SEC introduces student-focused collaboration grant
The Southeastern Conference has introduced a new SECU program intended to encourage teamwork between SEC universities.
The SEC Academic Collaboration Grant will be awarded annually to one SEC institution to support joint activities involving all other SEC schools. The goal of this program is to expand student-focused collaboration within the conference.
“The Southeastern Conference continues to demonstrate its commitment to the overall mission of the university by adding the SEC Academic Collaboration Grant to the SECU menu,” said Torie Johnson, executive director of SECU. “This program will provide support for efforts that relate directly to the student experience, which will hopefully over time reach graduate, undergraduate and prospective SEC students.”
Each SEC university has an opportunity to propose a collaborative activity that could range from intra-conference competitions to undergraduate research initiatives. To apply for the grant, the university must submit a summary of the collaboration, support from a senior administrator, and an endorsement from the university’s president or chancellor, and provost.
The SEC Academic Collaborative Grant is modeled after the SEC MBA Case Competition, which allows graduate students to showcase their skills in solving simulated, real-world problems that cover many business disciplines. The inaugural competition was held at the University of Missouri in Columbia in 2013 and won by the University of Florida.
The first SEC Academic Collaboration Grant is scheduled to be awarded for the 2014-2015 academic year.
Using its SECU academic initiative, the Southeastern Conference sponsors, supports and promotes collaborative higher education programs and activities involving administrators, faculty and students at its 14 member universities.
