Viterbi Conference & Research
How does VCR work? Please review the following steps!
General Policies
- Only complete applications will be accepted and reviewed.
- It is expected that there will some cost-sharing with students for events that involve travel, which means a reimbursement award may be used based on the amount awarded and the cost of attendance.
- The committee will keep record of students receiving funds from VCR.
- Organizations may not sign any contracts or agreements (including venue, catering, or speaker agreements). All agreements must be signed by authorized university personnel. Any agreements that contain an unauthorized student signature cannot be funded under any circumstances.
Application Requirements
You will need to provide a proposed line item budget including a summary of all funding you have already received. Applications for student organizations and for individual students include additional questions.
Viterbi Conference & Research (VCR) Funding
Supplemental Funding for Viterbi Students & Organizations
What Is VCR?
Viterbi Conference & Research (VCR) funding is available to Viterbi-affiliated student organizations through Viterbi Admission & Student Engagement and for Viterbi students. VCR funding is endowment-based and limited; the amount available varies from year to year. VCR funding is a supplement to the funding organizations and students receive from other sources. VCR is the LAST place from which organizations and individuals should seek funds. Organizations and students should never rely solely on this source to fund an entire event, program, or conference. Funding is limited each academic year.
Key Points
- VCR is endowment-based and limited.
- Funding amount varies from year to year.
- Meant to supplement other funding sources (last resort).
Overview
Discover snapshots of Viterbi’s dynamic, real-world experiences—from collaborative research to global conferences and hands-on projects that broaden horizons.
How It Works
Step 1: Plan
Consider the following when planning:
- Conference and registration fees
- Hotel & lodging
- Flights & travel
Start early to avoid last-minute challenges.
Step 2: Find Funding
Seek funding from your academic department, the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Government, and other campus and external resources. VCR funding should be a last resort.
Step 3: Submission & Approvals
Complete the Airtable application. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the VCR Committee. If approved, you'll receive guidance from the VASE Business Office for processing.
Step 4: Attend the Conference
Make the most of your experience—network, present, and learn!
IV. General Policies
Please review the following policies to ensure you meet all requirements
before submitting your application for VCR funding.
Application Completion
Only complete applications will be reviewed. Make sure you fill out
every required field and provide all necessary documents prior to
submission.
Cost-Sharing Expectation
A partial cost share is expected for travel-related events.
Reimbursement awards may be granted based on approved amounts
and actual attendance costs.
Record of Funds
The VCR Committee keeps thorough records of students and
organizations who receive funds, ensuring accountability
and proper documentation.
Contract/Agreement Restrictions
No unauthorized student signatures. All agreements
(venue, catering, speaker, etc.) must be signed by authorized
university personnel only. Any agreement containing an
unauthorized student signature cannot be funded.
Application Requirements
Before submitting your VCR funding application, please review the items below to ensure you have all the necessary details and documentation.
Line Item Budget
Prepare a thorough breakdown of your event or travel costs. This budget should include a summary of all existing funding sources (department grants, external sponsorship, etc.).
Documentation
Be ready to provide any supporting materials based on your status—student organization vs. individual applicant. Additional questions or forms may be required during the process.
Note on Incomplete Applications
No review will be conducted for applications missing essential information or documentation. Make sure every field is filled out and every required file is uploaded before submission.