Call for projects "Support for CONNECT #4 student initiatives" - I-Site excellence program

As part of the I-SITE Program of Excellence, the University of Montpellier is launching a call for projects entitled "Support for Connect #4 student initiatives". This call is open to all students enrolled in a course at one of the I-SITE institutions. Its aim is to transform the various campuses into real meeting points and exchanges for all students, by opening them up to society and its major issues. Projects will focus on sustainable development, humanitarian aid and solidarity, the business world, culture and sport, and the fight against discrimination.

The "Support for student initiatives Connect #4" call for projects is launched following confirmation of the I-SITE label obtained by the University of Montpellier. This year, the Strategic and Structuring Investment Committee (COMIS*) has chosen to maintain the general guidelines of the "Support for Connect #3 student initiatives" call for projects. Student associations and initiatives enable the student community to come together and share their interests. Citizenship, culture, sport, solidarity... whatever their theme, all these initiatives contribute to developing a culture of debate, sharing and intellectual enrichment. The ambition of the long-standing I-SITE is to "connect" the student community and campuses by supporting joint initiatives, thereby strengthening a sense of belonging to the University of Montpellier.

Objective

The aim of this program is to support voluntary student projects that bring together the entire I-SITE student community around major social issues, such as "NOURISH - PROTECT - CARE" (non-exclusive themes), and thus foster a sense of belonging to the University of Montpellier. The initiatives proposed are one-off actions of a very open nature (exhibitions, concerts, collections, fairs, evening events). Their aim is to transform the various campuses into real meeting points and exchanges for all students, by opening them up to society and its major issues.

Projects may therefore focus on the following themes:

  • SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
    in particular in relation to one or more of the UN's sustainable development goals "to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all".
  • HUMANITAIRE & SOLIDARITÉS
    on a local, national or international scale in the fields of agri-environment, ecology and health.
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
    and raising awareness of the entrepreneurial spirit and the issues of professional integration.
  • CULTURE & SPORT
    to promote cultural creation, heritage enhancement and sports activities.
  • FIGHT AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
    and for equality between women and men.

Allocated resources

A budget of around €100,000 (resources allocated by I-SITE funds). The amount of support will be consistent with the scope and unifying nature of the project. Although not compulsory, projects may be co-financed. Successful initiatives benefit from partial or total financial support, either through direct assumption of costs or through reimbursement to student associations, within the limits of eligible expenses.

Target audience

This call is open to all students enrolled in a course of study at one of the I-SITE institutions.
Projects may be submitted:

  • a student ;
  • a group of students from the same or different courses;
  • one or more student associations on campus.

Selection criteria

For the 4th edition of this call for projects, the emphasis is on the innovative character of each initiative, their consistency with the social issues of particular interest to the University of Montpellier, and their inclusion in an eco-responsible approach.

In their letter of intent, project promoters must demonstrate in particular the unifying nature of the project and its ability to :

  • Involve several students, student groups or associations from different components and/or institutions in setting up and implementing the project;
  • open up the initiative to a wide audience, enabling the majority of the student community, regardless of the geographical location of their institution, to take part;
  • promote dialogue between the academic community and the general public.

Particular attention will therefore be paid to the project's communication plan, which should include actions to promote the project through the various I-SITE media.

Only projects with a coherent, balanced budget will be eligible for funding under this call for projects. It is recommended that the actions or events organized be free of charge for the entire student community.

The following are not eligible:

  • colloquia, congresses or seminars linked to a training course or research laboratory;
  • tutored projects ;
  • vacation or tourism projects ;
  • direct donations.

International projects must comply with the guidelines of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Evaluation methods

Proposals will be studied by a special evaluation committee made up of student representatives (including elected representatives and student association representatives) and institutional representatives with expertise in student life. The commission will produce an evaluation of eligible applications and propose a ranking to the COMIS, then to the Board of Directors of the University of Montpellier for final decision.

Commitment charter

Initiatives must be implemented in an eco-responsible manner, respectful of the foundations of good living together, and compatible with all the rules governing the reception of the public (handicap accessibility and safety). To this end, a charter of commitment must be signed by the student carrying out the initiative once it has been selected. This charter commits the promoter to specific points concerning compliance with the internal regulations
of the host establishments, their premises and any equipment they may make available to the project.

Support in setting up your project

To help you with your application, you MUST make an appointment with the Student Life Department of the University of Montpellier before submitting your project.

Your contact:
KarynPRAVOSSOUDOVITCH, CHARGÉE D'ACTIONS VIE ÉTUDIANTE
Université de Montpellier
Service Vie Étudiante - Direction Vie des Campus
Campus Triolet - Place Eugène Bataillon - 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05
P.O. Box: 07006
Tel: +33 (0)4 67 14 94 20
Email

Deposit procedure

Documents are uploaded to the dedicated platform in PDF format:

Calendar

  • 17/10/2022: Call for projects opens.
  • From 17/10/2022 to 30/11/2022: MANDATORY: Prior appointment with the student life department of the University of Montpellier.
  • 30/11/2022: Deadline for project submissions (5pm Paris time).
  • January 2023: Evaluation of projects / Announcement of results / Start-up of projects.
  • December 1, 2023: Deadline for project completion.

*COMIS: committee set up in the UM statutes to work with I-SITE partners on joint management of the resources provided, in particular, by the Investissements d'Avenir and France 2030 programs.