Fund for Educational Development

Purpose of the Fund

If you are a full-time faculty member or team of full-time faculty, you are encouraged to apply to the Fund for Educational Development for a grant. The Fund exists to support proposals that promise to design, implement, and evaluate new modes of teaching and learning that are more effective and productive, and to support individuals as they work on projects to enhance the Learning Village.

Proposals that have the best chance for funding are those directed toward significant innovation in:

1. teaching strategies for enhancing student learning.
2. course content and course design.
3. Instructional materials and equipment.
4. academic advising of students.

Types of Grants

Two types of grants are offered:

1. Stipend or replacement allowance – maximum $3,000 plus an automatic additional 34.5% in benefits (maximum $1,035.00) per faculty member. This grant provides funds for faculty time and work. The stipend goes to faculty for work during a period of time when they are not under regular contract or the funds go to the department as a replacement allowance for faculty released during the regular contract year.
2. Expenses, materials, and services grant – maximum $2,000. This grant provides funds for the purchase of materials, equipment, technical services, or for student or clerical assistance directly related to the instructional improvement process.

A proposal may request both stipend (which must include benefits) and expenses, but the maximum total funding is:

• an individual proposal is $5,000 which includes costs of benefits
• a team proposal is $6,000 which includes costs of benefits

Neither an individual proposal nor a team proposal will exceed the stated amounts.

Criteria

Preference will be given to proposals which:

1. present a compelling explanation of need, specific educational objectives, specific procedures and time line, a convincing explanation of value of the expenses, a detailed method of evaluation, and a method for reporting the results to the faculty community.
2. promise a clear educational benefit for a significant number of students over a period of time. How will the proposal enhance learning?
3. represent a significant educational innovation not previously funded by the Fund.
4. demonstrate that the intended project goes beyond ordinary expectations for faculty and curriculum improvement and development.
5. demonstrate cost sharing for the proposal from other funding agencies or appropriate University sources (e.g., departmental or school budgets).

Stipends and Expenses the Fund WILL NOT Support:

1. Routine upgrading of courses or customary literature searches for new courses.
2. Purchase of materials, equipment, and services ordinarily available through academic units.
3. Membership fees, tuition expenses, and registration fees.
4. Equipment not clearly and convincingly essential to the project.
5. Travel expenses not clearly and convincingly essential to the project.
6. Payment for guest speakers or outside consultants.
7. Writing a textbook or journal article.

Application Procedures

1. Deadline for applications is Monday, November 4, 2002. Copies of an official application form are being distributed through an e-mail announcement. Original application form and twelve (12) copies, signed by Dean and Chairperson, must be submitted to Deb Bickford, Associate Provost for Learning, Learning Environments, and Pedagogy.
2. Grants will be announced by letter shortly after Friday, December 13, 2002.
3. Applications for stipends or replacement allowances may not exceed $3,000 and must include an additional 34.5% in benefits per faculty member.
4. Applications for expenses, materials, and services may not exceed $5,000 for an individual proposal and $6,000 for a team proposal that includes benefits for both.
5. A supporting letter from a chairperson describing how the proposal fits into the applicant’s evolving pedagogical repertoire adds perspective to the proposal.

Terms of individual grants and deadline dates for final reports are included in Grant Letters. All materials and equipment purchased through the Fund are property of the University. When appropriate, University faculty who have received grants are asked to share the results of their projects though the Faculty Exchange Series and other means.

The Fund for Educational Development Committee

1. The Committee advises the Associate Provost for Learning, Learning Environments, and Pedagogy on matters of policy and procedures for the Fund, and on selecting and administering the grants.
2. In evaluating proposals, the Committee normally does not consult with the proposer, Dean or Chairperson.
3. The Associate Provost for Learning, Learning Environments, and Pedagogy monitors the progress of work supported by grants. Grant recipients must submit reports to the Associate Provost, who shares the results with the Committee. Where such reports are not presented, the Committee reserves the right to withhold future funding.
4. Applicants who have questions on the suitability of a given project may contact members of the Committee and the Associate Provost for Learning, Learning Environments, and Pedagogy.

Download FED Proposal Forms (Word document) >>