Thursdays on the Terrace is a recurring event at the University of Iowa's Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) that provides students with vibrant, engaging opportunities while utilizing the scenic Terrace space.

The Spring 2025 grant program invites student organizations, university departments, and campus units to propose and host unique Thursday events, with an emphasis on fostering student engagement, a sense of belonging, and well-being.

Grant Details:

  • Grant Amounts: $500 - $1,500
  • Open Application Period: January 2025
  • Notification of Recipients: February 2025
  • Contract & Program Confirmation Deadline: March 13, 2025
  • Eligible Event Dates: Thursdays, March 27, 2025, through May 8, 2025

Goals:

The Thursdays on the Terrace Grant Program aims to: 

  1. Incorporate the Iowa Challenge: Grant proposals should align with one or more elements of the Iowa Challenge, which invites students to:
    • Excel: Engage in activities that foster academic and personal growth.
    • Engage: Build meaningful relationships and take advantage of campus opportunities.
    • Choose: Make responsible and healthy choices that contribute to well-being.
    • Serve: Contribute to the community through service and leadership.
    • Stretch: Explore new ideas, activities, and perspectives.
  2. Enhance Student Engagement: By offering diverse, student-centered events on the IMU Terrace, this program aims to boost participation in campus life and encourage meaningful connections between students.
  3. Strengthen Sense of Belonging: The program seeks to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, where students from various backgrounds and interests can feel part of the larger campus community.
  4. Promote Well-Being: Proposals should focus on student well-being, offering events that promote mental, physical, and emotional health.
  5. Support Innovation: Creativity is encouraged, with an emphasis on providing novel and engaging experiences that inspire students to explore and connect with the campus community.
  6. Collaborative Funding: Applicants are welcome to seek additional funding from sources such as Campus Events Funding, Late Night Grant Funding, and Student Government, among others.

Eligibility:

  • Open to student organizations, university departments, and other campus units.
  • Applicants must demonstrate how their event aligns with the Iowa Challenge elements and contributes to student engagement, belonging, and well-being.
  • Events must be free, inclusive, and open to all students, adhering to university policies and guidelines.

Application Process:

  1. Submission Period: Proposals must be submitted online between in January 2025.
  2. Proposal Requirements:
    • Detailed event description
    • Proposed budget
    • Anticipated outcomes for student engagement, belonging, and well-being
    • Iowa Challenge elements the event addresses
    • Outline of partnerships, if any (e.g., co-sponsorship from other entities)
    • Marketing plan to promote the event
  3. Selection Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors:
    • Creativity and innovation of the event
    • Alignment with Iowa Challenge elements
    • Feasibility of the proposed event and budget
    • Potential impact and reach of the event

Timeline:

  • January 2025: Application process opens
  • January 31, 2025: Application deadline
  • February 10, 2025: Notification of grant recipients
  • February 28, 2025: Deadline for program contracts and confirmations
  • March 27 - May 1, 2025: Thursdays on the Terrace events

Contact Information:

For further information or assistance with the application process, please contact Leadership and Engagement at getinvolved@uiowa.edu.

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This proposal integrates the Iowa Challenge elements into Thursdays on the Terrace, supporting the development of student engagement, belonging, and well-being while using the Terrace to enhance the campus community.