MSUFCU RCAH Dean's Choice Award
Call for Applications: MSUFCU RCAH Dean’s Choice Award for Innovations in Civic Engagement
LETTER/EMAIL OF INQUIRY DEADLINE: March 27, 2022
FINAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 14, 2022
The Residential College in the Arts and Humanities (RCAH) is excited to announce that it is now accepting letters of inquiry for the 9th Annual MSUFCU RCAH Dean’s Choice Award for Innovations in Civic Engagement. This prestigious award recognizes a student or group of students who foster innovation using the arts and humanities in community settings. A $2,500 prize will be awarded to a student or students who engage with communities using initiative, collaboration, and innovative arts and humanities practices in alignment with the RCAH civic engagement model and RCAH’s mission to create a better world.* For information on the interests RCAH has in civic engagement see our website: Community Engagement | Residential College in the Arts and Humanities |
Michigan State University (msu.edu).
All current RCAH students who have completed or are working on a civic engagement project that will be completed by May 31st, 2022, are eligible for this award. Civic engagement initiatives do not have to be part of the Community Engagement Pathway (although those that are part of the pathway will certainly be welcome) and collaborative project applications are welcome! The initial one-page letter or email of inquiry is due on March 27, 2022. It should include a description of the civic engagement initiative that describes why it is innovative and clearly articulates the student(s) role in the initiative. Please include all student names, contact phone numbers, and email addresses. Initial Letters of Inquiry will be reviewed by an RCAH committee using the following criteria:
- Is the student initiative innovative? Does it come up with a creative solution to a complex problem or successfully apply an existing idea in a new social context?
- Does it address a problem related to diversity, social justice, inequity, power and privilege, or opportunity?
- Does it reflect RCAH and MSU values of inclusivity, engagement, and collaboration?
- Does it utilize learning in the arts and humanities and RCAH’s Engagement Model (insight, action, practice, passion)?
- Does it support RCAH community partnerships or forge new projects consistent with the RCAH’s interest in civic engagement?
Several letters of inquiry will be selected to receive assistance in the development of formal applications, due on April 17, 2022. The winner (or group of collaborative winners) will share a $2,500 prize and be publicly recognized by MSUFCU and RCAH.
Two information sessions will be held for the applicants selected for final submissions. These will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 3-4 p.m. Meeting information is https://msu.zoom.us/j/6687373480 (Password: RCAHmunity).
Questions about the award or the application/selection process should be directed to Dr. Kevin L. Brooks, Residential College in the Arts and Humanities, C230K Snyder Hall, brook295@msu.edu. Letters or emails of Inquiry should be submitted electronically to Amber Waldburger at waldbur1@msu.edu. Please indicate that you are submitting an application for the MSUFCU RCAH Dean’s Choice Award for Innovations in Civic Engagement. Letters of Inquiry are due on March 27, 2022.
We are grateful to MSUFCU for promoting RCAH’s emphasis on the arts and humanities, civic engagement, diversity, and social justice; encouraging student initiative and innovation; fostering the creative application of student learning; and supporting community partnerships.
We encourage you to consider applying for this prestigious award!
_____________________
*Receipt of this grant may change the composition of a student’s financial aid package.