Teaching and Learning Portfolio improves Learning Spaces process
Learning Spaces-Student Computing Fees often fund equipment for computer labs like the one at the U's Division of Games. (Courtesy of the University of Utah)
More information
For more information about the annual LS-SCF allocation process, please visit DLT’s Learning Spaces page.
To look up your organization’s Learning Spaces contact (the person responsible for submitting the proposal for your organization), please access this DLT Knowledge Base article. If your organization does not have a contact, please email classhelp@utah.edu.
In response to applicant and committee member feedback, the Teaching and Learning Portfolio (TLP) updated the annual Learning Spaces-Student Computing Fees (LS-SCF) allocation process for fiscal year 2026 to give applicants more time to prepare their proposals, provide Digital Learning Technologies (DLT) more time to complete audiovisual (AV) estimates, improve the user experience, and synchronize lab usage statistics.
Submissions for Learning Spaces proposals opened on October 15, 2024. Requests for AV estimates are due November 27, 2024. Proposals are due January 25, 2025.
“In years past, we’ve opened the call for proposals in December, so we’re starting a month and a half earlier, giving people more time to work on their proposals,” said Jon Thomas, director for DLT and an ex officio member of the TLP. “We’re also focusing on getting AV estimates early, because DLT staff need more time to review requests and ensure their estimates are accurate.”
Thomas added that the Learning Spaces portal received minor refinements to improve the user experience.
The proposal has a few new requirements, including LS-SCF award reconciliation for the past two years (instead of the past year) for previous applicants and contact information for a dean or director who can verify that the proposal reflects the needs of the entire organization. Only one applicant can submit a proposal on behalf of their organization.
The TLP also updated its requirements for lab usage statistics, which are mandatory for any computer lab-related requests. Applicants this year must provide data, including the number of workstations and logins, for October and November .
“Although we’ve required lab usage statistics before, the data we received was so varied it was impossible to use it to make decisions,” Thomas said, noting that such metrics are especially important as technology needs shift.
“Over time, we’ve seen the need isn’t going down. The need for technology is increasing and shifting,” he said. “It’s not as much computer labs. It’s more software ... specialized software and equipment.”
If Thomas could offer one tip for applicants, he would emphasize demonstrating student needs.
“When we look at a project, we’re looking squarely at, ‘How is this going to impact students?’” he said. “... The committee’s always laser focused on the benefit to students. That’s what these funds are for, to benefit students.”
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