Staff Funding Opportunities

The Division of Student Affairs supports staff professional development through funding opportunities that build skills, inspire innovation, and strengthen your work at SMU.

Whether you are pursuing training, attending a conference, or creating new initiatives, these resources are designed to help you thrive in your role and enhance the student experience.

 

Professional Development Fund

Each unit has dedicated funds to support staff professional development. Approval for use of funds is at the discretion of the supervisor and follows the process determined by each unit. Funds may be used for activities, experiences, and educational materials to help you develop in your role.

Professional development fund examples:

  • Books, journals, and professional subscriptions
  • Online educational trainings and webinars
  • Professional conferences and memberships

Impact Fund

Have a one-time unfunded expense that would enhance a program, service, or experience? Full-time Student Affairs staff are invited to submit a funding proposal for the Impact Fund. These funds are allocated toward the support of new or significantly updated/improved programs or services within the Division that make a visible and measurable impact on students and/or division staff.

Apply for the Impact Fund

 

Requirements and Criteria:

  • Full-time Student Affairs staff may submit proposals.and collaborative proposals between departments are encouraged.
  • Corresponding SVPLT representative(s) must be aware of and support the application.
  • Funded applicants may be asked to share their story at an in-person division meeting and write an article for a division publication.
  • Position lines or other salaries and construction to physical spaces will not be funded.

Criteria
 Description
 Points
Originality
 Proposal presents a new idea or significantly enhances an
existing process/program.
 20
Impact and Outcome Clearly identifies how the initiative will positively impact
students, division staff and/or operations.		 20
Strategic Plan Alignment The initiative aligns with an institutional or divisional
strategic plan element (once available).		 15
Feasibility and Implementation Realistic timeline, clearly defined steps, and reasonable
goals.
 15
Budget Justification
 Budget is clear, appropriate, and cost-effective. Funding
request is justified.
 15
Sustainability
 Potential for long-term benefit and/or continued use.
 15

Frequently Asked Questions

Past Impact publications have dedicated a featured story for recipients. Check out some of them below:

Impact 2022-2023

R.I.T.U.A.L
Mustang Pep Talks
InterSections

Impact 2023-2024

Career Closet

Impact 2024-2025

Student Affairs Staff Research Fellow

Applications are solicited twice per year (Fall and Spring). Projects must occur and all financial transactions should be completed within the assigned fiscal year.

It’s possible. Reach out to Dr. Dawn F. Norris or Reyna Muñoz in the Senior Vice President for Student Affair’s Office for assistance.

Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on the following:

  • Less than $1,000 – Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs (OSVPSA) reviews
  • $1,000 - $6,000 – Senior Vice President for Student Affairs reviews with recommendation from OSVPSA
  • $6,000+ – presentation to Senior Vice President Leadership Team

That specific criteria will be considered when we have a strategic plan for the division. In the meantime, please disregard.