The Aesculapian Club Proposal Review Committee
Motivation
The Harvard Aesculapian Club exists to foster relationships and connections between its members, and to support and improve the quality of life of students at Harvard Medical School. The Club supports student life using funds from an established endowment and members’ annual dues, and has traditionally funded activities or resources that benefit the entire student body. Annually, the Club continues to provide White Coats for all first year HMS/HSDM students, has supported the Second Year Show and produced the rising 3rd year Pocket Guide to the Wards. The Club has also helped fund larger projects requiring one-time funding gifts. Examples include the renovations of the Culver Lounge and Deanery in Vanderbilt Hall. Given the increasing demand for funding from various student-led organizations, the Aesculapian club seeks to establish a Proposal Review Committee to help guide student groups through the funding process, and to help identify proposals worthy of support and that reflect the values and goals of the Harvard Aesculapian Club.
Project Funding Criteria:
1. The proposed project(s) should help enrich HMS student life, foster a sense of community among HMS students, and engage a significant number of students in all classes.
2. Projects should not have a more suitable alternative source of funding (e.g. HMS Student Council, HMS Dean’s Office, Harvard-Affiliated Hospitals).
3. Projects should not contribute to the salary / stipend / honorarium of any individual or group within or outside HMS.
4. Projects should reflect the values of the Aesculapian Club, help provide visibility for the Club, and have a relatively long-lasting impact.
Application Process / Guidelines
The HMS/HSDM Student Council will inform student groups that the Aesculapian Club is accepting proposals for funding in September and January of each year. Student groups should submit a brief (1-2 page) proposal that includes the background/concept of the student-led group / project and an itemized breakdown of estimated costs. The proposal should directly address each of the funding criteria (how the project(s) will enrich HMS student life, benefit the broader HMS student community, does not have other suitable sources of funding, and is in line with the values of the Aesculapian Club, would generate positive visibility for the Club). Proposals should also include alternative or other potential sources of funding for the stated project(s). Proposals may be submitted at any time, but will be reviewed bi-annually by the Committee:
1. Fall Deadline: October 1st
2. Spring Deadline: March 1st
The Proposal Review Committee may provide feedback to student groups to make recommended revisions. Revised proposals will be presented to the Executive Committee who will then vote to fund/not fund/partially fund recommended projects. Student groups will be notified after votes by the Executive Committee (preferably within two weeks of deadlines).
Conflict(s) of Interest
All proposals should state any potential conflict of interest, including proposals made by members of the Aesculapian Club. Club members may submit project proposal(s) for funding, but will be excused from voting on the proposal in the Proposal Review Committee, and on the Executive Committee. However, Club members will be given the opportunity to present their proposals to the Review Committee, and if the project is recommended, to the Executive Committee. Projects that also benefit members of the Aesculapian Club in addition to the HMS student body may deserve special consideration.
TO APPLY FOR FUNDING, send an email to aesculapian@hms.harvard.edu and include responses to the following:
1- Initiative/Project/Event Name
2- Contact Information--name, title, email, phone
3- Mission and Background
4- Proposed Uses of Aesculapian Club Funds
5- Alternative Funding Sources