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Program Proposal Guidelines

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Program Overview

Intellectual Vitality (IV) offers funding to support events that actively promote and exemplify the core principles of Intellectual Vitality: 

  • Introducing students to the values, practices, and principles associated with Intellectual Vitality.
  • Encouraging and developing habits that foster rigorous, reflective, and open-minded intellectual engagement.
  • Establishing and strengthening a robust campus culture where IV thrives beyond formal classroom environments.
  • Empowering students, tutors, and faculty members to take meaningful ownership and active roles in shaping an intellectually vibrant community.

Funding allocation is managed by the Student Advisory Board (SAB) in close collaboration with the Faculty Advisory Board (FAB) and does not imply endorsement of event speakers, viewpoints, or presented ideas. SAB and IV sponsorship supports community-driven intellectual exploration, rigorous dialo

Recommended Event Formats

Applicants are encouraged to consider programming that follows the structures outlined below, though are not required to do so (if your event does not fit these formats, please select “Other” on your application). Regardless of the event, you may be invited to meet with members of the SAB or FAB to discuss your event and its alignment with IV principles. 

PROGRAM PROPOSAL FORM
Funded Program Examples

Event Types

Format 1: Panel or Debate

  • Involves structured, moderated discussions or debates between qualified speakers and includes a diversity of perspectives, ability to engage rigorously, respectfully, and productively with various viewpoints.
  • Encourages interactive audience participation and exchanges among speakers.
  • Examples can be found here.

Format 2: Interview and Q&A with a Speaker

  • Features moderated one-on-one conversations with invited speakers who present diverse or controversial perspectives, stimulate robust discourse, and foster critical intellectual dialogue within the community.
  • Robust mechanisms for challenging the speaker’s ideas, either through the moderator, audience engagement, or both, are required.
  • Examples can be found here.

Format 3: Peer-to-Peer Conversation Groups

  • Designed to encourage candid, respectful, and open-minded dialogue among students through intimate gatherings or small-group discussions.
  • Prioritizes trust-building, relationship cultivation, and creating safe yet intellectually provocative spaces for engaging with sensitive or challenging normative issues..
  • Examples can be found here.
Feedback and Program Evaluation

Panel or Debate

  • Post-event feedback reports from organizers are mandatory.
  • Organizers are encouraged to include visual documentation (photos, recordings) and participant testimonials as appropriate to assist in ongoing program evaluation.
Food, Honoraria, and Travel Guidelines
  • Food expenses per participant are limited to $25. Alcohol is prohibited.
  • Speaker honoraria, travel, and accommodation costs may be available; inquire with SAB or Camila Nardozzi, Director, Intellectual Vitality Initiatives.

Finality of Decisions

  • All SAB funding decisions are considered final.
  • Financial Guidelines and Limits: are binding and may not be appealed. For questions or concerns, contact Camila Nardozzi.

Required Forms for Grant Funding

Applicants must complete and submit both of the following forms: