Design Competitions & Project Groups

Viterbi student organizations who will be submitting a project to a regional or national competition are welcome to request funding for the design and construction of that project. To be considered for funding support, groups must submit a written, Design and Construction Proposal to the Viterbi Admission & Student Affairs office’s Competition & Project Funding Committee. Funding is limited and varies from year to year.

No group, team, or project is guaranteed funding. Previously funded groups are not guaranteed funding in subsequent years.  Any funding granted for a particular year's competition can only be used for the academic year in which it was awarded.

Design and Construction Proposals
The Competition & Project Funding Committee meets once each year to allocate funds for the current academic year. If your organization’s competition or project would like be considered for any academic year, a Design and Construction Proposal must be submitted by the second Friday of October each year.

Proposals must include all of the following:

• A brief introduction of the project and student organization.
• A description of the regional or national competition, including the location and a timetable of events.
• A detailed description of the proposed project design and plans for construction.
• An estimated timeline and/or project management outline for the design and construction of the project.
• A detailed line item budget – please include estimated costs and vendor names for all parts and supplies.
• A list of all students who will be working on the project and/or attending competition – please include name, major, year in school, email address, and position in organization (if applicable) for each person.
• Names of faculty members or others who will serve as advisors to the project.
• Other funding your group will receive for the project; include source and amount.
• The Design and Construction proposal should not include any budget information for travel expenses.

Please understand the above list of requirements is the minimum. Groups who prepare more detailed descriptions and information will be looked on favorably.


Travel and Competition Proposal
A separate proposal must be submitted to request funds for travel expenses related to the project. Travel expenses include competition registration fees, hotel, airfare, vehicle rentals, mileage, etc. A design and construction proposal must be submitted before, or together with, the travel proposal.

In order to request funds for Travel and Competition, please submit the Viterbi SOS funding application. Please keep in mind all Viterbi SOS guidelines, rules, and restrictions. SOS deadlines are not negotiable.

Be sure your Viterbi SOS Funding Application includes all of the following:

• A detailed explanation of the competition, including the location, registration information, and a timetable of events.
• A complete list of all students and advisors who will be going to competition.
• A detailed line item travel budget, including estimated costs and vendor names.

2011-2012 Projects & Competitions
Design & Construction Proposals are due Monday, October 3, 2011 for any groups wishing to complete a project or compete in the 2011-2012 Academic Year. Submit all proposals to the Competition & Project Funding Committee in RTH 110.

Account Expense Forms
If your organization receives approval for Project & Competition funding make sure to complete the Account Expense Form for all expenses in order to process payment to a vendor or receive reimbursement.

Account Expense Form

Be sure to read all the instructions and make yourself with the University's Policies and Procedures related to all funding expenditures prior to completing the form.  All completed forms with proper supporting documentation should be submitted to the front desk of RTH 110.

Post Event Reports
If your organization receives funding from any of the above sources a Post Event Report is required to be filed with the Viterbi Admission & Student Affairs Office no later than 5 business days following the funded event.

Post Event Reports should be written reports including, but are not limited to, an executive summary of the event, an expense report of all funding used (regardless of source) and its purpose, a roster of attendance including USCID's and your board's critical evaluation of the event with thoughts for improvement if the event were to be held again.

Completed Post Event Reports should be handed in to the front desk at RTH 110.