Member Benefit Travel Stipends
Level 1 CoSA Member Institutions that pay dues at $5000+ are automatically eligible for up to $1800 in travel reimbursement funding. Reimbursements are made according to CoSA's most recent Travel Reimbursement Policy and are for actual expenses, requiring receipts. Funds may be used to cover costs for one or more individual to attend the CoSA Annual Meeting in the relevant dues year. Unspent funds may not be rolled over.
Additional Travel Stipends
All other employees of dues paying member institutions will have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of travel reimbursement stipends as determined by the Board of Directors based on available funds. The available amount and structure of the application process will be determined annually as CoSA’s budget is finalized. The terms of these Additional Travel Stipends are also dictated by the most recent Travel Reimbursement Policy. Unspent funds may not be rolled over or used for other purposes.
Purpose
Recognizing the value of networking with colleagues, the CoSA Board of Directors established this opportunity in 2024 to provide travel support for the CoSA community to attend the CoSA annual meeting.
Eligibility:
- Any individual currently employed at a CoSA Member Institution. First time attendees, presenters, and award winners are especially encouraged to apply.
- Attendance at the 2026 CoSA Annual Meeting
Nomination Requirements
- Online Nomination Form (updated annually). Within the brief form you will be asked to submit basic information on the nominee and the individual making the nomination (if different).
- Note: This is a separate nomination form than the other CoSA Award Nominations and will run on a different timeline to maximize opportunity to distribute funds.
Sponsor & Funding
Board Designated General Program funds and sponsor funds (as applicable).
Benefit
For the 2026 cycle, the Board has designated up to $17,500 for this program.
Selection Committee
CoSA Board of Directors
Terms of Award
- Recipients of the CoSA Travel Stipend are not eligible for other travel awards in the same year. Applicants are welcome to apply for multiple travel awards (when available) understanding this restriction.
- Level 1 CoSA Member Institutions who benefit from a guaranteed $1800 travel reimbursement benefit will be asked to expend those funds first. Application for additional travel stipends is allowable, but institutions are encouraged to use additional stipends to encourage additional attendees. Preference will be given to those who do not work at a Level 1 institution.
- Individuals who have not received a travel stipend in a consecutive year will be preferenced over previous winners. However, all eligible individuals are encouraged to apply. A core goal of the program is to award all funds and encourage broad participation by the CoSA Community in the Annual Meeting.
- Multiple individuals at a single CoSA member institution may be awarded funds at the discretion of the CoSA Board of Directors.
- Unless special exception is made by the Executive Director, funds will be awarded after travel is complete. Evidence of expenses for eligible travel expenses as detailed in CoSA Travel Reimbursement Policy is required to receive funds.
CoSA Travel Stipend Recipients
2026 Travel Stipend Schedule
- Rolling Deadline: The CoSA Board of Directors will review submissions at their July 22 and August 26 meetings or until funds have been expended
- Notification As Approved: Recipients will be notified of the Board decision as awarded to facilitate travel planning.
- Reimbursement: All requests for reimbursement will be due no later than 30 days after the Annual Meeting and must be submitted according to CoSA's Travel Reimbursement Policy.