Introduction
The Learning Spaces proposals are awarded according to the priorities of the Student Computing fees. The Student Computing Fees, also known as the “Technology Fee,” are student fees used to support technology needs for all students across campus. Examples of how these fees are spent include computer labs, online student services, email, networking (both wired and wireless access), software, the campus online course management system, and technology in the classrooms. The fees are dedicated to:
- Support student use of technology as it directly impacts experiences in teaching and learning.
- Provide student access to computing equipment, networks, software, and information.
- Provide the communication and collaboration tools needed by students.
- Enhance classrooms, computer labs, and student study spaces to support teaching and learning processes.
Governance
The Teaching & Learning Governance Portfolio is a broad group of faculty, administrators, and students from a variety of departments, libraries and colleges, including the Health Sciences. Members are either appointed by the University President or invited to join by the committee co- chairs. The group’s mission is to provide guidance to University Information Technology, SITC: the Strategic Information Technology Committee, and ANTC: the Architecture & New Technology Committee on matters affecting the University’s technology-based educational components, initiatives, teaching, and learning. While the IT governance process on campus was modified in the last few years, the Teaching & Learning Portfolio continues as a standing committee to oversee the annual Learning Spaces-Student Computing Fees allocation process for individual colleges, libraries, and centers.
The Portfolio’s award recommendations are forwarded to the University of Utah Budget Committee so that a more holistic view of Student Computer Fee funding can be balanced with college and library annual budget requests. New strategies will emerge for funding the ever- increasing demand for information and audio-visual technologies as they directly impact teaching and learning.
Important Dates for Applicants
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 15th, 2025 | Learning Spaces call for proposals opened |
| November 26th, 2025 | Deadline to request AV estimates |
| January 23rd, 2026 | Proposal submission deadline |
| Feb 2nd - Feb 5th, 2026 | Applicants meet virtually with Task Force |
| Feb 6th - Feb 13th, 2026 | Preparation for final deliberations |
| Feb 25th - Feb 27th, 2026 | Teaching & Learning Governance Portfolio deliberations |
| March 11th, 2026 | Finalizations and notifications of awards |
| July 2026, FY27 | Awards transferred to applicants |
Funding Priorities
Guiding Requirements
- Relate to the teaching and learning mission of the University
- Target broad impact to students and their learning
- Take advantage of centralized/common resources
- Move non-centralized services towards the use of centralized resources
- Exist as general access learning spaces (scheduled through Astra and Space Planning)
- Directly impact student learning experience
- Spend awards in the same fiscal year as when funds are transferred
| Commonly Funded Requests* (*still subject to review) | Not Funded Requests | |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | Requests where students are not the primary beneficiary | |
| Switches and routers | Salaries and wages | |
| Projects dedicated to redundancy of infrastructure (e.g., fallover) | Network backbone fees | |
| Printing equipment | Established enterprise software agreements | |
| Cluster computing resources | Software alternatives to campus-wide solutions | |
| Podium computers | Faculty & Graduate Assistant computers | |
| Virtual reality or simulation equipment | Paper | |
| Computer lab maintenance or installation | Phones, chargers, and cellular contracts | |
| Computer lab shared devices | Requests that cannot be itemized | |
| Software licenses | Outdated technology solutions | |
| AV Installation Projects | Requests that should be part of the college’s annual budget request (e.g., equipment necessary for program requirements) | |
| Checkout equipment | Database and periodical subscriptions |
Proposal Requirements
To Get Started
Email [email protected] with:
- Your college/center’s technical lead for the proposal
- The leadership contact who will sign off
-
A pedagogical reviewer for the proposal
Our team will then grant you access to the Learning Spaces Proposal Portal where you will submit your proposal and supporting documents.
DLT A/V Installations
- If your proposal includes A/V work, request a quote from Digital Learning Technologies by Nov. 27, 2025.
- Approved funds will be placed in a DLT escrow account.
- Fill out the DLT A/V Installations form to coordinate timelines.
- More info and the A/V Installations form can be found: A/V Equipment Installation Requests for Campus Learning Spaces
Computer Lab Usage Data
- Submit usage data from the Fall 2025 semester for student labs (e.g., logins/day).
- Use Labstats to collect this data. Contact Matt Irsik ([email protected]) to get started.
- Include this data with your proposal by Jan. 23, 2026.
Short Video & Description
The Learning Spaces Portfolio Committee requests a brief video showing the physical spaces where the requested technology would be installed.
The video should include:
- How faculty input informed the proposal
- A description of how the requested items will be used
- Why the items are needed
- Any additional context the committee should consider when reviewing your proposal
Reconciliation of Past Awards
Confirm whether SCF funds from the past two years have been spent. This step is part of the proposal portal submission.
Leadership Approval
Proposals must include a digital signature from your dean or center director.
Task Force Meeting
After submitting your proposal, you’ll be asked to meet virtually with the Learning Spaces Task Force in February 2026 to discuss your submission and answer any questions.
Step by Step Submission Guide
For instructions on using the portal, jump to "Portal Steps" in this article: Learning Spaces proposal submission guide
If you have any questions or need assistance please contact us at: [email protected]