Scholarships

Shirley joined SRAI long before the “I” was added and remained actively engaged well into her retirement. She was well known for traveling from her home in Pennsylvania to meetings across much of the country, a testament to her unwavering commitment.

In the world of film, there are leading roles and supporting roles, and Shirley exemplified the very best of the latter. Never seeking the spotlight, she was a steadfast presence behind the scenes, strengthening SRAI through her service as a section and chapter officer, committee member, newcomer reception cheerleader, meeting ambassador, and room monitor. Always willing to step up, Shirley was often one of the first faces new members encountered and served as a mentor to many.

The Shirley Hill Travel Award provides complimentary full meeting registration for one recipient, four nights at the conference hotel, and up to $600 towards transportation (presentation of receipts required for airfare, train, mileage, ground transportation, etc). Pre-conference workshops and SRAI membership dues are not included.

A special review committee evaluates all applications after the submission deadline. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by the end of June. 

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a full member of SRAI for three years or less
• Be currently employed in research administration
• Must not have received an SRAI travel scholarship within the last five years

Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:

• A personal statement of 300 to 500 words addressing why professional development in research administration is important to their career growth
• A letter of support from one full or retired SRAI member
• A letter of support from the applicant's immediate supervisor confirming willingness to support travel to the Annual Meeting

Funded through SRAI initiatives and member donations, the Annual Meeting Scholarship provides complimentary full meeting registration to up to two recipients each year. Pre-conference workshops and SRAI membership dues are not included. This opportunity is designed to support professionals who demonstrate financial need and a strong interest in engaging with the SRAI community.

A special review committee evaluates all applications after the submission deadline. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by the end of July.

The Annual Meeting Scholarship is open to a wide range of applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Open to all individuals, including current SRAI members and those intending to join.
• Applicants must not have received an SRAI travel scholarship within the past five years.
• Scholarship covers meeting registration only; recipients are responsible for paying full SRAI membership dues prior to the meeting.

Applicants must provide the following:

• A letter of support from your supervisor or institutional contact providing a financial guarantee for your travel, OR a confirmation letter stating that the person is coming to the meeting and they will pay any additional costs incurred (the second option is regarding individuals who may be transitioning from one position to another).
• A brief statement of your financial need (no more than 150 words).
• A brief description of your educational needs and how conference attendance will contribute to your professional development (250-500 words).
• Please indicate how you would like to become engaged with SRAI. Identify your perceived benefits of being an SRAI member and the type of day-to-day SRAI activities that you would like to volunteer for or seek a leadership position.

Recipients of the Annual Meeting Scholarship must provide a brief follow-up report within three months after the SRAI Annual Meeting and how they have started to become/stayed involved in SRAI. This report may be considered for publication within the Catalyst Newsletter.

Through this scholarship, SRAI recognizes the enduring contributions of John Robinson by supporting early-career members presenting at the Annual Meeting for the first time. The scholarship covers full meeting registration and provides up to $2,000 in travel funding.

Applicants must be current SRAI members and have an accepted presentation for the Annual Meeting. A special review committee evaluates all applications based on financial need and alignment with the scholarship’s goals.
Note: Applicants will be notified of acceptance at the end of July.

This scholarship is designed to support early-career SRAI members presenting at the Annual Meeting for the first time. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Current SRAI member in good standing
• Accepted to present at the SRAI Annual Meeting for the first time
• Demonstrate financial need and early-career status

Applicants must provide the following:

• A letter of support from their supervisor stating their support and justifying the applicant's financial need.
• A resume or CV showing they are in their early career.
• Proof of acceptance as a speaker for the SRAI Annual Meeting.
• A brief statement describing how they will continue to engage with SRAI after presenting at the SRAI Annual Meeting.

Recipients of the John Robinson Travel Scholarship must provide a brief follow-up article about their presentation within two months after the SRAI Annual Meeting. This report may be considered for publication within the Catalyst Newsletter.