The DGS should help seek external funding for graduate students.  He/She should help the student explore the possibilities for outside funding to allow the program to accommodate more students. The DGS should encourage and be aware of proposals for grants to the department or individual faculty members.  Principal investigators should be encouraged to put graduate student support in their research grant budget to the fullest extent possible. The DGS should also encourage students to seek external sources of support and should call to their attention any opportunities that are available. The stronger the student, the more he or she should be encouraged to enter external competitions