Where can I find the application?
You can find it here. Please be sure to include all of your supporting documents (your budget and documentation for airfare, hotel, and other expenses) with your application.
What do I need to complete my Presidential Enrichment Application?
You will need a budget worksheet and supporting documents (e.g. a letter of acceptance to the program, letter of offer for an internship, letter from a research mentor, conference registration confirmation).
Can I apply for my award retroactively?
No. You may not apply retroactively.
Can I request funds for an activity that will take place after I graduate?
No. Your enrichment activity must be complete by the end of your eighth undergraduate semester. This is true even if you incur expenses related to the activity prior to graduation.
I am an engineering major; can I use my enrichment award to offset costs associated with my senior design project?
No. Enrichment awards may not be used for activities related to courses for which you are receiving credit and that are required for your degree.
I am a fine arts major; can I use my enrichment award to offset costs associated with my senior project?
No. Enrichment awards may not be used for activities related to courses for which you are receiving credit and that are required for your degree.
I am an Honors student; can I use my enrichment award to offset costs associated with my Honors Thesis/Project?
Yes. Honors theses are not a requirement for any degree at UConn. They are, by definition, enrichment activities, and therefore are eligible for enrichment award funding.
Do I have to register for the conference I’m attending before I apply for my Enrichment?
Yes. If you are attending or presenting at a conference, you must include a printed confirmation that you have been accepted and paid registration fee.
How do I calculate meals if I am traveling?
The Travel Worksheet, which you can find on the Budget page, has instructions for how to calculate the cost of meals each day (called a per diem).
How do I calculate travel costs by mileage?
The Travel Worksheet (on the Budget page) will do the calculation for you. You will need to determine how many miles you will be traveling, and it will multiply by the current mileage rate. One of the easiest ways get accurate mileage is via Google maps (of which you can take a screenshot to document the distance).
How do I access my money?
If your award is approved, and you accept it, we will inform Financial Aid, who will then apply the award amount to your account. Your funds will not be issued to you if you have any outstanding balances on your account, (i.e. parking tickets, late fees, infirmary/pharmacy bills). Once the funds are posted to your account, you will get a refund in that amount from the Bursar’s Office.
How do I use the funds to buy research supplies?
Because there is a substantial discount in cost, most labs purchase their research supplies through HuskyBuy. Unfortunately, undergraduates do not have access to this service. What we recommend is that you ask your PI to purchase the supplies using their lab’s HuskyBuy account (technically called a 4L account) and then you can reimburse them with a personal check made out to “University of Connecticut.” Please note that your PI should not use a sponsored programs account (5 or 6L) to purchase the supplies.
Do I have to do anything once I complete my activity?
Yes! After completing your activity, you must complete a short reflection on your experience by the date noted in your award letter (usually two weeks after the completion of your activity). You will also need to supply verification that you have completed the activity.