Encouraging innovation in experiential learning
The intention of the Undergraduate Fund for the Study of Canada is to expand the opportunities for undergraduate students who want to study Canada, increase the visibility and reputation of Trent University’s School for the Study of Canada, and increase Trent’s expertise and contributions to the study of Canada. It builds on Trent’s foundational and existing interdisciplinary leadership in Canadian Studies, with an emphasis on the humanities, and draws upon Canadian scholarship in other disciplines.
It provides funding for Canadian and International undergraduate students who are conducting research to further the study of Canada, travel costs for experiential learning, field trips, capstone courses, research, and participation in conferences anywhere in the world where students are presenting on the study of Canada. Students may apply for funds, as may faculty seeking support for initiatives that aim to provide these kinds of opportunities for students.
ELIGIBILITY
• Available to full-time Canadian or International undergraduate students in any year of any program or to faculty seeking support for initiatives that aim to provide these kinds of opportunities for students. Faculty applying to the fund must make it clear that the funds contribute directly to teaching undergraduates. Examples of acceptable initiatives include class field trips or camps, the organization of student conferences, class publication projects, class performances and installations, invited speakers and similar events, research trips for undergraduate research and conferences, to name but a few.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINE
• Undergraduate students or faculty teaching undergraduate students are invited to apply to the School for the Study of Canada by September 30 of a given year. If funds allow, a second call for applications will be done with a deadline of January 31. Please submit by email attachment a single PDF document to canadianstudies@trentu.ca with your last name and Undergraduate Fund application in the subject line of the email (Smith Undergraduate Fund application). Please label the PDF document lastname.undergraduatefund (smith.undergraduatefund).
APPLICATION COMPONENTS
- A budget must be included with the application. Only travel and accommodation fees, transfers, parking, food (no alcohol), specialized clothing or equipment, and registration fees, conference and workshop fees, conference-specific print costs are eligible.
- The application must include a short description of the research/teaching project and describe how the project fits into an undergraduate program of study.
- For student applications, a short letter of support from a faculty member must be included with the application. An unofficial transcript is required.
SELECTION
• The selection committee, consisting of the Director of the School for the Study of Canada and two faculty members who teach undergraduate courses on Canada, makes a recommendation to the Dean of Humanities. The decision for funding will be based on how the proposed usage furthers the undergraduate study of Canada at Trent University. Funding decisions will usually be made by October 31 each year.
STIPULATIONS
- Funds are to be used within 12 months.
- Travel must be completed prior to graduation unless the student is entering a Trent Master’s program.
- The recipients will receive the award prior to travel. However, individuals must submit the original airplane boarding pass, and all expense receipts, following completion of travel or the amount will be reversed from the student account.
- Student recipients must sign a waiver form prior to travel.
- Students and Faculty supported by the fund must submit a short (1-page) summary of their experience. This should be sent to advancement@trentu.ca and may be passed on to those who contribute to the fund.