Professional Development Fund
All undergraduate students have access to $1,000 to support conference attendance and professional development experiences during their time at Smith.
New This Year!
The Lazarus Center Professional Development Fund is a five-year pilot program that begins fall 2025. This initiative ensures that all current students have access to $1,000 that they can use for one or more professional development opportunities of their choosing.
This funding will allow me to attend large, national conferences this coming academic year, and I will have the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops held by leading neuroscientists conducting cutting-edge research that I would not otherwise have exposure to.
More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I access my funding?
You can access your funding at any time but it’s important to remember that it’s $1,000 total so we encourage you to use it in your junior and/or senior year to pursue career-related experiences.
How does payment work?
Once your application is approved, you can come to the Lazarus Center to use a Smith purchasing card to cover upfront expenses. Expenses that cannot be paid upfront (for example, food and incidentals) can be submitted for reimbursement after the conference/training. Reimbursements are processed on Fridays and then it can take up to 15 business days for funds to be distributed. Reimbursements will only be made to students, not third-party funders.
What if I don’t spend it all?
If you only spend a portion of your funds on an opportunity, the balance is available for you to use another time! Any funds not used before graduation will be forfeited. Note: Your chosen activities must be completed before graduation.
Can I see how much funding I have left?
Use the Fund Balance Inquiry form to check your balance. Your balance will be automatically emailed to you after submission.
What if I spend more than $1,000?
If your expenses exceed $1,000, you will have to cover the difference.
I’m going to a conference with other students. Can we split some of the charges, like the cost of the hotel?
Yes! Please note the people you will be splitting the cost with in your application and your portion of the cost. You will also need to note this when you come in to use the Lazarus Center purchasing card or when submitting receipts.
When are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed every Monday!
Who decides if the event or program I’ve chosen is related to my intended career?
We’ll ask you about those connections in the application. Additionally, you’ll be asked to provide a staff or faculty reference who can share their support.
If I’m abroad, can I still use my funding?
You can still access your funding but won’t be able to use the office purchasing card to pre-pay for expenses, meaning you must cover all expenses upfront and then submit for reimbursement.
Can I use this in conjunction with Praxis internship funding?
You may not use this as a stipend or additional funding for your Praxis internship, but you can use this to fund a professional development experience while at your internship. For example, if your supervisor recommends a conference or training, you can use this funding for that specific opportunity.
If I applied for the Universal Conference Fund in the past, does that impact my eligibility for this fund?
No! This is a new program so no other applications impact your ability to access these funds.