International Student Experience Innovation and Impact Grant

The 91�ԹϺ��'s International Student Experience Innovation and Impact (ISEII) Grant program funds initiatives that enhance the international student experience. Under the portfolio of the Deputy Provost (Students and Enrollment), this grant supports projects that boost engagement, improve retention, and ensure the success of global learners, aligning with the university's internationalization goals and the Student Experience Action Plan (SEAP).

Purpose and Vision

The ISEII Grant aims to create a supportive environment for international students, which in turn enriches the entire campus community and strengthens the university's global reputation. It encourages units to identify challenges, test new approaches, and develop sustainable, high-impact projects.

Grant Program Overview

The ISEII Grant program offers two tiers of funding:

Micro-Innovation Grant: Up to $15,000 for one year. These grants support small-scale, experimental, or pilot projects focusing on scalability. Proposals are accepted at least once a year.
Multi-Year Impact Grant: Up to $75,000 over three years. These grants are for ambitious, large-scale initiatives with significant, long-term impact on a substantial number of students.

For the 2025 proposal submission year, three Multi-Year Impact Grants will be awarded at the College level. Each College will select and prioritize one faculty proposal for a $75,000 grant. University-Wide Services (UWS) and Stand-Alone Faculties (SAF) are eligible for two Multi-Year Grants. Multi-Year Grants must collaborate with University services and avoid duplicating existing ones. Funds for Multi-Year Grants will be disbursed annually based on the approved budget.

Micro-Innovation Annual Grants, up to $15,000, are open to any University unit, service area, faculty, or department. They cannot be combined with Multi-Year Impact Grants, ensuring a broader range of innovative projects across the university.

Priority Areas of Focus (2025-2026 Proposals)

Projects for 2025-2026 should focus on improving outcomes in these three areas, without duplicating current services:

Academic Experience and Adjustment
Career Supports / Nurturing Employability
Community and Belonging / Nurturing Wellbeing and Belonging

Who Should Apply

The ISEII Grant supports initiatives that improve international student experience, retention, and completion rates. Academic and service units are encouraged to apply, identifying challenges, testing new approaches, and seeking sustainable funding for proven high-impact projects. While students and student associations cannot submit proposals directly, university units are encouraged to involve students in their projects.

Application Deadlines

The deadline to receive proposals for Micro-Innovation Grants for this current cycle is August 22, 2025. Awarded projects will be notified so that they can commence in September 2025.
Applications for Multi-Year Grants are due January 9, 2026.

Grant Evaluation Rubric

Proposals are evaluated on five criteria:

Project Rationale & Strategic Alignment: Defines specific need, aligns with University goals, identifies measurable outcomes, and demonstrates importance/urgency.
Addressing Significant Need Through Innovation: Explains specific need/gap, details innovative aspects, and demonstrates transformative improvement.
Project Feasibility & Sustainability: Provides a detailed timeline, comprehensive resource allocation, robust long-term sustainability plan, and clear success markers.
Student-centred Approach: Demonstrates exceptional student involvement (planning, execution, accountability), meaningful engagement, robust collaboration, and clear accountabilities to students.
Impact Measurement: Defines SMART success criteria (retention, satisfaction, engagement), outlines expected impact and quantifiable indicators, and presents a comprehensive data collection/analysis plan. Benchmarks current data and anticipated changes.

A detailed budget breakdown and justification are required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

SMART KPIs will be identified, directly linked to SEAP thematic areas and international student needs, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data:

Student Satisfaction: Average satisfaction score (surveys, focus groups).
Engagement & Belonging: Number of international students in extracurricular activities (records, surveys).
Academic Success: International student retention rate (institutional data).
Skill Development: Percentage reporting improved intercultural skills, career alignment (assessments, reflections).
Use of Support Services: Utilization rates of support services (usage data, student reports).
Program Participation: Number of international students reached (project records).

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