SPAHT FAMILY IMMERSION FUND

Claire Spaht (B.F.A. ’94) and The Spaht Family Foundation have pledged $200,000 to support academic projects and initiatives by current Meadows students. Funding will be directed toward immersive opportunities that require travel and focused study on creative and/or scholarly work—free from the distractions and stressors of daily life.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled as a major in a degree program at Meadows School of the Arts.
  • The project must connect to the student’s study and involve either domestic or international travel.
  • A detailed project overview and estimated budget are required.
  • Projects must be completed while the applicant is enrolled at SMU.
  • Graduate and undergraduate students can apply.
  • Group projects are eligible; only one application is required per group.
  • Students or groups who have previously received Spaht Fund support are not eligible to apply again.

Application Process

Students

  • Complete the Spaht Family Immersion Fund (SFIF) application form.
  • Attach a letter of recommendation from a faculty mentor.
  • Attach proof of commitment or acceptance to the program, project or position.
  • Attach a detailed budget for the project, including the amount requested from SFIF.

Chair or Director of Undergraduate Studies

  • Confirm that the student or students named in the proposal are “in good standing” and will be full-time enrolled students at ÃÛÌÒ½´throughout the life of the project.

Committee

  • A committee made up of faculty will review the submitted proposals and make recommendations to the Dean.
  • Deadlines twice a year, once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester, will be scheduled during the previous summer (based on the ÃÛÌÒ½´calendar) and announced on the Meadows website, Canvas faculty pages, and through social media and flyers.
  • Applicants will receive a decision within 15 business days of each deadline from the Dean’s office via email.
  • If not approved, students may reapply only once for the same project.

Funding Details

  • Individual or group grants will be awarded at the discretion of the Dean as recommended by the Selection Committee.
  • International projects may receive up to $5,000.
  • Domestic projects may receive up to $3,500.
  • Projects based in Texas (with a minimum travel distance of 50 miles from SMU’s campus) with receive up to $2,000.

Categories for Funding

  • Conferences and Presentations: Must be presenting at a regional, national or international conference. Eligible expenses: travel, lodging, per diem and conference fees.
  • Study and Travel: International travel through ÃÛÌÒ½´Study Abroad programs or other SMU-sponsored courses. Domestic travel through SMU-in-Taos or other SMU-sponsored courses. Eligible expenses: all non-tuition costs (travel, housing, meals, supplies).
  • Development or Research for Creative Projects: Unpaid work or short-term training on a creative project. Research at major libraries, archives or art centers related to a creative work or publication. Eligible expenses: travel, lodging, per diem.

Selection Committee

  • Comprised of three faculty members:
  • One faculty member from Dance, Music or Theatre
  • One faculty member from Art, Art History or Film & Media Arts
  • One faculty member from Advertising, Journalism or CCPA

Additional Notes:

  • Faculty appointees are chosen by the Dean.
  • All members serve for one academic year beginning in June.
  • A (non-voting) committee chair will be appointed to manage applications, schedule meetings and communicate decisions.

Apply