Campus Climate Grant

Campus Climate Grant

Background

The Department of Multicultural Services has funds available for programs or activities aimed at enhancing the campus climate at Texas A&M. Campus Climate funding is specifically designed to assist student organizations with programming efforts that speak to campus climate issues (ability status, age, ethnicity, gender, national origin, native language, race, religion, sexual orientation, globalization, and socioeconomic background). Improving the campus climate is a critical component of the Campus Diversity Plan, which, in turn, is a key strategy to diversifying and globalizing the A&M Community as outlined in Vision 2020.

Please read this entire web page in detail if you plan to submit a campus climate proposal. 

Application Process

To apply for funding the application form must be filled out completely and submitted, along with additional relevant information, to Tonya Driver in the Department of Multicultural Services, preferably via e-mail to tonyadriver@tamu.edu. Paper proposals are also accepted and can be delivered in person to 227 Koldus, by campus mail at Mail Stop 1121, or by fax (979-862-2640). You will receive a confirmation of receipt via e-mail.

Proposal Review Process

Campus Climate funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the academic year until the funds are depleted. Proposals will be reviewed by a departmental committee on a monthly basis. Proposals can be accepted, rejected, or returned for resubmission. Accepted proposals may have conditions attached, such as a limitation of items on which the funds can be used.  Rejected proposals will be accompanied by a justification for the decision. Proposals returned for resubmission will specify what improvements are necessary for further consideration. 

Review Criteria

At a minimum, funding proposals must meet the following criteria:

1. The primary audience for all events should be students at Texas A&M.
2. Applications are submitted by a recognized Texas A&M University student organization, faculty or staff, academic or administrative unit/department, faculty or staff groups or university affiliated network prior to the proposed event or activity.
3. The application form is filled out completely and in sufficient detail, which means:
   ● The link between the event or activity and the positive affect on the campus climate is clearly stated;
   ● The intended learning outcomes or program outcomes are stated and are reasonable given the nature of the event;
   ● There is a clear and appropriate evaluation strategy that allows you to examine whether or not these outcomes have been met;
4. A complete and itemized budget for the entire event or activity is attached.

Additionally, the Department of Multicultural Services will give greater consideration to proposals that meet the following criteria:

1. Event or activity encourages sustained and/or meaningful interaction between (groups of) campus constituents that do not ordinarily interact with each other on that basis
2. Multiple sources of funding have been secured or approached
3. Event or activity will impacts a significant number of students (usually greater than 100) 

Expectations and Considerations

1. Except in rare circumstances, the amount awarded will not exceed $500
2. Awards will be made on a rolling basis until resources are exhausted
3. The Department of Multicultural Services is to be acknowledged for its contribution on marketing materials (i.e., advertisements, brochures, publications, event programs, etc.) and/or during the activity itself. Within four weeks of the event, the funded recipient will submit a report of the activity summarizing the outcomes and how the campus climate was impacted. Please include the student organization SOFC account number in the report and submit it to Tonya Driver via email to tonyadriver@tamu.edu.
4. Reminder: Funding will not be provided until AFTER receipt of this report.  

Funding Limitations

1. Funds will be transferred to the student organization’s SOFC account once the report is received. Academic departments or campus units receiving funding will be contacted to determine the best way to disburse funds.
2. Requests for food are generally not accepted unless the food is a significant part of the event such as a cultural dinner.
3. No funds will be disbursed until a satisfactory report has been submitted. Please plan accordingly, especially if you incur any of your expenses prior to your activity.  

Questions? Need Help?

For questions about the review process, please email tonyadriver@tamu.edu, or contact us at 979.862.2000.
If you are ready to fill out the proposal form, you can find it by downloading Campus Climate Grant Form found in the attachment