SECOND-YEAR TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
SIGNATURE PROJECT GUIDELINES - CREATIVE &
ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS
The STEP Signature Project in Creative and Artistic Endeavors
Including arts and creative endeavors among the STEP projects affirms the importance of
creativity within undergraduate life and for the university as a whole. Exposure to the arts and
opportunities for creative expression ought not to be limited to majors or those with professional
aspirations; they are the vital current that sparks self-affirmation and energizes community. This
project is designed to give STEP students the opportunity to cultivate and develop their
creativity and artistic passions with guidance of OSU and Columbus artists and innovators.
Artistic & Creative Endeavors Signature Project Guidelines for STEP Students
Students interested in pursuing the Creative and Artistic Endeavors Signature Project should
select from one of the three categories of activities below:
 Arts Exploration
 Practice/Performance
 Professional Development
***In all situations, STEP funding must be used for projects outside of a student’s regular
academic coursework.
Arts Exploration: STEP funds could enable students to pursue intensive exposure to particular
art forms or cultural practices, provided that such experiences are accompanied by sustained
reflection (journals, reviews, blogs). Examples of potential projects include: research and/or
instruction in cultural practices and histories, possibly related to one’s own background, learning
a musical instrument, voice lessons, jewelry-making, etc.
Practice/Performance: Students not majoring in arts disciplines may use STEP funds to begin
or continue involvement in creative practices unrelated to academic or professional
goals. Opportunities for student-organized exhibitions, theatre, music and dance performances,
and poetry readings for instance, would enliven second-year culture.
Professional Development: Students working towards careers in the arts may use STEP funds
to develop portfolios or repertoire, to enhance technique and skills, or to gain intensive exposure
to particular aspects of professional practice.
Students are encouraged to consider opportunities for collaboration with other students in their
Arts and Creative STEP Signature Projects.
Also, the Artistic and Creative Endeavors project should entail a substantial time commitment.
International Creative & Artistic Endeavors Opportunities
STEP students who wish to undertake their STEP Signature Project (any category) in an
international location must do so via participation on one of the following Ohio State-managed
international experiences:
Credit-bearing options
Approved Ohio State study abroad programming is carefully developed and/or selected by an
academic unit in consultation with the Offices of International Affairs and Global Business. Ohio
State study abroad programs yield graded credit, allow students to maintain enrollment, and
retain access to use of their financial aid. In addition to strong academic oversight, all Ohio
State-approved study abroad programming is administered with a high priority given to issues of
student health and safety.
Office of International Affairs (OIA)-managed study abroad programs: http://oia.osu.edu/gettingstarted/search-programs.html
Fisher College of Business—Office of Global Business:
http://fisher.osu.edu/international/undergraduate/
Non-credit bearing options
The Office of Student life develops and implements programs that foster student learning and
development, enhance the educational experience, and prepare students for their chosen
professions and to be contributing members of a diverse global society. Offerings are backed by
research and supported by data in order to respond to and anticipate evolving student needs.
The Student Life staff is well-trained, and initiatives are designed to help students transition into
and through college and prepare them for a lifetime of learning and contribution. Programming
opportunities complement and enhance the academic curricula and help students overcome
obstacles.
Buck-I-SERV: http://buckiserv.osu.edu/
Buckeye Leadership Fellows Program: http://blf.osu.edu/
Office of Student Life—Outdoor Adventure Center: https://recsports.osu.edu/facilities/outdooradventure-center-oac
STEP fellowship funds may not be used for international experiences sponsored by
student organizations.
Next Steps
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Talk to your STEP Faculty Member about how Creative and Artistic Endeavors fits with
your academic, career and life goals
Find examples of possible STEP Creative and Artistic Endeavor Projects at
http://step.osu.edu and consider the following:
o What is the academic component of your proposal?
o How will your creative and artistic endeavors project enable you to make a
positive contribution/impact to a community?
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Talk with a faculty or staff member who may provide guidance on different ways to
package a STEP Creative or Artistic Endeavors Project – Possible Contacts: Need to
list some- Steve Bibyk, Amanda Potter,???? or STEP Office, Vicki Pitstick
(Pitstick.10@osu.edu)
Complete your STEP proposal and budget
A Completed STEP Signature Project Creative and Artistic Endeavor Proposal will
include:
 STEP Proposal
 Budget
Fellowship Disbursement
The approved fellowship will post to your university statement of account approximately 45 days
prior to the start of your creative/artistic endeavor and be applied toward the balance due. If
your balance is less than the amount of your STEP fellowship and any other loans, grants,
and/or scholarships you may receive for that term, you will be able to receive the excess
balance (or “refund”). In order to access your refund, you will need to set up a direct deposit into
your personal bank account. You do not have to establish a bank account locally to use direct
deposit; refunds may be electronically transferred to any bank in the United States. To set up
direct deposit, go to buckeyelink.osu.edu. Once enrolled, the direct deposit service will continue
every semester.
Please note: Prior to disbursement of the fellowship, STEP administration will verify faculty
certification of completion for all STEP program requirements.
Project Reflection and Reporting Back
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Students will be asked to reflect on their project through a reflective essay they will post
on U.OSU.
Students will also be required to report back to the university by presenting at the STEP
Expo or another approved public demonstration such as a performance, exhibit, or
presentation.