The Gretchen Laatsch Grant & Scholarship will be awarded to encourage the involvement of graduate students in scholarly research and writing for the field of college unions and student activities. Nominees must be enrolled at an ACUI member institution and are not full-time employees at the institution. Special consideration will be given to students either currently in or intending to enter the profession. One or more awards will be given to recognize and support activities such as: conducting a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation research study in the field of college unions and student activities; fulfilling practicum credit requirements in a graduate program by completing research, data analysis, and/or writing projects in collaboration with ACUI; advancing the ACUI Research Agenda through a collaborative research project between graduate students, practitioners, and/or faculty members; and submitting publication-ready articles written by graduate students that contribute to the knowledge base of college unions and student activities. Nomination must include the name, institution, and contact information for all contributors. A separate letter of recommendation from a professional or faculty member that supports the selection of the student applicant, verifying that at least one individual involved with the activity is a student in pursuit of a graduate degree is also required. The following information regarding the project must be compiled in a single nomination packet: a description of the activity to be supported or recognized by the award, including relevant literature and/or research design if appropriate; justification as to how the project supports the published ACUI research agenda and makes a significant contribution to the profession; detailed budget showing how the awarded funds will be utilized; and the anticipated project timeline. An acknowledgement by the applicant that, if selected, all funds will be utilized within 18 months must also be submitted. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.