Faculty Research Travel Fund
Internal — Western Michigan University only
Faculty Research Travel Fund supports Western Michigan University faculty travel to professional meetings to present research, share creative work, and advance scholarship, including mentoring student presenters.
Funder: Western Michigan University
Due Dates: July 31, 2027 (FY27 application deadline) | Before travel (Initial application) | Within 30 days after travel (Reimbursement documents) | May 15, 2027 (Final release to held requests)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,350 per faculty member for one or two meetings in FY2026–27; $300,000 total fund
Summary: Supports WMU bargaining unit faculty travel to professional meetings to present research, exhibit or perform creative work, or advance scholarship.
Key Information: Applicants must hold board-appointed faculty rank within the WMU-AAUP bargaining unit.
Description
Western Michigan University’s Faculty Research Travel Fund (FRTF) supports travel by WMU-AAUP bargaining unit faculty to high-caliber professional meetings that promote research, scholarship, and creative activities. Supported purposes include reporting original or applied research, exhibiting or performing creative works, and attending meetings, conferences, or forums of professional organizations. Support also includes eligible virtual conference registration fees and travel in the role of mentor for a student presenter.
The Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) administers the fund under Article 34.2.1 of the WMU-AAUP Agreement. FRTF supplements, rather than replaces, departmental professional development budgets. Faculty request support before travel so ORI can earmark available funds for their trip; reimbursement is issued to the faculty member’s department after the required post-travel documentation is received.
