About the fund
The Vice-President Students Strategic Initiatives Fund, established in 2023 by the Office of the Vice-President, Students, supports projects and initiatives that advance the Student Strategic Plan (SSP). The strategic priorities outlined in the Student Strategic Plan (2026 to 2029) represent our key priorities for the next 3 years, with the aim of fostering an exceptional and accessible student experience for all students. Staff within the Vice-President, Students (VPS) and the Associate Vice-President, Students (AVPS) portfolios are encouraged to apply for these funds to advance these strategic priorities.
Calls for proposals
Each year, calls for proposal will be announced. The Office of the Vice-President, Students may also create topic-specific streams within a round from time to time.
How it works
The fund is administered by the Strategic Initiative Fund Advisory Committee, made up of VPS and AVPS staff representatives. The Committee may allocate up to $25,000; typically grants will range between $2,000 to $25,000. These funds are intended to provide seed funding to support initiatives or projects that advance the strategic priorities of the Student Strategic Plan (2026-2029).
Cross-collaboration and partnerships
Applicants are strongly encouraged to connect with other units across the VPS/AVPS Portfolio and the university to support cross-collaboration in the development of an application. Partnerships can be with:
- Campus partners
- Units across the VPS or AVPS portfolio
- Student groups and clubs, such as AMS, GSS, SUO
Submission requirements
Proposed initiatives must align with one or more of the three strategic priorities in the Student Strategic Plan.
Strategic Priority 1: Student-Centred Navigation
We are making it easier for UBC students to find the right help when they need it, with fewer steps between students and the support they’re looking for.
Areas we’re focusing on:
- Improving and streamlining how students access student services
- Creating clearer pathways to connect with the right resources and supports when students need them
Strategic Priority 2: New to UBC
We are expanding the new student’s experience to help students thrive and connect with other students.
Areas we’re focusing on:
- Strengthening transition support for incoming graduate, transfer, and international students
- Expanding access to orientations and extending programming beyond the first week
- Making it easier for students to meet people and build connections throughout their first year
Strategic Priority 3: Experiences That Shape You
We are increasing opportunities and removing barriers so more students can access and participate in distinctive opportunities like on- and off-campus jobs, community engagement, signature events, study abroad, and research.
Areas we’re focusing on:
- Removing barriers to accessing opportunities that meet students’ interests, and academic and career goals
- Expanding funding and support for students to participate in experiences like Go Global, Community Service Learning, and research projects
- Creating enhanced connections between classroom learning and hands-on experience
Eligibility
- Primary applicants must be current staff members within the UBC Vice-President, Students or Associate Vice-President, Students portfolio to apply.
- The proposed initiative must support at least one of the strategic priorities of the Student Strategic Plan (2026-2029).
- The proposed initiative funding request must be a one-time or term-limited funding request. In other words, investments must be used to fund specific projects rather than ongoing operational needs.
- The implementation timeline for the proposed initiative must fall between February 2026 and April 2027.
- The proposal must be approved and signed by the primary applicant’s direct supervisor and their unit’s Managing Director, Director, or Associate Vice-President.
- Applicants who are awarded funding must provide a status report and financial statement twice—halfway through the project implementation, and after the project or initiative has been completed.
- The primary applicant’s unit will receive the funds and will be responsible for the reporting. A detailed reporting schedule will be outlined in the funding letter.
- Allocated funds that are unspent within the proposed timeframe must be returned.
Adjudication Criteria
- Strategic alignment
The proposed project or initiative must align with and advance at least one of the three strategic priorities of the Student Strategic Plan (2026-2029). - Project impact
A project/initiative that can achieve the desired outcomes in the funding duration, or at least provide a pilot/test of a new program/initiative. - Feasibility and clarity
The proposal provides a clear project description, scope and plan. - Cost-effectiveness
The proposed budget is reasonable, aligned with the work plan and includes a clear justification for all costs associated with the project/initiative. Where feasible, the project includes cash/in-kind commitments from other sources. - Metrics of success
The extent to which the metrics of success and capacity for implementation are clearly defined and relevant to the project/initiative’s objectives and expected outcomes.
How to apply
Applications are open from February 9. 2026 to April 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST, and can be submitted by clicking on ‘Apply now’ below. This how-to guide (PDF) provides instructions on how to apply. Your CWL will be required to register and log in.
If you experience any issues at any time throughout the application, please email vpsassist@mail.ubc.ca
Past SIF projects
Learn more about past SIF projects and their impacts.
If you have questions
For questions specific to the fund, please contact vpsassist@mail.ubc.ca.