What's your 'big hairy idea'?

A new funding initiative from The Concordia Council on Student Life (CCSL) is accepting proposals for "inspiring and ambitious projects that will have a big impact across our university community." 

The Big Hairy Ideas Competition is separate from the CCSL's Special Project Fund. Submissions must be a collaboration between students and faculty or staff.

"It's a great opportunity to bring together the sometimes disparate parts of the university in a way which benefits students in general," says Andrew Woodall, dean of Students. 

The CCSL is made up of equal numbers of students, staff and faculty. It meets once a month during the academic year to discuss student life, disperse funding to student-led initiatives, and recognize outstanding individuals at Concordia.

We asked what people should keep in mind before they submit their proposal to the Big Hairy Ideas Competition.
 

3 tips for the CCSL's Big Hairy Ideas Competition

1. The partnership between students and Concordia faculty or staff is important and real. This is the most important criteria CCSL will be looking at.

2. The key words here are "big" and "hairy". This is a chance to dream and be creative. The CCSL doesn’t want to see a project that has been going on for years dressed up in new clothes.

3. It must contribute significantly to student life. The CCSL is looking for projects that will have a deep and broad impact on students on both campuses here at Concordia. Make this clear.

BONUS TIP from Andrew Woodall, Concordia's "big, hairy" dean of Students:

"Mention unicorns. They are crucial to any project’s success and provide that extra magic."

Winning proposals will receive up to $45,000 in funding. The deadline for submitting to the Big Hairy Ideas Competition is Monday, March 7 at 5 p.m. Find out more about the CCSL Big Hairy Ideas Competition, or review the official guidelines.