The Student Experience Project (Spring 2025)
Proposal deadline: Submit your application by Sunday, December 8th at 11:59 p.m. CT.
Incentive: Receive a stipend of $500
Through fostering community and a sense of belonging on campus, the Student Experience Project aims to create a future of higher education where all students, especially those who face barriers, feel supported to overcome academic challenges and graduate successfully.
Introduction
The divisions of Student Success, Undergraduate Studies and Academic Innovation are proud to be part of the Student Experience Project (SEP), a national, multi-institution effort that brings together university leaders, faculty, researchers, and education organizations.
Our commitment lies in implementing innovative, research-based practices to foster equitable learning environments, increase degree attainment, and enhance student success. Through SEP, participants collaborate with peers to apply the science of learning mindsets to changes in the classroom that increase social belonging, convey a growth mindset, foster inclusivity and institutional trust, and reduce social identity threat.
Through fostering community and a sense of belonging on campus, SEP aims to create a future of higher education where all students, especially those who face barriers, feel supported to overcome academic challenges and graduate successfully. Learn more about the Student Experience Project.
Complete this application to apply for the Spring 2025 cohort
Purpose
The SEP aims to cultivate a sense of community and promote a growth mindset to improve classroom performance and persistence to degree completion. Through the SEP, UTSA faculty collaborate with their peers to apply SEP principles to our academic programs in order to help students overcome academic challenges and graduate successfully.
Faculty participants reported that the SEP enhanced collaboration and connections and fomented a deeper understanding of student needs.
Program objectives
- Enhance faculty engagement and development through collaborative practices
- Foster inclusive classroom environments that promote student growth
- Support faculty in using data-driven strategies for teaching and learning
- Build a sustainable community of practice focused on student success
Key outcomes for faculty participants
- Applying strategies to enhance the student experience
- Using data to inform classroom practices
- Reflecting on their mindset and its impact on students' classroom experiences
- Providing students with feedback focused on growth mindset
Benefits
Faculty selected for SEP will:
- Receive a stipend of $500
- Gain valuable skills for enhancing student learning
- Foster deeper connections within the UTSA teaching community
- Positively impact students by applying evidence-based teaching strategies
Application Process
SEP Application and Program Timeline
- Review the requirements and deliverables.
- Submit your application by Sunday, December 8th at 11:59 pm CT.
- Faculty selected to participate in the SEP project will be notified by Sunday, December 15th.
- The virtual program orientation will be Monday, January 13th from 1 – 2:15 p.m. and the program runs through the end of Spring 2025 semester.
Commitment
Academic Year Requirements, Deliverables and Incentives
| Cohort 1 New Participants – Semesterly Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Meetings / Sessions* |
|
| Formative Feedback | Administer Ascend Survey 3 times |
| Assignments |
|
| Additional Requirements | None |
| Stipend | $500/semester |
*We will schedule 3 SEP Sessions each semester. Sessions will include workshop topic and/or small group discussion.
Tentative Spring Schedule
Please explore the tentative calendar of activities below. Official workshop / small group discussion days and times will be confirmed once we identify options that work best for participants.
| Timeframe | Activity / Deliverable |
|---|---|
| Week of January 6th and 13th | SEP Program Orientation / Kickoff (Monday, January 13th at 1 p.m.) Syllabus and Course Policy Review Module (asynchronous) |
| Week of January 20th | Mindset and Syllabus Revision Reflection Assignment due January 26th |
| Week of January 27th | |
| Week of February 3rd |
PERTS Ascend* Survey 1: Administer the first survey to students *PERTS is a non-profit institute that partners with UTSA in this initiative to improve student outcomes by applying research-based practices. Surveys will be administered through their portal. |
| Week of February 10th | Workshop / Small Group Discussions 1 |
| Week of February 17th | |
| Week of February 24th | Implementation / Action Plan draft due March 2nd |
| Week of March 3rd | PERTS Ascend* Survey 2: Administer the second survey to students |
| Week of March 10th Spring Break |
Workshop / Small Group Discussions 2 (option 1) |
| Week of March 17th | Workshop / Small Group Discussions 2 (option 2 in case faculty are out during spring break) |
| Week of March 24th | |
| Week of March 31st | |
| Week of April 7th | PERTS Ascend* Survey 3: Administer the third survey to students |
| Week of April 14th | Workshop / Small Group Discussions 3 |
| Week of April 21st | |
| Week of April 28th | |
| Week of May 5th | Final Action Plan and Reflection due May 11th |
| Week of May 12th |
Contact Information
Please email Student Success if you have any questions.
Learn more about the Student Experience Project on the Student Success website.
