FAQsHere you can find a list of frequently asked questions!
- "So…exactly what kind of idea are you looking for?"
We're looking for something that instills a sense of pride in our campus community-something that would make you happy knowing it happened here-that is a permanent change, artistic, solves a problem, or unifying. What would you like to see improved, added, developed, used celebrated, created or made available for every student at UMBC? Start there and you'll be on the right track.
- Is it possible to enhance a preexisting project, service, or event at UMBC?
Yes, it is possible to improve upon something that already exists at UMBC. You are encouraged to contact the campus departments associated with that particular effort, find out their current and/or future plans for it and use this information to develop your idea.
- What are examples of possible projects that can be done?
Three years ago SGA used $30,000 to transform the Student Organizations Area on The Commons' 2nd floor into a hub of campus life. Last year SGA invested $45,000 in a GPS tracking system in partnership with UMBC Transit Services. The winning entry could be something like one of these projects . . . or something completely different. The important thing is, the idea must produce an important benefit for the UMBC community and make us all proud.
- Where is the $55,000 coming from?
Your Student Activities Fee funds the SGA budget. At the end of each budget cycle, all unspent funds roll over into the SGA's "rainy day fund" called the General Ledger. The $55,000 is coming from this account.
- How does the money work?
Up to $50,000 of SGA funding will support the implementation of your idea.
Although you are not obligated to create a budget that plans to spend the entire amount, we encourage you to aim for a budget between $15,000 and $50,000 to develop something that can reach the entire campus community. Also, 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 be responsible for the actual disbursement of the budget's funds.
A $5,000 reward will be given to the group that develops the winning concept and makes it a reality.
The reward of $5,000 applies to the whole group, so it is up to the group as to how the money will be divided. Teams can elicit help from anyone, including student organizations. This means that students can promise a reward to a student organization for their assistance.
- To be eligible, the 3-7 UMBC undergrads must be in good academic standing. What does it mean to be in "good academic standing?"
An undergraduate in "good academic standing" is described to have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above, according to the "Academic Requirements and Regulations" section of the UMBC Undergraduate Catalog 2006-2008.
- How can you find out which department at UMBC would be involved with our idea?
You can find a list of and contact information for all administrative departments and campus services at http://www.umbc.edu/administration/departments.html
- Who should we contact if we have any further logistical questions regarding Prove It?
Send any questions regarding this initiative to proveit@umbc.edu, and we will forward them to the appropriate person/department who can most accurately answer them.
- When will the chosen project be implemented?
The timeline depends on the project. Some ideas can be organized during a single semester; others may need a year to be developed.
- 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 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 the winner.
- Do you need letters of support from everyone?
No, you do not need letters from everyone who supports your team. However, written statements of support from campus partners who could potentially be involved in the implementation of your proposal show the committee your plan is feasible and increases your chances of being chosen.
- What exactly is the timeline of the selection of the winning project?
The selection process will involve multiple stages. In January, the three finalists will be notified and may be invited to discuss their proposals in greater detail. The winner will be selected in March.
- Can students participate in more than one group?
Yes, students can participate in more than one group making a submission.
- Do I have to submit my proposal twice?
Yes, you must submit your proposal via email by December 31, 2007 and in paper form by January 4, 2008.
- Can I submit sections of my proposal separately?
With the exception of the letters of support that need to be received by January 4, 2008, please submit your proposal as one unit when all sections are completed.
- Who is on the Prove It Selection Committee?
The selection committee is comprised of a student majority (SGA, TRW and
SEB staff members) and representatives from Faculty, staff and the
administration whose combined knowledge of campus affairs will be able to
accurately assess and increase the possibility of submitted proposals.
- How will students be involved in the selection of the winning proposal?
When the finalists are selected, the proposals will be open for student
feedback (comments, questions, suggestions, etc.) which will heavily
contribute to the final selection.
- What are the selection criteria?
Proposals will be evaluated according to five major categories: benefit to
the campus community, originality, feasibility, sustainability and student
response.
- Why is the deadline extended?
This decision in no way reflects any unmet expectations we had for the
Prove It process, in fact the quality and quantity of the applications we've
received have far exceeded them. Rather, we've received requests for more
time and, this being the first Prove It competition, we wanted to give all
interested the opportunity submit their ideas.
- What does this mean for me if I still want to submit?
For proposals received after the December 31st deadline, lateness will be a
penalty in the final selection process. In other words, it would behoove
groups to submit applications as soon as possible before January 13th.
*New Deadline Dates *
*Email: elani1@umbc.edu by Sunday, 11:59 January 13, 2007
Paper copy submitted or postmarked by Monday, January 14, 2007 to:
ATTN: David Hoffman
Commons 336
UMBC 1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, Maryland 21250
(Please note: proposal must be submitted in both forms)
- What does this mean for me if I've already submitted?
Those who have met the original deadline may use the duration of the
extension to modify their proposals, if they choose, with no penalty.
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