Call for Proposals: Dean's Excellence Fund for Students

The NDSU College of Business invites proposals from student organizations seeking funding to support experiential learning activities, including travel, competitions, conferences, and hands-on projects that enhance academic and professional development.
Total Available Funding:
$50,000 for the 2025-26 academic year
Maximum Award per Group: $10,000

Eligibility

• Must be a recognized NDSU student organization or an organization affiliated with the NDSU College of Business.
• Activities must align with the College’s mission to foster experiential learning, leadership, and career readiness.
• Funding requests must comply with eligible expenses per NDSU Policy.

Proposal Requirements

Each proposal must include the following:

1. Name of Student Organization
   Include names and contact information of organization leadership including faculty/staff advisor
2. Project Title and Summary
   A brief overview of the activity and its purpose.
3. Learning Objectives
   Clear articulation of how the activity supports experiential learning and student development.
4. Champion and Participants
   Position in the organization that is responsible for carrying out the project and documentation. Total number of students involved and their roles.
5. Timeline of Activity
   Key dates for planning, execution, and completion.
6. Impact Statement and Dissemination
   Description of expected outcomes and how success will be measured. Detailed plan for sharing the learning and outcomes of the project, i.e. social media, presentation at meetings, and reflection reports.
7. Detailed Budget
   Itemized expenses with justification. Include travel, lodging, registration, etc.
8. Additional or Previous Funding (if applicable)
   Summary of current funding sources and past awards received and outcomes.

Selection Process

Proposals will be reviewed by the Experiential Learning Fund Committee, composed of faculty, staff, and student representatives. Selection will be based on:

• Alignment with experiential learning goals
• Feasibility and clarity of budget
• Number of students impacted
• Innovation and uniqueness of the activity
• Potential for long-term benefit or visibility for the College

Submission Instructions

Submit proposals as a single PDF to Dr. Kathryn Birkeland (kathryn.birkeland@ndsu.edu) by October 15, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.