Department Conference Stipends

The department offers a stipends to cover costs related to attending a conference. MCPs can receive one stipend per year, PhDs two. Stipends are available per fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Here are the stipends available:

Non-resident PhDs are ineligible for stipends, however all PhDs are considered “resident students” during the summer. They are therefore eligible for stipends to attend/present at conferences during summer months. This is an MIT policy, not a departmental policy.

Travel to domestic conference: $300
Presenting paper at a domestic conference: $500
Travel to international conference: $500
Presenting paper at an international conference: $750

The Process:

1. At least one week prior to your departure, fill out a Student Travel Application Form and turn it in to Janine Marchese in Headquarters (7-337). All forms available at Headquarters.
2. You will receive notice from Janine regarding the approval of your request.
3. Save all receipts.
4. Upon your return, fill out a Travel Voucher Form attaching all original receipts to the form. Again, turn it in to Janine.
5. You will receive a check in the mail reimbursing you for the conference expenses; process time is approximately two weeks.

Questions

What does the stipend cover?
The stipend covers legitimate conferences expenses: travel, registration, lodging and meals. MIT will not reimburse gifts, alcohol or entertainment expenses.

Can I draw on my stipend throughout the year?
Not at this time; do your best to get the biggest bang for your buck. For example, if you’re planning to attend two conferences this year, one with costs totaling $30 and the other totaling $300, apply the stipend to the second conference (and get reimbursed the full $250).

I didn’t use my stipend last year, do I get double the money this year?
No, unused stipends do not roll over to the next fiscal year.