Student Opportunity Fund

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Student Opportunity Fund

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Each year, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music welcomes students to apply for the Student Opportunity Fund. Students may request use of the Student Opportunity fund for new activities and projects. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and will be awarded based on the benefit to the student and the allowability and feasibility of proposed expenses. All students are eligible to apply, with priority being given to students who have not received funding from the SOF over the past three years.

Acceptable Application Examples

  • Travel (conference registration fees, summer festivals, airfare, etc., in accordance with current travel guidelines)
    • Can request the Student Opportunity Fund to pay for a ticket for common carrier transportation (train, plane, bus) and/or lodging.
    • Must provide an estimate ahead of costs before booking.
  • Conference registration (in-person or virtual)
  • Commissioning a musical piece*
  • Support for presenting a concert or event (not for the actual technology but advertisements or tech services)*
  • Recording studio time*
  • Lessons/instruction with an outside instructor (different instrument, different instructor, etc.)*
  • Reading groups for SOM students (buying the book, materials)
  • School of Music student body event (to increase social participation within SOM student population)*
  • Other thesis or dissertation research expenses (exclusive of technology)*

*If you are planning on paying a vendor or person/people for services, once your project is approved you must consult with Kathleen Moon to see if they are eligible to be paid by the SOF.

The Student Opportunity Fund Cannot be used for

  • Reimbursements for projects already in progress or have been completed. It is processed as direct payments to approved vendors and service providers. DO NOT SPEND YOUR OWN MONEY – we cannot reimburse you.
  • Technological purchases (rentals are approved, also check with Luis Henao of the SOM for equipment needs)
  • Instrument purchases (rentals are approved, also check with Adam Gilberti of the SOM for instrument needs)

Application Procedure

Step 1: Consider what will be needed to support your request. A thorough budget, outline of your request, and rationale will be needed in your application.
Step 2: Review the following requirements before your submission:
  • Applications can request up to $3,000 (please note you may be approved for less than your requested amount)
  • All applications for the current academic year are accepted beginning July 1. 
  • All project expenses must be made before May 15 although the completion of the project may carry over after that date.
  • Even if the premise of a project is approved, all project expenses must be approved by the SOM Finance Department before purchase.
    • *If you are planning on paying a vendor or person/people for services, once your project is approved you must consult with Kathleen Moon to see if they are eligible to be paid by the SOF.
  • If requesting money for travel, graduate students should first use the UCLA Graduate Division Doctoral Grant
Step 3: Apply!