ProveIT FAQs

What kind of idea should I seek to submit a plan for?

Those who originally created the Prove-IT program were looking for a project that instills a sense of pride in our campus community - something that would make students happy knowing it happened here – something that is a permanent change or unifying experience for students. What would you like to see improved, added, developed, used, celebrated, created, or made available for every student at UMBC? Start with these ideas in mind, and work towards finding an idea that truly showcases that students at UMBC have ownership over shaping their communities.

Why are there three smaller awards available this year, instead of one large award like in past Prove-IT contests?

The Prove-IT contest is meant to be one that fosters opportunity for students and the fantastic ideas that they wish to make a reality. By allowing for more students to win prizes and ultimately receive funding from the SGA, we feel that the contest allows for more students to receive the resources necessary to have these opportunities. Having smaller prize amounts also helps create an environment where students take a look at things that they would like to more immediately change about our campus, instead of thinking of initiatives that are so large that they could take years to complete.

How exactly do the monetary prizes work?

Up to $10,000 of SGA funding will be available to be spent on the behalf of the implementation of the ideas of the three winning groups. Although you are not obligated to create a budget that plans to spend the entire amount, it is encouraged that you design a plan that makes the best use of the allocated funding. When the finalists are invited to discuss their proposals with the selection committee, they may be asked to modify their budgets according to the committee's criteria. The SGA will ultimately be responsible for the actual disbursement of the budget's funds. More details will be provided to those winning teams once the final announcement has been made. A $2,000 reward will also be given to each of the three groups that develop the winning concepts and makes them realities. This reward amount of $2,000 applies to the whole group, so it will be left up to the group members to decide how the money will ultimately be divided.

Where does the money that is awarded come from?

The SGA and each of its initiatives and programs is supported by the Student Activity Fee that each student pays. This money is budgeted each and every year to ensure that the money is spent in the most conducive way possible to enhancing the experiences of UMBC’s undergraduate students. Money that goes unspent each year eventually becomes a part of a savings fund known as the General Ledger, whose purpose is to cover emergency expenditures or typically un-budgeted initiatives. The money to support Prove-IT comes from the General Ledger with the authority of the SGA Senate and Finance Board, as well as the approval of the SGA President.

To be eligible, the 3-7 UMBC undergrads must be in good academic standing. What does it mean to be in "good academic standing?"

According to the "Academic Requirements and Regulations" section of the UMBC Undergraduate Catalog, an undergraduate in "good academic standing" is described as having a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater. For the purposes of this contest, this description shall be used in determining qualifications.

Once you submit a proposal, can the plan be modified?

If a proposal is submitted before the deadline and the team would like to alter any part of it, this may occur between that time and the deadline. If the modified proposal is not submitted before the deadline, the selection committee will review the original. After the deadline, changes may only occur when the semi-finalists are invited to discuss their proposals with the selection committee. There they may be asked to modify their plans and/or budgets to meet the selection committee's criteria or expectations, or to conform to SGA and UMBC policies. Making requested changes will substantially increase the likelihood that a proposal will be selected as a finalist and forwarded on to student voting.

Who should we contact if we have any further logistical questions regarding Prove It?

Feel free to send any questions regarding this contest to dylcook1@umbc.edu or shyamp1@umbc.edu, and your questions will be forwarded to the appropriate person or department that can most accurately answer them.

What exactly does the timeline for the selection of the winning project look like?

The selection process will involve multiple stages: In early March, approximately ten semi-finalists will be notified by the Selection Committee, and may be invited to discuss their proposals in greater detail. From these ten semi-finalists, the Selection Committee will then take into consideration the edited proposals and select six finalists from among them by early April. These finalists will then be able to advertise their proposals to students, culminating in a vote by the student body in early May that will select the three finalists that will be declared as winners.

Who is on the Prove It Selection Committee?

The selection committee is comprised of students (staff members of the SGA, and two students who will be selected from among the general student body through Prove-IT contest drawings), and representatives from Faculty, Staff, and campus Administration who will be able to accurately assess the components of a successful proposal.

How do I enter the contest to become a part of the Selection Committee as a student?!

Those students who are not submitting proposals are eligible to enter contests to become one of the two at-large student representatives on the Prove-it Selection Committee. Keep an eye on the front page of the website, as well at the Prove-IT contest Twitter page (@UMBCProveit) for these opportunities and information on entering!

The
Wall

Social
Media