Overview
A broad range of proposals are considered. Proposals will be evaluated on their concrete benefits to pedagogy and/or curriculum, feasibility, innovative nature, alignment with college initiatives such as the strategic plan, and need for resources beyond those typically covered by the school or department (e.g., resources to support instructional development not instruction). Typically, proposals are reviewed twice a year, in April (for projects in June-December) and October (for projects in January-May). This spring, the IDF Committee has some remaining funds available to impart towards projects with expenses occurring on or before May 31. For proposals such as these, please submit your application before noon on January 15. Individual projects may be funded to a maximum of $1500. More significant projects proposed by multiple authors may be funded to a maximum of $3000. Funds must be spent by May 31 of the fiscal year for which they are awarded.
Proposal Process
Proposals should include the following:
1. a project description of no more than 1500 words that addresses the points detailed below
• Central Issue/Concept - state the central issue/concept, its history, significance, relationship to other problems or issues and, if applicable, previous attempts at solution
• Scope - specific limits of the proposed project, what will and will not be done
• Implementation – methods and resources and their integration into the project, timetable, and how the project will be evaluated
• Costs - itemized costs
• Expected Outcomes - how the project will contribute to pedagogy and/or curriculum, for example, specific enhancements to current or future course(s)
2. a current Curriculum Vitae
3. a letter of support from a colleague who is familiar with the area of scholarly/creative work and the applicant’s capabilities to achieve what is proposed
4. Chair approval
Review Committee
Committee members are elected for the year by the schools, with two members from Humanities and Sciences and one member from each of the other schools. The committee chair is elected by the committee at the beginning of the fall term and serves for the academic year. The CFE Director serves ex officio as a non-voting member.
Reporting and Inspection
A brief report to the Center for Faculty Excellence of how the grant was applied and the benefits that were gained is appreciated but not required.
Funded proposals are open to inspection by the campus community. Submission of a proposal implies permission to share the proposal or reproduce it for on-campus discussion if it is funded.