UM GSA

What is GAFAC?

What is GAFAC?

The Graduate Activity Fee Allocation Committee (GAFAC)is a  committee made up of graduate students representing each of the schools/colleges in UM – with the exception of Law, Medical and the Rosenstiel (RSMAS) schools.

This group is responsible for distributing the unallocated funds of the graduate activity fee to support activities and professional development opportunities to both graduate students and organizations. 

You can be reimbursed up to $375 per academic year. GAFAC is the last resort of funding (see below). Deadlines for Fall are November 1st, and Spring is April 1st. 

For more information, please see the GAFAC Homepage

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Apply?

Any full-time or part-time graduate student who has paid the graduate activity fee for all enrolled semesters may apply for funding (except Law, Medical and RSMAS). Graduate Student Organizations that are registered with the GSA are also eligible for funding.

Students may apply and be awarded funding only once during the academic year.

What if I Have Not Paid the Activity Fee for all Enrolled Semesters?

First, visit the Office of Student Account Services (158 Ashe Building), and request to pay the Activity Fee for all enrolled semesters (Fall and Spring only). Then, you may apply for GAFAC funding.

What Kind of Activities are Funded?

Graduate students can request funding for one (1) of the seven (7) categories of activities. They may apply only to one (1) category at a time and Graduate Student Organizations registered with the GSA may apply for one-time funding. These categories include: 

  1. Conferences. Applicant(s) may be presenting, organizing, or attending a conference.
  2. Purchase of reusable equipment.
  3. Field research and filmmaking.
  4. Events.
  5. Performances. Applicant(s) may be performing, having work performed, or attending or staging a performance.
  6. Exhibition. Applicant(s) may be exhibiting work, curating, or attending an exhibition
  7. Publication (not including thesis or dissertation publicans).

What Kind of Activities are NOT Funded?

GAFAC funding cannot be allocated the four categories below: 

  1. Equipment that is not reusable.
  2. Payment of tuition or required textbooks.
  3. Materials or resources already provided by the student’s department.
  4. Payment to an individual for services rendered (this includes paying salaries to individuals such as actor/actress, accompanist, performer, etc.

Can I Receive Funding From My Department?

Some departments make funds available for graduate students who attend conferences, conduct research, purchase equipment, etc. Contact your department chair or faculty advisor about the availability of funds and application requirements.

Why is GAFAC a Last Resort?

GAFAC has limited funds because they allocated most of it to other organizations, so you must request funding from your department first. If you are in the College of Arts and Sciences, you can request funding from the Max and Peggy Kriloff Student Travel Award. Copies of written requests or denials for alternative funding must be uploaded with the online application at the time of submission or emailed to gafac@miami.edu.

What is the Application Process Like?

This is a two-step process – apply online and appear before the committee in person. Apply online at miami.edu/gafac. Complete the online application and submit it prior to the trip, event, or equipment purchase. Once submitted, it will be reviewed by the committee to determine if all requirements are met, and the applicant(s) will be invited to attend a GAFAC meeting to present their request in person. This will be on a first-come, first served basis. The committee will then email you its decision following the approval of the meeting’s minutes. 

What is the Rationale Behind the Final Decision?

GAFAC ensures that all funds benefit the greatest number of graduate students. Applicant(s) will be required to respond to several questions in the application and during the interview. The answers determine the merit of the request, which will influence the decision. Again, because funds are limited, they are on a first-come, first-served basis. Examples of the questions are:

  1. How will you personally benefit from these funds?
  2. How will your fellow students within your school or department benefit?
  3. How will the University as a whole benefit?