): Applicants giving an invited talk receive the strongest An official invitation letter must be included with the application.
• Contributed presentations (oral or poster): Applications from students who are the presenting author of a contributed paper or poster are strongly encouraged and remain competitive. In some disciplines, poster presentations are the primary mode of scholarly communication; in such cases, poster presenters will receive equal consideration to oral presenters. Applicants should explain this disciplinary context in their cover letter to help the Graduate Committee appropriately evaluate the presentation format.

Prestige and impact of the meeting: Conferences or workshops with a strong reputation in the discipline or high visibility for your research receive higher priority. In general, international and national meetings are prioritized over regional or local events, unless the local event is recognized as particularly influential in the Applicants should describe the standing or significance of the meeting in their cover letter and, when possible, provide a link or description from the conference website to help the Graduate Committee fairly evaluate its relevance and impact across different subdisciplines.

Relevance to academic and career development: Higher priority is given to conferences/workshops that make a clear contribution to your research progress, professional growth, and networking opportunities.

Student competitions: Additional consideration is given to applicants who are participating in a recognized student paper or presentation competition.

Other sources of support: Applicants who have sought funding from other sources (e.g., Graduate School, College, and professional societies) will receive higher priority.

Application Instructions

If you meet the eligibility requirements, please prepare and submit the following materials as a single PDF to Graduate Coordinator Dr. Yujie Hu at yujiehu@ufl.edu by the application deadline (at least 60 days before the conference or workshop). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Required Materials

Conference or Workshop Details

• Name, location, and dates of the event.
• Website link for the event or call for papers to verify its disciplinary relevance and prestige.

Proof of Participation and Role

• Abstract acceptance email or letter, or an invitation letter if you are giving an invited talk.
• Indicate your presentation type (invited talk, oral, or poster) and your role (presenting author or not).
• Indicate whether you are competing in a student paper or poster competition; include documentation or confirmation of your participation.

Budget and Funding Plan

• Estimated expenses (registration, travel, lodging, per diem).
• List all other funding opportunities you have applied for (e.g., Graduate School, College, professional societies). Include documentation showing that you have applied, and indicate the amount requested or anticipated (if available).

Cover Letter (1–2 paragraphs): Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate how you meet the eligibility requirements and address key review criteria. Specifically,

• Eligibility confirmation: Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements, including applying at least 60 days before the event and that you have not received another departmental travel award during the current academic
• Stage in program: Indicate your current academic stage (e.g., master’s student, PhD student, or PhD candidate/ABD) and briefly describe how this travel aligns with your research progress and degree milestones.
• Prestige and impact of the meeting: Describe the conference or workshop’s standing within your discipline (e.g., international, national, or regional) and explain why it is an important venue for sharing your
• Relevance and professional development: Explain how attending this event will advance your research, enhance your academic progress, expand your professional network, and support your long-term career have been submitted.

Graduate Coordinator:  Dr. Yujie Hu, yujiehu@ufl.edu, (352) 294-7514.