In an effort to promote innovation, creativity and collaboration, the UAB Division of Student Affairs has established a grant program to support initiatives that advance its strategic priorities. All Student Affairs departments as well as its individual staff are encouraged to apply for funding for programs, events and initiatives that will be implemented in Spring 2018 and are not already being supported by a traditional budget.

Only those programs that are designed for students will be considered. Monies cannot be used by offices or departments for staff development. Programs that are proposed as a joint effort between multiple units and promote collaboration either internally or externally will be heavily considered.

Applications are now available online and will be accepted up until Friday, Oct. 13. A committee made up of Student Affairs professionals as well as faculty and staff from Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management will review all applications. Invitations will be sent out on Friday, Oct. 27 inviting finalists to give a presentation that further explains the initiative for which they require funding. These finalists will present during the week of Nov. 6 and grant awards will be announced the week of Nov. 13.

All applications for funding must meet the criteria below: 

• Timeline:  Include a timeline of the program launch, marketing plan, assessment development, data collection and concluding report.  
• Budget:  Explain how the requested money be utilized to ensure success of the program. (Note: For the initial review, a general budget may be submitted highlighting expected expenses. If the program is selected to move on to the presentation round, a detailed budget must be submitted.)  
• Research:  Provide national or institutional research that supports the need for the establishment of the proposed program.
• Learning Outcome:  Demonstrate what skills or knowledge students will gain, enhance or develop as a result of attending the program or office. Explain how will their learning be evaluated.
• Assessment Plan:  Specify what methods will be utilized to assess the success of the program. Assessment plans should include both satisfaction and learning outcomes based assessment. 
• Implementation of Program:  Tell what steps have already been taken to ensure that the proposed program can be implemented by Spring  2018.
• Alignment with Strategic Priorities:  Explain how the proposed program aligns with the strategic priorities of the Division and/or your office.
• Director approval: All proposed programs must have the full support of the office director. In cases of collaborative proposals all directors must submit signed approval. 
• Renewal: Successful programs may submit for a renewal of the Strategic Investment Grant for a maximum of one additional year. In order to be considered for renewal, an application must be submitted during the next Strategic Investment Grant application time.  

The application is available here: https://uab.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2fRu022AjrFAGpf