Instructional Incentive Grants

The Instructional Incentive Grant Program, established in 1974 and funded by the Provost's Office, seeks to encourage and support innovative and creative improvements in instruction and learning at the University of Vermont. The Office of the Provost encourages proposals from all instructional programs and from faculty from all academic ranks.

The Instructional Incentive Grant Committee welcomes all proposals, especially those that support ongoing University initiatives and strategic priorities.

Due to necessary rescission of the Provost's Office budget, including funds for Instructional Incentive Grants, the IIG program is not accepting applications in the Spring 2013 semester. Please check back in Fall 2013 for updated information on the Program.

Grant Categories:

I. High Impact or Collaborative Grants (up to $5000)

• Focus on one or more areas emphasized by IIG (diversity requirement; large enrollment courses; assessment of student outcomes; environment)
• Have the potential to impact large numbers of students over time
• May involve collaboration among multiple faculty, multiple units, or collaboration with The Center for Teaching & Learning, The Writing in the Disciplines Program, The Community-Univ. Partnerships & Service Learning office, The Community-Univ. Partnerships & Service Learning office, The Center for Cultural Pluralism, ACCESS or other student/faculty development organizations on campus

Projects might include: course redesign for large courses serving multiple programs; development of assessment or advising tools (e.g. assessment of senior majors; career advising; student handbooks) for departments or programs; development of models or tools that could be used by other units.

II. Individual Grants (up to $3000)

• Focus on one or more areas emphasized by IIG (diversity requirement; large enrollment courses; assessment of student outcomes; environment)
• Have the potential to serve as models for other courses/departments
• Have an expected impact beyond a single course, either by serving as a model for other similar courses, or by serving students in a major or program.
• May involve the experimental use of particular teaching techniques or technology

Projects might include: smaller scale course redesign; development of departmental handbooks or career resources; implementation of experimental teaching tools

III. Training/Grant writing support (up to $1400)

These grants are intended to encourage faculty to apply for external funds to support teaching innovations, course redesign, student assessment or other programs congruent with the IIG's focus.

Faculty may also apply for funds to pay for training in a particular teaching or assessment methodology or technology to be utilized in UVM courses.

IIG Evaluation Guidelines:

Grant proposals from all instructional programs and from faculty of all academic ranks are encouraged and will be reviewed and evaluated using the following criteria:

1. See the grant categories section for the range of funding for each type of project.
2. The Committee with base its award decisions primarily on the Project Narrative. Projects should be clearly described, well designed and innovative in their approach to improving instructional quality.
3. In the final section of the Project Narrative, applicants should outline the expected results of the completed project and where applicable indicate strategies for assessing student outcomes. Applicants for the High Impact/Collaborative category are strongly encouraged to consult with CTL on possible assessment strategies.
4. Faculty compensation may be permissible, with approval from a department chair. Budget request for faculty compensation must include fringe benefits of 40.5%. Salary compensation for graduate or undergraduate students may not exceed $1500 per student. Budget request for graduate or undergraduate students compensation must include fringe benefits of 9.4%.
   
5. Proposals should identify the specific course(s) or program(s) involved in the project and state explicitly how changes will be implemented. The number of students per course and the number of times the course will be taught should be specified.
   
6. SIGNATURES from both the department chair and dean are REQUIRED for proposal consideration. The department chair must also attach a letter of support.
   
7. Funding for equipment is extremely limited. When funded, equipment will remain the property of The University of Vermont. The proposal should include manufacturer, description, number, and price and should indicate why the equipment is necessary for the success of the project. Equipment purchases may be supplemented with department or grant (not personal) funds. Proposals intended to supplement departmental slides, video, films or other media must be carefully documented. Applicants should show a clear connection between media and/or equipment purchases and the enhancement of a particular curriculum.
   
8. Institutional matching funds are desirable, though not mandatory, and should be identified and documented.
   
9. All materials should be submitted at the same time to the Center for Teaching & Learning, 406 Lafayette Hall.
   
10. It is expected that the projects will be completed within 12 months from the time of award; thus, grants awarded in July 2013 should be completed, with all funds spent, by June 30, 2014. Failure to either complete a project by that date or request an extension will result in remaining funds reverting to the central Instructional Incentive Grant funding pool.

Format of Proposals:

Structure of Proposal

1. Application Cover Sheet:
   For details click on Application Form link above
   
2. Budget (Itemize your project costs according to the following categories):
   Include both IIG and College/Dept/Grant Cost Sharing (if applicable):
   Personnel (Hourly rate x Estimated hours)
   Fringe Benefits (Must be budgeted, 9.4% Fringe for Graduate & Undergraduate Students)
   Supplies and Computer Software (itemized)
   Production Services
   Equipment
   Travel (Include registration fees)
   Books and Other Research Materials
   
3. Narrative: Please limit to 1000 words
   Project Description
   Statement of Objectives
   Method and Procedures
   Project Evaluation
   
4. Support Documentation:
   A one page curriculum vitae and/or biographical sketch for each participant in the project.
5. Signature Page:
   Signature of applicant Signature and letter of support from department chair required
   Signature of dean required
   
6. Support Letter from Department Chair
   

Final Report Requirement (required within 90 days of completion of the project):

1. Describe the activities and results of the project
2. Include an evaluation of the impact or potential impact of the project on learning
3. Describe the evaluation instruments or process

Selection Committee: