Financial support to reimburse "AGEP-eligible" students for a portion of the costs associated with their purchase of course or project-related books, supplies, software, etc.

1. All enrolled "AGEP-eligible" graduate students (doctoral and master´s) may apply for reimbursement of the costs of course or project-related books, supplies, software, etc., up to a maximum of $150 per semester (fall and spring only), however 1st and 2nd year PhD students may request up to $300 per semester (fall and spring only) with a copy of their course syllabus. Books and other study/project items must be related to the students´ major area of study.

2. Original receipts for allowed items, must be brought (not mailed) to the AGEP Office, E1340 Melville Library.

3. Students must have an AGEP Registration form on file with the AGEP office

4. Receipts are due before the last day of the semester in which the request is for

Important Note for Students Regarding Travel Awards: Effective July 1, 2008 both Conference Travel Award programs will now issue a call for applications on a biannual basis, with each call being active for six months in synchronization with the fiscal year calendar. A priority deadline date will be established for each call. Applications received by the priority deadline will be reviewed first. All applications received after the priority deadline date will be reviewed and considered on a rolling basis, based upon availability of funds. Contact the AGEP office for deadline dates.

Financial support to assist in meeting the allowable costs of an enrolled "AGEP-eligible" doctoral or master´s student´s attendance at an appropriate professional conference or meeting related to his/her studies. Such travel and other conference expense support under the program will be limited to a total of $1,200 in allowable costs per conference/meeting; one (1) conference per calendar year per doctoral student and one (1) conference per master´s student over the duration of study (time spent as an enrolled student at Stony Brook University). Standard Research Foundation travel policies and reimbursement limits will apply, and original receipts and other customary documentation will be expected at the time reimbursement of expenses is sought by the student. The form to be used in requesting such support can be found here. Under this category of support the following additional conditions will apply:

1. All students must be registered with the AGEP program.

2. Enrolled "AGEP-eligible" master´s students will not be eligible for such financial support for conference/meeting attendance until their third semester of study.

3. The student does not have to be on the conference/meeting program (e.g., giving a paper or presentation; serving on a panel, etc.) to qualify for such support in their first four semesters of study. Thereafter, it is highly preferred that the student be an active participant in the conference.

4. Students who will be accompanied by a Stony Brook University faculty member from their academic department/program will be given priority for such financial support of conference/meeting attendance.

5. A master´s student will be able to receive financial support under this category only once during the course of his/her master´s program.

6. A doctoral student will be able to receive financial support under this category only once per calendar during the course of his/her doctoral program.

7. There are some limitations to international travel, therefore it is required that those requesting international travel meet face to face with the AGEP program staff to determine the best way to navigate those limitations.

8. This financial assistance for conference travel does not include events sponsored by SUNY AGEP, including those at SUNY Albany, SUNY Binghamton and SUNY Buffalo. Attendance at SUNY AGEP sponsored events may be funded separately and will not count against the student´s conference travel.

Writing to Win Workshop is designed to help undergraduate and first/second year graduate students prepare fellowship applications and graduate school personal statements. The workshop this year will be by Sue Natali, Ph.D. student in Ecology and Evolution who has won the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Informational sessions will be held on Thursday, September 20 and Friday, September 21 (please see attached memo).

If you would like to participate in the Writing to Win Workshops, please review the dates and information and complete the registration form

The Community of Science Mentors (CSM) Program was developed in 2001 with the goal of creating a supportive environment for AGEP students. We believe that being part of a community of students that share similar circumstances can decrease feelings of isolation and improve student morale and performance. Participants are matched by graduate program, and when not possible, by related graduate program. Typically, mentors are past their thesis proposal defense and provide their first/second year counterparts with academic and social support by guiding and nurturing them through the experience of graduate school. Specifically, they help to ensure their mentees are on the right track, particularly during challenging periods such as the initial transition, first year courses and qualifying exams. Mentors are expected to meet with their mentees twice per month and submit contact logs which enable program staff to monitor the frequency and quality of meetings, as well as intervene when and if necessary. The feature of contact logs distinguishes the AGEP mentoring program most other mentor programs. The actual structure of the program was designed in 2001 by a committee of senior AGEP students who researched various mentor programs and in turn adapted components that were appropriate for the Stony Brook experience. Currently, a total of 31 AGEP students participate in the CSM Program. Our hope is that mentees will enjoy and value the experience of being mentored, and in turn serve as mentors to incoming AGEP students. We believe that mentoring is an extremely valuable retention strategy, particularly peer mentoring, and we will continue to encourage active participation in this program.

For more information, please contact the AGEP office.

If you would like to participate in the CSM Program, please complete the registration and application forms

• CSM Mentor Application
• CSM Mentee Registration Form

Activities throughout the academic year to enrich the academic environment and provide opportunities for students to network with each other such as monthly socials, fall orientations/welcome receptions, and workshops on topics such as communicating scientific research and securing internships. Keep checking our website for the latest news and activities.

AGEP provides Academic services in the form of tutoring, structured study groups, and summer workshops. Please contact our office for more information.