UTS Shopfront Community Coursework Program

Frequently asked questions

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• What types of organisations do you work with?

  We partner with not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises. Shopfront tries to work where we will have the most impact. This has meant that, over the years, we have prioritised smaller, less funded, community-based organisations on projects that will have lasting impact for the organisation and associated communities. The term community is used broadly to refer to formal community organisations, peak bodies or groups drawn together on an issue or interest.

• What type of projects does Shopfront support?

  For a full list of the types of projects we support, please visit our ‘How to work with Shopfront’ webpage. The types of projects we support depend on what existing subject and faculty partnerships we have and the needs of our community partner organisations more broadly. 

• When, how long and how often does the program run for?

  The Shopfront program runs twice a year in UTS’s Spring and Autumn sessions. They go for approximately 12 weeks each. The key dates vary slightly each year as they are contingent on the UTS academic timeline. We provide all community partners with key semester dates after the project proposal has been submitted.

  Approximate semester dates:   

  Autumn session: March to June 
  Spring session: August to November  

• Do you support regional or interstate projects?

  That depends. Our community partners are required to attend 1 to 2 face-to-face client–student meetings during the semester. In general, this means regional or interstate projects are not feasible as clients cannot generally travel to Sydney for these meetings. We assess these submissions on a case-by-case basis, depending on the availability of community partners and requirements of each subject we partner with. Read more about the commitments for clients on our ‘How to work with Shopfront’ webpage or email us if you would like to discuss this further. 

• How do you decide which projects are offered to students?

  The three key questions that we ask about when assessing a project is:

  1. Does it address an identified need?
  2. It is achievable in the timeframe?
  3. Do students have/or are learning the right skill set to deliver the project?

• Is this a free program?

  Yes, there is no cost for students or community organisations to participate.

• How do I submit a project proposal?

  Your organisation must nominate a key contact to collaborate with the student/s. This key contact must have capacity to dedicate maximum 2 hours per week of their time and be able to visit UTS campus.    

  The project inquiry should provide enough information to work out if the project is suitable for Shopfront. This is based on a few factors including timeframe and availability of academic expertise and students.

  Find out more about submitting a project proposal on our 'How to work with Shopfront' webpage.

  If your project does not fit into the Shopfront program, we will endeavour to place you with an alternate UTS social impact program.

• Can I make multiple project proposals?

  Yes, you can make multiple project proposals at the same time.

• Can I work with UTS Shopfront again if I’ve already partnered in the past?

  Yes, previous Shopfront partners are welcome to reapply. However, as we have a limited number of places, we will prioritise new organisations in our selection process to provide them with the opportunity to benefit from the program.     

• What happens after I apply?

  Once we have received your proposal, we will determine whether it is suitable for Shopfront project. We will be in touch if we require any further information, or if your project requires any changes to be eligible for the program.

  If it does not fit the Shopfront program, we will refer your project to other social impact programs at UTS or keep your project on file for a later date should anything arise.

• How do I keep informed on Shopfront projects, deadlines and other activities?

  Sign up to the Shopfront newsletter, which contains information about upcoming project call-outs, submission deadlines as well as workshop, event and partnership opportunities from across UTS.

• How much time and support do I need to provide Shopfront students?

  Your organisation must nominate a key contact to collaborate with the student/s. This key contact must have capacity to dedicate a maximum 2 hours per week of their time and be able to visit the UTS campus 1 to 2 times a semester.  

• Does our organisation need to have volunteer insurance?

  Your organisation does not need to have volunteer insurance to partner with UTS Shopfront. Students are covered by UTS insurance for the work they undertake as a part of their coursework.