BEL Student Community Grant Program

The BEL Student Community Grant Program supports student-led groups to organise events and activities. Through this initiative, the BEL Faculty provides grants of up to $500 to eligible student groups to run events and activities that help build a sense of connection, belonging and support among the BEL student community.

Students painting mini pot plants at BELfest

Funding for the grant program is provided in part through the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), helping to ensure that these funds contribute directly towards providing students with support, services and wellbeing activities.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the grant, your student group must meet the following criteria:

  • The student group must be affiliated with UQ or the UQ Union.
  • Members of the group must be, or the planned activity must aim to primarily benefit, undergraduate or postgraduate coursework students enrolled in Faculty of Business, Economics and Law programs.
  • The student group will not seek to profit from the event/activity, and where possible the activities will be open to members of the group to attend without cost.
  • The group will provide the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law with details of the proposed activities and a post-activity outcome report, including attendance data, feedback and photos.
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Activity assessment criteria

The proposed event or activity must align with the university's values and contribute positively to the BEL student community. The focus of these events and activities may include:

  • helping students to build friendships and social connections
  • supporting student health and wellbeing
  • enhancing academic capability and skills-building
  • supporting a sporting, artistic or recreational activity
  • improving student employability and graduate outcomes.

Activities that support equity, diversity and inclusion may be granted additional consideration.

If you're considering an event or activity and are unsure if it meets the criteria, we encourage you to get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss it with you.

 

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Example activities

Please note these are just examples, new ideas are welcomed!

  • Orientation and welcoming events: events to welcome new students, facilitate networking, and introduce them to the student group’s community.
  • Workshops and skill development: Workshops on leadership, communication, time management, and other skills that contribute to student success.
  • Mentorship programs: Initiatives connecting experienced students with newcomers to provide guidance and support.
  • Social, cultural and wellbeing events: events that foster connections, celebrate diversity or support positive wellbeing.
  • Academic support activities: study groups, tutoring sessions, and academic workshops to enhance student learning.
  • Employability development initiatives: employability development workshops, industry networking and career events.

The funding cannot be used for the following activities:

  • Activities that contravene the student charter or UQ policies and procedures.
  • Providing scholarships
  • Any event serving alcohol that is not held at a licensed venue. Similarly, grant funding cannot be spent on providing alcohol to guests (alcohol may be served at a licensed venue and paid for using other funds).
  • Student associations for Higher Degree Research (HDR) students. For further information about support available to HDR students, visit the UQ Graduate School’s website.
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    Application process

    1. Eligible student groups can submit their application and any supporting documentation via this form.
    2. We'll review your application in accordance with the acceptance criteria and notify you by email within seven days.
    3. Successful applicants need to complete the Bank Transfer Request Form and submit it to e.kempster@uq.edu.au to receive their grant directly to their nominated bank account. Due to BEL Finance payment schedules, please allow up to 35 days for the transfer to be processed.
    4. Applicant organises and holds activity, ensuring attendance and photos are taken.
    5. Applicant completes the Outcome Report within 7 days of the conclusion of the event or activity. The report should include any attendee feedback, attendance data and photos.
      • Please note that submitted information and images may be used in BEL promotional materials and reporting.

    If you have any questions or require further guidance, contact Eleanor Kempster, BEL Student Experience Supervisor at e.kempster@uq.edu.au.

    Note: Budget for this program is capped per semester, so consider submitting your grant application/s early to maximise the likelihood of acceptance.

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