Call for Proposals: “Support for Student Initiatives CONNECT #4” – I-Site Excellence Program
As part of the I-SITE Excellence Program, the University of Montpellier is launching a call for projects titled “Support for Student Initiatives: Connect #4.” This call is open to all students enrolled in a program at one of the I-SITE member institutions. It aims to transform the various campuses into genuine hubs for meeting and exchange for all students by opening them up to society and its major challenges. Thus, projects may address themes such as sustainable development, humanitarian aid and solidarity, the business world, culture and sports, or the fight against discrimination.
The “Support for Student Initiatives Connect #4” call for proposals has been launched following the University of Montpellier’s confirmation of its I-SITE designation. For this year, the Committee for Strategic and Structural Investments (COMIS*) has decided to maintain the general guidelines of the “Support for Student Initiatives Connect #3” call for proposals. Student associations and initiatives allow the student community to come together and share their interests. Citizenship, culture, sports, solidarity… whatever their theme, all these initiatives contribute to fostering a culture of debate, sharing, and intellectual enrichment. The goal of the expanded I-SITE is to “connect” the student community and campuses by supporting joint initiatives and thereby strengthening a sense of belonging to the University of Montpellier.
Objective
This program aims to support student-led volunteer projects capable of bringing together the entire student community at I-SITE on an ongoing basis around major social issues, such as “FEED – PROTECT – CARE” (non-exclusive themes), thereby fostering a sense of belonging to the University of Montpellier. The proposed initiatives are one-time events of a very open nature (exhibitions, concerts, fundraisers, fairs, social gatherings). They should help transform the various campuses into genuine hubs for meeting and exchange for all students by opening them up to society and its major challenges.
Projects may therefore fall under the following themes:
- SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
, particularly in relation to one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals defined by the UN to “achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.” - HUMANITARIAN AID & SOLIDARITY
s at the local, national, or international level in the fields of agro-environment, ecology, and health. - BUSINESS WORLD
, and raising awareness of entrepreneurship and issues related to workforce integration. - CULTURE & SPORTS
to support cultural creation, heritage preservation, and sports activities. - FIGHTING DISCRIMINATION
of all kinds and promoting gender equality.
Funding allocated
A budget of approximately €100,000 (funds allocated from the permanent I-SITE budget). The amount of funding will be commensurate with the scope and unifying nature of the project. Although not mandatory, projects may include co-funding. Selected initiatives will receive partial or full financial support, either through direct coverage of expenses or through reimbursement to student associations, in accordance with eligible expenses.
Target audience
This call is open to all students enrolled in a program at one of the I-SITE institutions.
Eligible applicants include:
- a male student, a female student;
- a group of students from the same program or from different programs;
- one or more student organizations on campus.
Selection criteria
For the fourth edition of this call for proposals, the focus is on the innovative nature of each initiative, their alignment with the social issues of particular interest to the University of Montpellier, and their commitment to an eco-responsible approach.
In their letter of intent, project proposers must specifically demonstrate the project’s unifying nature and its ability to:
- involve several students, student groups, or student organizations from different departments and/or institutions in the planning and implementation of the project;
- open the initiative to a broad audience by allowing the majority of the student body, regardless of their school’s location, to participate;
- promote dialogue between the academic community and the general public.
Particular attention will therefore be paid to the project’s communication plan, which must include initiatives to promote the project across the various media channels of the permanent I-SITE.
Only projects with a coherent and balanced budget proposal will be eligible for funding under this call for proposals. It is recommended that the activities or events organized be free of charge for the entire student community.
The following are not eligible:
- conferences, conventions, or seminars related to an educational program or a research laboratory;
- supervised projects;
- vacation or tourism plans;
- direct donations.
International projects must comply with the guidelines issued by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Assessment Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed by a special evaluation committee composed of student representatives (including elected officials and representatives of student organizations) and representatives from institutions with expertise in student life. The committee will evaluate the eligible applications and submit a ranking to COMIS, and then to the Board of Trustees of the University of Montpellier for a final decision.
Charter of Commitment
In their implementation, initiatives must be part of an eco-friendly approach that respects the principles of harmonious coexistence and complies with all public access regulations (accessibility for people with disabilities and safety). In this regard, a commitment charter must be signed by the student leading the initiative once it is selected. This charter commits the student to specific requirements regarding compliance with the internal regulations
of the host institutions, their facilities, and any equipment they may make available to the project.
Support with project setup
To assist you with your application, you MUST schedule an appointment with the Student Life Office at the University of Montpellier before submitting your project.
Your contact:
Karyn PRAVOSSOUDOVITCH, STUDENT LIFE COORDINATOR
University of Montpellier
Student Life Office – Campus Life Department
Triolet Campus – Place Eugène Bataillon – 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05
P.O. Box: 07006
Tel: +33 (0)4 67 14 94 20
Email
Submission Guidelines
The documents are uploaded to the dedicated platform in PDF format:
Calendar
- October 17, 2022: Call for proposals opens.
- From October 17, 2022, to November 30, 2022: REQUIRED: Schedule an appointment with the Student Life Office at the University of Montpellier before submitting your project.
- November 30, 2022: Deadline for project submissions (5:00 p.m. Paris time).
- January 2023: Project evaluation / Announcement of results / Project launch.
- December 1, 2023: Deadline for project completion.
*COMIS: a committee established under the UM’s bylaws to work with I-SITE partners to jointly manage the resources provided, in particular through the Investments for the Future and France 2030 programs.