Want to apply for funding provided by the DSAC/CEI? Any student at the University of Oregon’s School of Music and Dance may submit a proposal to the DSAC and CEI outlining how funding through the Student Professional Development Fund (SPDF) will aid in their upcoming project. This fund aims to encourage research, creative activity, and professional development that further the diversity goals of SOMD and the university. The Student Professional Development Fund opens The Student Professional Development Fund opens on April 1st and closes on May 1st, 2024 at 11:59 PM.
About the Student Professional Development Fund
This fund will be divided into two tiers for which students can apply:
Tier 1 offers students up to $500 each, and is solely dedicated to communal experiences (i.e., interdisciplinary concerts, recording projects, performances, or exhibitions). These events either offer the community of Eugene, or communities affiliated with the proposing student, an enriching, experience which could potentially unite different disciplines and/or media of art together in the process.
If you are applying for Tier 1, you must submit a detailed proposal of your project or the necessity of funds, as well as a proposed budget. You must also be willing to present your project in front of the DSAC/CEI Committee if a second round of decisions for Tier 1 applications is needed.
Tier 2 offers students up to $200 each and aims to help attenuate growing financial needs of SOMD music and dance students. Tier 2 offers partial financial assistance for expenses needed for a career in the arts. This could include assisting in travel-related expenses (i.e., lodging), instrument repair, purchase of equipment, attending conferences, or assistance in training program tuition.
If you are applying for Tier 2, you must submit a detailed proposal describing the necessity of funds, as well as a proposed budget. There is no presentation component for Tier 2.
The Fall '23 round of SPDF covers expenses or projects occurring between July 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023. The Spring '24 round of SPDF applications will cover expenses or projects occurring between January 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024. Fall applications will be due on November 1 and Spring applications will be due on May 1, with decisions expected by December 1 and June 1, respectively.
NOTE: These are reimbursement grants. Receipts of your expenses must be submitted after approval of your request to be reimbursed up to the amount you were awarded.
NOTE: These funds cannot be used towards a project where you (a student) would hire other students.
If applying for Tier 1, below are some guidelines on what to include:
Goals as an artist/group; relevant experiences related to the project; personal motivation/background
Project Proposal
Why this project is important and how the DSAC Professional Development Fund can assist?
Include how you will execute the logistics of your project (i.e., venue, performers, food/drinks, etc.).
How your proposed project will assist you in your educational process?
How your proposed project can potentially benefit your community?
How your proposed project accounts for accessibility, equity, and inclusion?
Applicants are encouraged to review the university’s IDEAL Framework: A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and its five pillars (inclusion, diversity, evaluation, achievement, and leadership) and the UO andSOMD CEI pages on inclusion.
Budget Proposal
List all expenses and sources of income in relation to proposed project; Include potential ways you are funding your project outside of the DSAC/CEI Professional Development Fund, (i.e., fundraising, advertising, merchandise, crowdsourcing)
If applying for Tier 2, below are some guidelines on what to include:
Goals as an artist/group; relevant experiences related to the expense; personal motivation/background
Fund Proposal
Why this expense is important for your career and how the DSAC Professional Development fund can assist
Rubric of Expectations for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Funding
Tier 1: Completed Qualtrics form
Cohesive speech/presentation
Community outreach component
Prioritization of local, new, interdisciplinary and/or DEI proposals
Tier 2: Completed Qualtrics form
Necessity and urgency of funding
Evidence of direct educational benefit
What are the CEI-related goals of this fund?
To support students from underrepresented groups as they pursue research and creative endeavors that further the diversity goals of the SOMD and the university.
To allow students from both underrepresented and represented groups to deepen their knowledge of topics that engage in some way with diversity, equity, and inclusion.
To enhance the capacity of the SOMD to become a place where people of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included.
How are decisions being made?
Members of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council and student representatives in the Committee for Equity and Inclusion will meet with Kathie Hsieh to discuss the details of each proposal and hear presentations.
When will I receive a decision?
Decisions will be made by December 1, or earlier! Keep an eye on your email inbox.