Arts Dean’s Fund

The Arts Dean’s Fund for Excellence and Equity (ADFEE) is dedicated to supporting the dissemination of student research. Qualifying projects must demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion. This fund is supported entirely through the generosity of our donors, and remains open as long as funding is available.

Applications are reviewed each quarter.  Quarterly application deadlines are:  

• November 14, 2025 
• February 13, 2026
• May 1, 2026

Decisions will follow within four weeks of the application deadline.

Eligibility Information

• Students applying for this award will be currently enrolled and in good academic standing. Undergraduate students in any Arts major and graduate students in any Arts graduate program are eligible to apply. 
• The activity or project must take place within one calendar year and prior to graduation.
• This fund is used to cover expenses related to the dissemination of Arts research. Examples include: presenting at upcoming conferences (conference and travel fees), costs associated with exhibition and/or publication of scholarly and creative work. The ADFEE will consider the coverage of equipment costs if the equipment is necessary for the completion of a project accepted for presentation or exhibition at an off-campus venue. 
• Students may receive funding for one application per fiscal year (July 1- June 30) of up to $1000.00 which.

Please complete the application form and submit with all required application attachments. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Scholarship awards will be processed by the Arts Division, in coordination with the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office. The award will be incorporated in the awardee’s financial aid package, and actual award amounts may differ based on financial need. It is highly recommended that the student review how financial aid disbursement policies will impact any scholarship award. For questions, students can contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office or click here for frequently asked questions about scholarship payments.

Required Application Documents

• Application Form, including short answer responses
• Budget Proposal (required)
• Letter of Support from faculty advisor (required). This must be emailed by the faculty advisor by the deadline date to: artsdean@ucsc.edu, with “ADFEE Letter of Support: [Last Name of Applicant]”  as the subject line.
• Other Co-Funding Sources if applicable.

Reporting

A final report is required at the conclusion of the activity (within 30 days). In the report, please document how the Arts Dean’s Fund for Excellence and Equity supported your work. Please include any relevant photos

This scholarship is open to all undergraduate students in any Arts major and graduate students in any Arts graduate program consistent with state and federal law, and the UC Nondiscrimination Statement.