From Imagination to Graduation:
Creative Approaches to Student Recruitment and Retention

Proposal Deadline is Friday, October 5, 2012

Proposals are now being accepted for UMA’s 2012-13 Presidential Enrollment Mini-Grant Competition. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize imaginative and creative methods to support student recruitment, engagement and retention.

Applicants should address how the proposed project is aligned with one or more of the action plan groups outlined in the UMS Enrollment Management Plan. Those groups are Branding and Marketing, Recruitment and Outreach, Student Success Initiatives, Academic Program Retention, and Academic Program Development.

Now in its fifth year, $50,000 has been allocated for this year’s mini-grant competition. Any faculty member, staff, or student group may submit an application, as long as the proposed project addresses the theme. Mini-grant applications will be reviewed by the Mini-Grant Selection Committee composed of representatives of faculty, staff, and students. Mini-grants recommended for funding will be forwarded to the President’s Cabinet for final approval. Requested amounts may be adjusted by the Review Committee to facilitate efficient use of available funds. Applications will be judged on the following criteria:
1.) Alignment with the theme, 2.) Impact on student retention 3.) Strength of the project plan and stated outcomes, and 4.) “Wow” factor for imaginative and creative elements.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 5, 2012. Final decisions will be made by late October, and funds will be disbursed shortly thereafter. Awarded projects must be completed no later than December 31, 2013 (14 months duration). The application is available as a Word Document or a PDF Template.

For questions or further information, please contact: Ariel Cassista, Administrative Assistant, Enrollment Services, 621-3350, ariel.cassista@maine.edu

*Proposals seeking funds for out-of-state or international travel must detail plans for matching support from other sources, such as student self-help, other grants, or departmental resources.

*Proposals that require physical installation (e.g. electrical, plumbing, framework, etc.), please contact facilities to discuss possible costs associated with the infrastructure of a project. These costs should be included in the expense category.

2011-12 Funded Presidential Enrollment Mini-Grants