DEI Conference Sponsorship for Undergraduate Students
The Department of Computer Science hopes to ensure that students with historically excluded identities are provided with enriching professional development opportunities as a part of their experience. In collaboration with our DEI Corporate Partners, we are able to offer sponsorship to various conferences whose goals speak to the advancement of historically excluded identities within CS (listed below). Sponsorship awards vary based on the conference location and other associated fees.
Students are required to submit an application to be considered for sponsorship. Applications open in March, and students who are selected will be notified by the end of April.
NOTE: Priority for selection will be given to applicants who have not attended a department sponsored conference in the past. Applications are reviewed and evaluated on applicant’s interest in the conference and intended goals (i.e. job search, network, professional development). If you are a graduating senior and have already secured a full-time position, you are encouraged to work with your employer to request funding.
Conference Options
Tapia Conference (Center for Minorities and People with Disabilities in Computing & Information Technology/CDM-IT), Fall/September
Grace Hopper Celebration (Anita Borg/GHC), Fall/September
National Conference on Diversity in STEM (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science/SACNAS), Fall/October *Not Available for Department Sponsorship for Fall 2023*
National Society of Black Engineers Region II Conference (NSBE), Fall/October *Not updated for Fall 2023*
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers National Convention (SHPE), Fall/November
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to attend the information session to be able to apply for conference funding?
No, you do not need to attend the information session to be eligible to apply.
Am I able to apply for more than one conference?
You are able to apply for more than one conference, but will not be selected to attend more than one conference.
How much funding will I get ?
Students will receive the cost of conference attendance. Registration and lodging will be purchased and reserved through the department. Meals and ground transportation will be provided prior to departure in the form of a travel advance based on the University per diem rates.
Am I am able to apply for a conference that is not listed as a Fall 2023 option?
No. The conference selection is based on the current department demographics and past interest.
Can I apply for virtual attendance to a conference?
No. Applications for funding are for students who will be attending the conference in-person.
What if I apply and am not selected, but still want to attend. Are there other options for funding within the department?
If you are not selected for funding through the DEI Conference fund, you may seek funding elsewhere. There may be a faculty member that is willing to provide funding, if the conference aligns with their research goals or if you are selected to present at the conference. If you have obtained an internship or a full-time position, you may also reach out to your employer and request funding – please feel free to reach out to our Career Services Lead, Stephanie Johnson (stephcj@cs.unc.edu) , to learn more about the best way to do this.
If you have any additional questions, please be sure to reach out to Briana (brianas@cs.unc.edu), or attend the information session on Monday, April 3rd.