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GGC Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am an IU graduate student, but I am not on campus this semester. Can I still access GGC services?

A. Yes, as long as you are an enrolled student. There are two ways you can use our services.

  1. We can do searches for you (check the IRIS Alphabetical List of Keywords and the IRIS Hierarchical List of Keywords to find appropriate keywords for a search). Proposal consulting can be done via mail or e-mail.

  2. You can run your own searches using the VPN (virtual private network) connection service offered by UITS. A remote VPN connection will enable you to authenticate (login using your IU Network ID) and access IP-restricted resources such as the grants databases as though you were on campus.

    For information on how to do this, please read the specific documentation in the IU Knowledge Base that corresponds to your computer and operating system. Please contact the Support Center if you have computing questions or problems.

Q. How can I search for grant sources if I am not on campus?

A. Try searching the Web. Even if you do not have internet access at home, you may be able to access the Web at your local library or at a business such as a copy center or cyber cafe. Use a search engine to search for grants or sponsor organizations. You might want to start your search in the GGC's online Publications and Resources.

Q. Can I search the databases that the GradGrants Center subscribes to?

A. Yes. Four database searches -- IRIS, COS, ResearchResearch, and Science's Nextwave -- are currently available from our website.

Q. I've tried to access IRIS, COS, and ResearchResearch, but can't get in. Why?

A. You must be identifiable as an IU student to the computer server at each database. IU's GradGrants Center subscribes to IRIS, COS, and ResearchResearch in order to make the services available to IU students. The way the database computer "knows" whether you are at IU is by looking at the IP number of your computer. The IP number is assigned to each separate machine connected to the Internet; if you log in through a modem your computer is assigned a temporary IP number. If you are using an internet connection through America Online, for example, you will probably not be allowed access. Try using a remote VPN connection through your home campus that will enable you to access IP-restricted resources such as the grants databases as though you were on campus (see the IU Knowledge Base entries for full details).

Q. What can I do if I am using an internet provider such as America Online or have an e-mail account at the university where I am working or studying this semester?

A. If you are able to telnet or dial in to your IU account, log in to IU's computer network. (For help with connecting from off-campus, see the Knowledge Base entry When I'm not at IU, how can I access my e-mail or computer accounts?.) You can also try using a remote VPN connection through your home campus that will enable you to access IP-restricted resources such as the grants databases as though you were on campus (see the IU Knowledge Base entries for full details).

Q. I don't have computer access. What other options are available?

A. Call the GGC at 812-855-5281 to speak with a consultant; leave a voice mail message if the office is closed. You can also write to us at the GradGrants Center, Main Library, Research Collection Room 1052E, Bloomington, IN 47405-3907.

Q. I would like to attend one of your workshops. What do I need to do, and does it cost anything?

A. All of our workshops are free to IU graduate students. You will need to register for some workshops such as the Proposal Writing workshop and the "Grants on the Net" workshop -- check the workshops page for more information about particular workshops and to preregister if required. Other workshops are large sessions that are open to everyone.