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Claire Spaht (B.F.A. ’94) and The Spaht Family Foundation have pledged $200,000 to support academic projects and initiatives by current Meadows students. Funding will be directed toward immersive opportunities that require travel and focused study on creative and/or scholarly work—free from the distractions and stressors of daily life.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

• Applicants must be currently enrolled as a major in a degree program at Meadows School of the Arts.
• The project must connect to the student’s study and involve either domestic or international travel.
• A detailed project overview and estimated budget are required.
• Projects must be completed while the applicant is enrolled at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.
• Graduate and undergraduate students can apply.
• Group projects are eligible; only one application is required per group.
• Students or groups who have previously received Spaht Fund support are not eligible to apply again.

Application Process

Students

• Complete the Spaht Family Immersion Fund (SFIF) application form.
• Attach a letter of recommendation from a faculty mentor.
• Attach proof of commitment or acceptance to the program, project or position.
• Attach a detailed budget for the project, including the amount requested from SFIF.

Chair or Director of Undergraduate Studies

• Confirm that the student or students named in the proposal are “in good standing” and will be full-time enrolled students at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ throughout the life of the project.

Committee

• A committee made up of faculty will review the submitted proposals and make recommendations to the Dean.
• Deadlines twice a year, once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester, will be scheduled during the previous summer (based on the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ calendar) and announced on the Meadows website, Canvas faculty pages, and through social media and flyers.
• Applicants will receive a decision within 15 business days of each deadline from the Dean’s office via email.
• If not approved, students may reapply only once for the same project.

Funding Details

• Individual or group grants will be awarded at the discretion of the Dean as recommended by the Selection Committee.
• International projects may receive up to $5,000.
• Domestic projects may receive up to $3,500.
• Projects based in Texas (with a minimum travel distance of 50 miles from ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s campus) with receive up to $2,000.

Categories for Funding

• Conferences and Presentations: Must be presenting at a regional, national or international conference. Eligible expenses: travel, lodging, per diem and conference fees.
• Study and Travel: International travel through ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Study Abroad programs or other ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½-sponsored courses. Domestic travel through ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½-in-Taos or other ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½-sponsored courses. Eligible expenses: all non-tuition costs (travel, housing, meals, supplies).
• Development or Research for Creative Projects: Unpaid work or short-term training on a creative project. Research at major libraries, archives or art centers related to a creative work or publication. Eligible expenses: travel, lodging, per diem.

Selection Committee

• Comprised of three faculty members:
• One faculty member from Dance, Music or Theatre
• One faculty member from Art, Art History or Film & Media Arts
• One faculty member from Advertising, Journalism or CCPA

Additional Notes:

• Faculty appointees are chosen by the Dean.
• All members serve for one academic year beginning in June.
• A (non-voting) committee chair will be appointed to manage applications, schedule meetings and communicate decisions.

Apply