About Learning Spaces
Learning Spaces proposals are evaluated according to the priorities of the Student Computing Fees. Student Computing Fees, also called the Technology Fee, support technology needs for students across campus. Funding may support computer labs, online student services, email, networking, software, the campus learning management systems, and classroom technology.
The fees support the following goals:
- Support students’ use of technology as it affects teaching and learning.
- Provide students with access to computing equipment, networks, software, and information.
- Provide the communication and collaboration tools students need.
- Improve classrooms, computer labs, and student study spaces that support teaching and learning.
Governance
The Teaching & Learning Governance Portfolio includes faculty, administrators, and students from departments, libraries, colleges, and Health Sciences. Members are appointed by the University President or invited by the committee co-chairs. The Portfolio advises University Information Technology (UIT), the Strategic Information Technology Committee (SITC), and the Architecture & New Technology Committee (ANTC) on technology that supports teaching and learning.
The Portfolio also oversees the annual Learning Spaces Student Computing Fees allocation process for colleges, libraries, and centers. Its award recommendations go to the University of Utah Budget Committee, which considers them alongside college and library budget requests.
Important dates for applicants
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 15, 2026 | Learning Spaces call for proposals opened |
| November 25, 2026 | Deadline to request audiovisual estimates |
| January 20, 2027 | Proposal submission deadline |
| February 3-5, 2027 | Applicants meet virtually with the Task Force |
| February 8-19, 2027 | Preparation for final deliberations |
| February 22–26, 2027 | Teaching & Learning Governance Portfolio deliberations |
| March 12, 2027 | Final decisions and award notifications |
| July 2027, fiscal year 2028 | Awards transfer to applicants |
Funding priorities
Guiding requirements
- Relate to the University’s teaching and learning mission.
- Have a broad impact on students and their learning.
- Use centralized or common resources when available.
- Move noncentralized services toward centralized resources.
- Exist as general-access learning spaces scheduled through Astra and Space Planning.
- Directly affect the student learning experience.
- Use awards during the same fiscal year in which funds are transferred.
Commonly funded requests
Commonly funded requests* | Requests that are not funded |
|---|---|
| Servers | Requests where students are not the primary beneficiaries |
| Switches and routers | Salaries and wages |
| Infrastructure redundancy projects, such as failover | Network backbone fees |
| Printing equipment | Established enterprise software agreements |
| Cluster computing resources | Software alternatives to campus-wide solutions |
| Podium computers | Faculty and graduate assistant computers |
| Virtual reality or simulation equipment | Paper |
| Computer lab maintenance or installation | Phones, chargers, and cellular contracts |
| Shared computer lab devices | Requests that cannot be itemized |
| Software licenses | Outdated technology solutions |
| Audiovisual installation projects | Requests that should be part of the college’s annual budget, such as equipment required for program requirements |
| Checkout equipment | Database and periodical subscriptions |
*Commonly funded requests are still subject to review.
Proposal requirements
Audiovisual installations
If your proposal includes audiovisual work, request a quote from Digital Learning Technologies by November 25, 2026.
- Complete the Digital Learning Technologies AV technology installation in learning spaces request form to start your estimate and coordinate timelines.
- Approved funds will be placed in a Digital Learning Technologies escrow account.
- For more information, see Audiovisual equipment installation requests for campus learning spaces.
Computer lab usage data
Submit the following usage data from the fall 2026 semester for student labs:
- Usage History
- Login Summary by Group
- Unique Users
- Peak Usage History
Short video and description
As part of your proposal, include a two- to five-minute video that gives the Teaching and Learning Portfolio (TLP) more context about your request. Provide the video URL in your proposal.
In your summary video, consider covering:
- Explain how student computing funds will support students in your college or unit.
- Describe how you’ll use the requested items.
- Explain why you need the items.
- Describe how faculty input informed this year’s request.
- Share any additional information the committee should consider when reviewing your proposal.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure requests
If your request involves Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), you must complete a questionnaire about your setup.
Reconcile past awards
Confirm whether you spent awards from the past two years. This step is part of the proposal portal submission.
Leadership approval
Your proposal must include a digital signature from your dean or center director.
Task Force meeting
After you submit your proposal, the Learning Spaces Task Force may ask you to meet virtually in February 2027 to discuss your submission and answer questions.
Submit your proposal
Step-by-step submission guide
For instructions on using the portal, go to the "Proposal steps" section in Learning Spaces proposal submission guide.
Open the Learning Spaces portal to submit your proposal and supporting documents.