Through diverse experiential learning opportunities, the college aims to expand students' business perspectives, enhance their marketability and help them define their personal brand.
Experiential learning involves learning by doing, bridging knowledge and experience through critical reflection. The fund supports extracurricular activities such as case competitions and presentations at conferences, providing opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Contact
Sabrina Arismendez
Project Coordinator -- Experiential Learning
cobexp.learning@utsa.edu
Experiential Learning Fund
- Students must be enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students in the Alvarez College of Business, in good standing, with a minimum UTSA GPA of 2.5.
- Undergraduates must have completed at least 15 hours of UTSA coursework, while graduate students must have completed 9 hours.
- Students must have a participatory role in the conference (e.g., case competition or presentation) and provide proof of this role when applying.
- The experience must occur during the application term of the awarded scholarship (fall or spring).
- Funding is not available during the summer session following graduation.
- Approved students may only receive experiential learning funding once per academic year.
- To qualify, students must not have previously received support from the Experiential Learning Fund.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
- Students may request funding between $100 and $1,500.
- Complete the Experiential Learning Fund request form.
- Include detailed information and an itemized budget for the proposed experience.
- Write a 150-word essay explaining how the experience will contribute to your professional and academic growth.
- After participating in the activity, submit photos and the required reflection form.
- Submit requests at least 21 days before the program start date. However, it’s recommended to apply as soon as the opportunity becomes available.
To apply for funding, complete the Experiential Learning Fund request form and include information for each participating student.
Group Size and InvolvementKey Points:
- Funding is available for groups of up to 6 students.
- At least 2 organization members and a faculty advisor must participate in the fund process, regardless of who submits the request.
- Organizations are responsible for gathering detailed information about the event, including theme, objectives, schedule, rules, registration deadlines, and agenda.
- Provide an itemized budget and detailed information for the proposed experience.
- A faculty sponsor or advisor must sign the request. For activities requiring a coach, proof of the coach’s role is needed. Advisor or sponsor funding covers flight and accommodation only.
- Submit a 150-word essay on how the experience will impact your academic and professional development.
- After the activity, provide photos and complete the reflection form.
- Submit group requests at least 30 days in advance (earlier submissions are recommended).
- Each group must designate two student leads and a faculty advisor as primary contacts. These leads will work directly with the project coordinator to ensure timely completion of required tasks.
What Is Covered
The Experiential Learning Fund supports one or more of the following:
- Registration Fees
- Accommodation: Hotel stays
- Travel: Airfare
- Mileage Reimbursement
All funding must comply with UTSA and state policies and procedures. For group travel, airline tickets must follow the same departure and return dates. Changes to approved travel arrangements are not permitted—no exceptions.
Funding allocations may vary depending on whether the application is for individual or group funding. Amounts are subject to change based on budget availability.
What Is Not Covered
The fund does not cover:
- Meals
- Incidentals (e.g., hotel expenses beyond room reservations)
- Deviations from approved airfare
- Transportation services (e.g., Uber, Lyft, parking fees) to or from the airport
- Submit form
- Schedule a meeting with project coordinator
- Requestor will receive a letter approving or denying request.
- If approved, purchase accommodations.
- When experience is complete, submit reflection form and photographs.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for gathering detailed information about the case competition or conference they plan to attend. This includes thoroughly researching the event to understand:
- Theme and objectives
- Schedule and agenda
- Specific rules or requirements
- Registration deadlines
By ensuring they are well-informed, students can better align their participation with the fund's policies and expectations.
Student Organization Responsibilities
The organization’s president, vice president and faculty advisor must actively participate in the Experiential Learning Fund process regardless of who submits the funding request. All members seeking support must adhere to the fund's policies and deadlines.
The organization is also responsible for gathering all relevant event details such as:
- Theme and objectives
- Schedule and agenda
- Specific rules or requirements
- Registration deadlines
Proactive research and preparation are essential to ensure the fund request is comprehensive and accurate.
Faculty Advisor Responsibilities
The faculty advisor’s primary role is to review and approve the Experiential Learning Fund request. Their oversight ensures the submission aligns with university standards and guidelines.
Fall 2024 Deadline
To be considered for funding from the Experiential Learning Fund for activities occurring in the Fall 2024 semester, the online request form must be completed by Friday, Nov. 22. Please ensure you submit your form by this deadline.
Experiential Learning Fund FAQ
If you are seeking individual or group funding through the Experiential Learning Fund, you must have a participatory role (i.e. case competition or presentation) in the experiential learning activity you or your group are planning to attend. Being an attendee at a conference does not count as having a participatory role.
Once your request has been submitted, a meeting will be scheduled with you or your group and the project coordinator to discuss your request. Once your request has been reviewed, an official letter will be sent regarding your approval status. Any next steps will be coordinated by the project coordinator.
To apply for the Experiential Learning Fund, an official request form must be completed. Once submitted, your request will be reviewed and a follow-up meeting will be scheduled. Any next steps will be coordinated by the project coordinator.
The Experiential Learning Fund will support one or more of the following items: conference registration fees, hotel, airfare or mileage reimbursement.
Upon your return from your Experiential Learning activity, the project coordinator will send an email with information regarding the post-experience reflection form. It is important that the reflection form along with any photos from your experience are submitted by the provided deadline.
If you are a group looking to fund an Experiential Learning activity, please be sure to review the program guidelines and submit an official Experiential Learning Fund request form. Please note that the Experiential Learning Fund will only cover funding for up to six students and one advisor or faculty member (if an advisor or faculty role is required).
If the advisor or faculty member have a direct role in the experiential learning activity, they are also welcome to be included in the group’s application. Please be sure to link any guidelines regarding advisor or faculty roles in your request form. The Experiential Learning Fund will cover flight and accommodation only for advisor and faculty roles.
