Student Senate and Provost Creating Research Fund

In a move aimed at providing New School students with extra financial backing for academic activities and research projects, the University Student Senate and the provost's office confirmed they are developing a joint research fund for New School students.

The plan is still in the early stages of development, but the hope is that the new research fund will grant students extra financial flexibility to pursue different academic endeavors. One aspect of the fund would be devoted to supporting the travel arrangements needed for students to participate in and organize specific academic affairs, such as conferences or symposia.

At the USS meeting on February 22 several students and student groups saw their proposals denied or only partially funded because they included travel expenses. The USS is often forced to reject financial support for academic travel expenditures, simply because the university could be held liable for any unforeseen incidents or events that could occur on student trips.

A new student research fund that supported such travel would help resolve the issue of granting these funds.

"The fund is still in development," said Amy Minter, the provost office's coordinator for student academic affairs and special projects, adding that "travel as a part of research is an area under consideration," but not the sole focus of the fund.

USS Milano representative Melissa Holmes reiterated that the formation of the fund was still "in the beginning stages." But Holmes did say that "within this fund there may be an option for travel funding to be considered."

Neither Holmes nor Minter would say how large the fund may be or specify how students would be eligible. However, both said that in the coming weeks further details and specifics are likely to emerge regarding the nature of the project.