The Tuum Est Student Initiative Fund (TESIF) is a student-focused funding program administered through the Associate Vice President, Students portfolio at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus. It was created to provide financial support to UBCO students who design and lead initiatives, attend conferences, or participate in competitions that enrich their academic, professional, or community engagement.
Role of the Tuum Est Student Initiative Fund in the funding ecosystem
Tuum Est operates as an internal reimbursement fund dedicated to co-curricular and experiential learning activities. Students may apply for support to offset direct costs related to approved conferences, competitions, or campus and community initiatives. Once an application is approved and the activity is complete, the fund reimburses eligible expenses, helping students reduce financial barriers to meaningful involvement.
The fund is one of several on-campus funding opportunities promoted by UBC Okanagan, complementing travel grants, faculty-based awards, and equity or wellbeing-focused funds. By focusing specifically on student-led initiatives and participation in academic or professional events, TESIF fills a niche in the campus funding landscape.
General funding and accountability requirements
As outlined on the recipients page, Tuum Est is strictly a reimbursement fund: students are reimbursed only after they have paid expenses and completed the approved activity. Recipients must submit itemized receipts, a completed reimbursement form, and any required supporting documentation to the program email within a short timeline after their initiative ends.
Funding is tied to clear visibility and reporting requirements. Recipients must promote the fund by displaying the Tuum Est banner at events and including the Tuum Est logos on print or web materials associated with their initiative. They are also required to submit a short written summary of their project for publication on the Tuum Est website before reimbursement is processed, supporting transparency and knowledge-sharing within the campus community.
Supported audiences and impact
The program is aimed at current UBC Okanagan students from a wide range of disciplines who are engaged in organizing or participating in initiatives that extend learning beyond the classroom. Typical activities include conferences, academic or skills competitions, student-led events, and other initiatives that contribute to campus life or broader community engagement.
Through these grants, Tuum Est helps students build leadership, networking, and professional skills while contributing to a vibrant student experience at UBC Okanagan. The structured reimbursement and reporting processes also familiarize students with basic project budgeting, accountability, and evaluation practices that are relevant in many professional contexts.