Notice of Officer Resignation:
On Sunday, November 6th 2022, our Vice President of Financial Affairs, Gabrielle Salo, submitted her resignation letter to the GSA Co-Presidents. The work of the VP of Financial Affairs is usually supported by permanent financial staff at Associated Students (AS) to help with transitioning and instruction. However, due to staff retention at AS this summer, the VP of Financial Affairs’s work has been seriously impaired. The VP of Financial Affairs felt that her position had been burdened far beyond the scope of the original appointment. We appreciate the work Gabrielle has done for graduate students, in particular under difficult administrative circumstances.
Because of this, the processing of GSA reimbursements, grants, co-sponsorships and other financial matters are now experiencing long delays. We sincerely apologize to graduate students for the long waiting times they have experienced in the past weeks. The remaining Executive Board members are diligently working to bridge the gap that was caused by the departure of AS staff and Gabrielle’s resignation. To that effect, special elections in accordance with the GSA Constitution will be held at the next General Assembly in December. More information will be forthcoming. If you have questions or concerns, please email the GSA Co-Presidents, Becky Martin and Eugene Riordan Jr, or the VP of C&E, Annjulie Vester.
GSA Funding:
The GSA has long recognized that one of the more essential services we can provide to our graduate peers is financial support. We encourage you to apply for funding to continue your endeavors. All inquiries should be directed to the VP of Financial Affairs (vpfa@gsa.ucsb.edu).
Please note the following information on the VP of Financial Affairs' work:
1) Due to staff shortages at Associated Students, the processing times of reimbursements, grants, co-sponsorships, and other financial matters are experiencing long delays.
2) Grant Eligibility: Please refer to the individual grant instructions for eligibility criteria. No exceptions are possible.
3) Submission Materials: Please review to the individual grant instructions carefully and submit applications in ONE PDF or Word document to the VP of Financial Affairs. Incomplete applications will not be considered and slow down the process considerably.
4) If you have been awarded a grant or co-sponsorship, please contact the AS Ticket Office for check pick-up (805-893-2064). The VP of Financial Affairs has no control over the disbursement of money.
5) The Covid-19 Grant has been discontinued.
The Childcare Grant
Designed to provide financial assistance to graduate students with dependents who are in need due to graduate activities (e.g., exams, conferences, workshops, etc.). Funding is available quarterly including summer until funds expire.
The Conference Travel Grant
Intended to help offset the costs of travel or registration fees at professional conferences in which a graduate student is presenting original research findings.
Event Co-Sponsorship Funds
Available in an amount up to $300 per student organization per quarter, with a maximum of $600 awarded per academic year per student organization.
The Emergency Relief Grant
Offers financial assistance to graduate students who are experiencing sudden financial distress due to unforeseen circumstances such as family loss, medical emergency, unexpected loss of employment, or unplanned financial hardship caused by the birth of a child, etc.
The Graduate Student Internship Fellowship
Need a way to fund your summer internship? Looking to get experience outside of your department? Need financial help to fund an exciting opportunity? Apply for this year's Graduate Student Internship Fellowship!