South Dakota State University
Student Opportunity Fund
Description
The Student Opportunity Fund was established by a generous donor to help undergraduate
students participate in professional enrichment activities. The Fund is intended to alleviate the
financial need that may restrict students’ ability to participate.
Eligibility
Students must present or perform in professional enrichment activities. Such activities include:
 professional conference (state, regional, national, international)
 moderate a panel
 workshop/seminar
 judging
 performance
 other talent or academic opportunities
Note:
Applicants who are attending—rather than presenting or performing at—an academic event will
not be considered for funding.
Amount
The Student Opportunity Fund provides financial assistance of a maximum of $300.00 per
student.
Purpose of fund
The purpose of the Student Opportunity Fund is to underwrite the costs of the enrichment
activity, including travel, registration, and lodging. The fund is for student out of pocket costs
only and cannot be used to defray expenses incurred by a department, faculty or staff.
Application Process
The application must be initiated and completed by the student in consultation with the advisor or
faculty member. The significance of the activity in academic or professional preparation would
naturally be unique for each student, even if participating in the same activity as others.
This fund is intended to help students attend professional activities. As a reflection of this, the
application should be professionally submitted- typed and well thought out.
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Student completes the Student Opportunity Fund Application
Student itemizes a complete budget, but the final request should not exceed $300.00
Student submits the application to an advisor and/or faculty member who will complete the
faculty recommendation portion of the application
Advisor submits the application in electronic format only (pdf file named SOF
StudentLastName Semester) to sdsu.office.academicaffairs@sdstate.edu
direct questions/inquiries to the Office of Academic Affairs at: 688-4173 or
sdsu.office.academicaffairs@sdstate.edu
Deadlines
April 1 and November 1 of each year.
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Applications submitted April 1st may apply to activities in the previous fall, current spring, or
next summer semesters.
Applications submitted November 1st may apply to activities in the previous summer, current
fall, or next spring semesters.
Receipts must be submitted and funds requested within 90 days of the activity occurrence (if
for future event) or of notification of awarding of funds (if event has already occurred).
Awards
Awards are made based on the availability of funds. The Undergraduate Student Experience
Committee or a sub-group of this committee reviews the applications twice a year. The criteria for
awards are listed below. The committee makes recommendations to the Provost who makes all
final decisions on awards and level of funding. A notification letter is mailed to each applicant and
copied to the advisor/faculty member.
Reimbursement
Funds are distributed directly to the student through the SDSU Foundation. Any questions on
payment should be directed to Vince Lahren the Budget Analyst in the Office of Academic Affairs
at 688-5307 or Vincent.lahren@sdstate.edu. Funds are awarded through reimbursement of the
student’s out of pocket expenses. Students need to save receipts and submit them to the Budget
Analyst upon return from their professional enrichment activity. Please note that receipts should
be submitted no later than 90 days after the travel. (or 90 days after notification of award if the
event has already occurred)
IMPORTANT: Request for reimbursement (with receipts) must be submitted by the student and
reimbursement will be made directly to the student.
CRITERIA FOR AWARDS
Each application will be reviewed and evaluated individually. Students applying to
participate in the same event may consult with each other on the budget. However,
they need to write their respective narrative individually and submit their application
separately.
(For your information)
Level of Involvement
(higher priority to requests where students accepted to give professional presentation(s),
judging, talent performance, etc.)
Significance of activity
(proposed activity is of significance to professional enrichment and has endorsement
from a faculty mentor or advisor)
Professional quality of application
(activity meets criteria of this award, application is typed and formatted appropriately,
answers indicate serious thought)
Number of times funds have been received
(higher priority will be given to those students who have not received prior funding from
this fund)
Requested funds
(request does not exceed the limit of $300 per student and student has investigated
other funds in order to leverage this fund)
Student Opportunity Fund Application
South Dakota State University
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name:
Student ID number:
Major and Class Standing:
Address:
Telephone number:
E-mail address:
Have you received funds from this fund before?
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION
Name of event:
Location:
Dates:
Describe your involvement (present, perform, moderate, etc.)- provide a name of your
presentation if applicable:
How will this activity impact your academic and/or professional development? As each student is
unique, each student should have a different answer to this question, even if participating in the
same event (answer this question with a brief paragraph):
Other SDSU students participating:
BUDGET
Estimated Costs
Provide a breakdown of expenses listed below.
Coordination with other participating students to minimize expenses is highly encouraged.
1. Transportation
2. Event Registration
3. Lodging
$ _______________
$ _______________
$ _______________
Total amount needed for activity
$
Amount Requested
Amount requested from this fund
(Note: a maximum of $300 per person)
$
_____
My name typed below indicates that I attest to the accuracy of this application.
_________________________________________
Signature (typed) of Student
___________________
Date
FACTULTY/STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Name:
Contact Information:
Please list any other funding sources for which the student has applied, including requests
for departmental funds (accepted or denied):
Source
accepted or
denied?
If funded, amount provided
If you have several students attending the same event, please justify any differences in
estimated costs.
Your evaluation of the merits of this student and application.
I have reviewed this application and attest to its accuracy. I recommend funding.
_________________________________________
Signature of Faculty or Staff Member
___________________
Date