The UMSI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office is pleased to announce the continued availability of funding to support individual and group DEI efforts initiated by UMSI students, staff or faculty.

Eligibility

The UMSI DEI funding request form is reserved for requests from UMSI students, staff or faculty (including postdoctoral fellows). Please read the following and find the link to the request form below.

UMSI DEI funding is intended to support activities, events, programs or professional development that further our collective understanding and advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion. As such, funding recipients are required to share a brief report that includes learning outcomes, resources or tools that might benefit the UMSI community and/or larger university community. 

Note re: co-sponsorship requests

If you are from a U-M campus organization or unit outside of UMSI and are seeking co-sponsorship for a campus activity or event that would be open to and of interest to the UMSI community, do not complete this form. Instead, please email your co-sponsorship request to [email protected].

Criteria

UMSI DEI funding may be used for:

• Speaker or workshop facilitator fees for programs or events intended for UMSI students, staff and/or faculty
• Access to online resources or training
• Conference attendance focused specifically on DEI related topics and/or identity-based professional development/networking (see the alternate application process for UMSI students seeking conference funding)
• DEI-related research and/or fieldwork (including dissertation research when other sources of funding are not available or do not cover necessary expenses)
• Refreshments or meals as part of a workshop or event
• Supplies, materials, resources or equipment
• Other expenses that support the stated activity

Application Process

UMSI students seeking conference funding

For UMSI students seeking DEI funding to attend a conference focused specifically on DEI related topics and/or identity-based professional development/networking should apply through the UMSI Student Conference Grant Portal on M-Compass.  

Description: Launched Fall 2024, this is a new and improved streamlined process for UMSI students seeking conference funding. Current degree-seeking UMSI students in good academic standing who have completed at least one term in their degree program are eligible to apply. We cannot guarantee funding for all applicants. Learn more and apply on M-Compass. 

UMSI faculty or staff seeking conference funding

Submit a DEI funding request form at least 5-6 weeks in advance of conference date to allow for reasonable airfare and hotel. We will do our best to acknowledge your request within 3 business days and to provide a decision within 1-2 weeks. Funds will be awarded until the annual available budget is expended. 

UMSI student, faculty or staff program or event funding

Please submit requests at least 4 weeks in advance of your program or event. 

Submit a UMSI DEI funding request

UMSI students: submit a request for DEI conference funding

Note: If you have any issues or problems completing it, or if you have questions or want to discuss your request or ideas, please email [email protected].