Unlock Your Leadership Potential with Deakin’s Student Initiated Projects (SIPs)
Are you ready to take charge, make a positive impact, and gain valuable real-world experience while at Deakin University? Look no further than the Student Initiated Projects (SIPs) program! Whether you’re a student or a staff partner, SIPs offer an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Deakin community and enhance the student experience.
Applications for 2024 Student Initiated Projects strictly close 5pm, Tuesday 14th November 2023.
What are Student Initiated Projects (SIPs)?
SIPs is a students-as-partners initiative supported by the Office of the Dean of Students, made possible through HEPPP funding. SIPs offer a unique paid opportunity for Deakin students who have been involved in a Student Advisory Group to lead a partnership project that is designed to enhance the teaching, learning, or student experience more broadly at Deakin University.
Within SIPs, students take the lead of their project, overseeing all aspects from inception to completion including the design, management, problem-solving, and presenting findings related to a topic or challenge that directly enriches the overall student experience or enhances their own and/or their peers’ learning. This collaborative approach allows students to work alongside their peers (optional) and a staff partner(s) (required) who share their interest and can provide support and institutional knowledge. Staff partners are instrumental in ensuring that projects align with university policies and have practical applications within the institution.
What is the purpose of Student Initiated Projects?
Student Empowerment and Agency: In a Students as Partners framework, students are not merely recipients of education but are instead regarded as co-creators, collaborators, and stakeholders in their own learning experiences and in shaping the education al environment within Deakin. SaP initiatives, such as SIPs, are spaces where students can enact their agency and take ownership of their education education and campus life.
Enhancing the Student Experience: SIPs are designed to directly contribute to the improvement of the student experience at Deakin University. Through these projects, students have the chance to address issues, challenges, or areas for enhancement that are of utmost importance to their fellow students. By actively engaging in these initiatives, they work towards creating a more enriching and supportive university environment.
Fostering Student Initiative and Leadership: SIPs also serve as a platform for students to take the reins of leadership in co-creating their own academic and student experience. By actively proposing, developing, and leading these projects, students not only gain valuable real-world skills but also have the opportunity to shape the university’s future, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among the students.
In summary, SIPs are a formalised opportunity for Deakin University students to enact their agency to drive positive changes within the institution, both in terms of the student experience and their own personal development as leaders and initiators of change.
Why Should You Get Involved?
Students: Gain leadership skills, make a lasting impact, and earn a stipend while working on projects you’re passionate about.
Staff Partners: Collaborate with students, share your institutional knowledge, and support initiatives that align with Deakin’s mission.
What funding is available? Are students paid?
Yes students are paid! Each project is eligible for funding of up to $3500.00, with the condition that the entire allocated budget must be dedicated to compensating student partners as casual employees of Deakin University. The remuneration will be provided at the HEW3 rate, with a minimum commitment of 20 hours per student partner.
Please note that this funding is not intended for expenses such as catering, resources, or other non-personnel costs.
How to Get Started
Students interested in leading a SIP project should:
- Brainstorm project ideas. Projects proposed by students for SIP funding should emerge from their work and discussion within their Student Advisory Group meetings.
- Secure a staff partner, preferably from their Student Advisory Group.
- Attend an optional information session.
- Complete the project application with input from all team members.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
To initiate and lead a Student Initiated Project (SIP), students are required to collaborate with a staff partner who has agreed to support and guide the student(s) throughout the project’s development. The staff partner’s endorsement of the project is a prerequisite for its submission for funding consideration.
SIPs should naturally evolve from Student Advisory Group meetings and discussions, ensuring that they are firmly rooted in the collective needs and aspirations of our student community.
We emphasize that SIPs should be worthwhile and meaningful as well as align with Deakin’s core values and goals. Proposed projects should result in tangible outcomes that adhere to the institutional guidelines and policies that govern Deakin University. Staff partners play a pivotal role in providing valuable guidance, support, and institutional insights to help students achieve these goals.
Equity is of utmost importance to us. Priority will be given to students from HEPPP priority Equity-groups and projects with a primary focus on promoting equity and inclusivity within our university community.
Appoximate Dates for 2024
- SIPs Applications Due: November 14th, 2023
- Application Result Notification: November 24th, 2023
- Projects Begin: January 2024
- Projects Close Deadline: October 31st, 2024
- Project Showcase (TBD): November 2024
Learn More
For detailed information on SIPs, eligibility, and the application process, please reach out to the Students as Partners team (Cassandra and Sam) at [email protected].
Success Story
Meet Jarrod Hurst, a Deakin student who led a SIP project in 2021. As a student who travelled to the Burwood on a bus, Jarrod identified that the network of connections were impacting him and many fellow students accessing the Burwood area.
Working in collaboration with Deakin University, Public Transport Victoria and Whitehorse City Council the project led to significant improvements in transport connections to and from the Burwood campus, enhancing the student experience for many. Jarrod’s story is just one example of the incredible impact you can make through SIPs. He says,
“My project was a study into transport connections to and from the Burwood Campus. It involved conducting focus groups and research into how students accessed campus, and understanding what improvements could be made to their experience.
From the report, as well as other Deakin advocacy, the Victorian Government invested significantly into upgrading the bus network to Deakin, with announcements made for improvements on a range of routes that I recommended as part of my project.
I was able to develop my skills in a work setting that complements what I was learning in my classes. I was very lucky in that my project opened up an opportunity to present at a conference for university staff from across Australia.
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable project and the program in general is exceptionally well run. Just take the chance and go for it. You won’t regret it.”
Be the Change You Want to See
Student Initiated Projects are your chance to shape Deakin University for the better. Whether you’re a student ready to lead or a staff member eager to support, SIPs are your platform for positive change. Join us in making a difference!