HOW TO APPLY
Download Call for Proposals 2008-2009
The Program
The purpose of this program is to give Southwestern students the means and opportunity to explore ideas and interests that fall outside of the usual academic process and curriculum--ideas that may not have a lot to do with a student's major, that combine interests in more than one area, or are extra-curricular in nature.
Students may work alone, or in collaborative teams.
In the case of the King Grants, "creative" includes artistic work and performances in the obvious sense, but also "creativity" in that students will pursue ideas that no one has looked into before, try developing a device not now available, applying standard techniques from one area to another, etc. The King Creativity program is designed not for the projects you are already going to do, or projects you otherwise couldn't do, but the projects that, without this fund, you wouldn't do!
Past projects have dealt with AIDS activism, a study of the neurophysiology of the rat brain, a series of oil paintings on the American Goddess, theatre performances, studies of chimp behavior, design and implementation of an inexpensive solar water heater, the Southwestern University Drum Corps, a study of sleep deprivation in students, the development of Indian Cultural Awareness Month, and the making of student-directed films.
This program encourage creativity and innovation, so don't be limited by what has been funded in the past. But take a look to see the range of ideas that have been supported by the program.
Funding
Proposals may be funded in the range of a few hundred dollars, up to $2,000, but remember that the inexpensive idea is as interesting as the expensive one. Where students are working in teams, the group may apply for the full amount of funding for each student. The amount of funds awarded will depend on the number and quality of proposals submitted. Be prepared to know how you will proceed if the King Creativity Fund is able to provide only part of the funding you apply for.
Selection of the 2008-2009 King Scholars
The King Creativity Fund Selection Committee includes previous King Scholars, interested faculty members, and an administrative advisor. The Committee evaluates proposals on the basis of creative merit, innovation, soundness of proposal, feasibility, and justification of the budget. A sample project rating sheet, used by the selection committee, is attached to assist you in the preparation of your proposal.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be students enrolled in good standing at Southwestern University. Proposals with multiple student authors will be accepted. Student members of the selection committee are eligible to submit proposals, but will recuse themselves from discussion of their proposals. The King Creativity program requests all students who receive King grants to submit their work for inclusion in the Southwestern University Creative Works Symposium held each spring semester.
Application Deadlines and Final Reports
The deadline for the submission of proposals for the 2008-2009 academic year is 5:00pm on October 10, 2008. King Scholars will be notified shortly thereafter. Funds must be spent by May 7, 2009. It is strongly advised that you visit the FAQ before preparing your proposal.
Projects may be conducted at any time following the notification of receipt of the award. King Scholars must present the results of their work at an annual symposium and dinner to be held in the spring on Monday March 30, 2009. King Scholars are required to submit an abstract of their proposed work by November 14, 2008 and a project summary by March 13, 2009. All projects must be ready and available for presentation at the symposium by March 30, 2009.
King Creativity Fund Proposals should be addressed to:
Dr. Paul J. Gaffney, Dean
The Sarofim School of Fine Arts
c/o Ms. Christine Vasquez
Mood Bridwell Hall 110
Proposals must be submitted in hard copy, and delivered to Ms. Vasquez.