Alvernia offers Real-World Learning Awards to financially assist students for a variety of experiential opportunities, without reducing the amount of financial aid a student already has been awarded.
Launched in 2016, these competitive awards support student participation in:
- Internships (see policy for more information)
- Faculty/staff-led study abroad programs
- Alternative Breaks
- Undergraduate research (for non SURF participants)
Award amounts vary based on type of experience. All students are welcome to apply. With limited funds available, students will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis and priority will be given to students that have not accessed this fund before.
Applications will be evaluated on a variety of criteria, including academic performance, extra/co-curricular involvement at Alvernia, and the degrees to which the proposed experiences will add to a student's progress toward fulfilling our mutual mission to become:
"Broadly educated, life-long learners; Reflective professionals and engaged citizens; And ethical leaders with moral courage."
The Real World Learning Award is intended to assist students with expenses related to experiences such as study abroad, study away, alternative breaks, non-SURF related research, internships, and academic conferences. The following is a list of items deemed appropriate for reimbursement by the Real World Learning Committee. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather a guide to help determine eligible expenses.
Program Fees
*Proof of registration and/or receipt required
Study abroad, study away, program or conference registration which may include program participation, lodging, travel or other expenses.
Travel Expenses
*All receipts are required for reimbursement
- Airline tickets – (If flying independently and not participating in an Alvernia University sponsored trip) Paper or e-ticket receipts/invoices must contain the following: Passenger Name, Date(s) of Travel; Origin/Destination of Travel; Fare Basis (economy or coach is required), Ticket Amount, Ticket Number, & Credit Card Number charged. Please note that a credit card statement or receipt alone is not sufficient documentation to support airfare expenses.
- Taxi/Uber/LYFT fares - tips must be noted on the receipt for reimbursement
- Rental car for travel over 50 miles round trip
- Public transportation including bus, train, subway, or metro pass
- The use of a parking garage or metered parking
- Gas mileage will be reimbursed when necessary. Applicants must submit an expense report for mileage, as well as, a travel map of their trip.
Meals
*All receipts are required for reimbursement
- When meals are not prearranged or provided by an Alvernia University sponsored trip, reasonably priced meals will be reimbursed -tips must be indicated on the receipt for reimbursement
- Alvernia University will not reimburse for alcoholic beverages
Accommodations
*All receipts are required for reimbursement
- When lodging is not prearranged or provided by an Alvernia University sponsored trip, the student should use sound judgment to obtain accommodations at a reasonable rate and are encouraged to share rooms when appropriate
- Lodging expenses shall be reimbursed for basic room rate and applicable taxes
- Incidental charges to the room, such as room service, movies, internet charges, and other additional service will not be reimbursed
Miscellaneous Supplies
*All receipts are required for reimbursement
Supplies related to research that are required for the student to conduct and collect experiment results. Examples include but are not limited to: specialized equipment and tools, chemicals, and external lab review of samples
Prohibited Reimbursement
- Alcohol and controlled substances
- Fines for parking or traffic violations
- Charges resulting in a traveler’s failure to cancel guaranteed reservations
- Personal purchases or services
- Expenses incurred by family members, travel companions, or others who accompany student on travel
- Wages lost or unearned as a result of participation in an Alvernia University Real World Experience
