Travel Funding Requests

The K-State Spectrum Center in Student Belonging and Inclusion, in partnership with alumni and donors, have created funds to recognize the contributions of an LGBTQIA+ or allied student, faculty, or staff member. These funds can assist in covering expenses related to traveling to or attending educational or professional conferences/meetings/etc.

Requirements for Funding:

GPA of 2.5 or Higher (Student Requirement)

Current Kansas State University students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to be considered for funding. Students may appeal this requirement, if not met, by addressing the circumstances for the current cumulative GPA and the student’s measures to address the circumstances in the future. This appeal should be attached with the cover letter and request form at time of submittal. Documentation of circumstances can be attained by speaking with the Office of Student Life, Student Belonging and Inclusion, or departmental advisor. A representative of the Student Life division or advisor will need to confirm the written appeal.

Mentorship of LGBTQIA+ Students (Faculty/Staff Requirement)

12 Service Hours (Required for All Applicants)

Opportunities for funding will require engagement from all our students, faculty, and staff in the form of Organizational Service Hours. In order to be considered eligible for funding to specific off-campus events or other opportunities we ask that recipients give back to our community.

12 direct hours are required to be eligible for consideration to attend all off-campus events. You must obtain 12 hours for each event or conference; they cannot be combined, and hours are considered allocated to one off-campus event only.

In order to attend you MUST put in 12 direct service hours to the LGBTQIA+ Community. These hours must be signed off by a supervisor of an off-campus event or space, the Coordinator of the Spectrum Center or staff, or other K-State departmental representative who can confirm your engagement. Service hours will be documented in a document that you must sign, submit, and get approved. Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for keeping track of hours submitted, communication about hours, and events that hours will be applied to.

Different Ways to Obtain Organizational Service Hours:

Informational Tabling for LGBTQIA+ events and organizations (In the Student Union, at student events, etc. This can be done by two people at a time.) = 2 Hours
Working the Drag Show (This is the only option to get 4 hours in one event.) = 4 Hours
Volunteering at True Colors (This must be communicated and approved by the leadership team at True Colors) = 2 Hours
Admin Office Hours at the Spectrum Center (Includes, but is not limited to: button making, copying, filings, organizing, etc. and includes assisting with sponsored events) = 2 Hours
Activities Carnival at the beginning of each semester = 2 Hours

You must communicate with the Spectrum Center to schedule your hours and get approval to work those hours. If you go over the 12 required Organizational Service Hours, the remaining hours can be applied to other events during the semester. If you want to get a jump start on collecting your required hours, please reach out to the Center ASAP.

Requests are only considered to attend functions that are specifically inclusive of LGBTQIA+ activities, research, or leadership. Funding will be determined by members of the Spectrum Center Advisory Board and based upon the number of requests for funding, extent of the individual’s involvement with the conference/meeting (i.e. presenting vs. attending), and location of said conference/meeting.

Conference/Event Funding Applications

Funds awarded are determined by number of participants, location, type of conference/event. Applications are due no later than 14 days prior to event.