Office of Sponsored Programs

The Group Investigations Program provides funding for off-campus trips that support the learning objectives of a course or that provide a learning opportunity that enhances the undergraduate experience. Applications for a spring semester course/program (including summer trips) are due by October 1st in the prior semester applications for a fall semester course/program (including winter break) are due by February 1st of the prior semester. Funding is typically limited to $15,000 per grant. Higher budgets are approved for international GIs.

Faculty members planning international programs, even optional excursions, must work with the Office of Education Abroad to ensure that all Davidson-sponsored travel follows consistent policies for program development, student selection and preparation, and sound risk management for travel plans. Faculty members are required to schedule a meeting with Naomi Otterness, the Director of Education Abroad, to discuss their proposed student group travel plans at least two weeks before completing the Group Investigations application. For further information about general practices and expectations for taking students abroad, please also review the International Excursions Leader Agreement, as well as the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad. 

All programs must operate in accordance with the College's expectations for responsible budgetary practices. Leaders receiving grants for group travel will sign an agreement collected by the Office of Sponsored Programs on behalf of the VPAA before funds will be distributed. Group leaders are also required to have a post-award meeting with the Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs and Post-Award Manager, to go over accessing the funds while traveling and creating expense reports in Oracle upon return.