University Teaching & Learning Center
ATL Grant Information
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Purpose:
These University grants are designed to enable faculty or faculty groups to pursue special projects in instructional development, course development, curricular reform, enhancement of instruction and courses with technology, research in teaching and learning, and interdisciplinary activities. Academic units regularly undertake activities to improve curriculum, strengthen programs, and promote faculty and course development, just as they regularly support the research and creative activities of faculty. This University program shall not diminish that responsibility at the unit level for these efforts.
Types of Proposals:
As a guide to the prospective applicant, six types of proposals are summarized below. These categories are not intended to be restrictive or confining. Any proposal designed to advance creativity in teaching and improve student learning will be welcomed for review. Priority will be given to projects related to achieving UNCG’s Vision for Teaching and Learning and projects to improve General Education Requirement courses or design new ones to fulfill those goals more effectively. All proposals must include an explanation of the method for evaluating the effectiveness of the project, identification of implications for research on teaching and learning, and any opportunities and plans for future funding through extramural sources. Proposals that do not include all of the required components will not be considered.
1. New Course Development
Proposals of this type include development of new and innovative courses for the general education curriculum
or for a specific major or program. Proposals for courses whose content and perspective encompass the
experience, contributions, culture, and heritage of minorities and women. Proposals for the development of
interdisciplinary courses are also encouraged.
2. Curricular/Course Improvement
Proposals of this type focus on efforts to improve student learning through substantive revisions of individual
courses or groups of courses and development of new instructional materials. Routine course revisions will not
be supported.
3. Instructional Methods
Proposals of this type involve the creation of new methods of teaching, improvement in instructional evaluation, and innovative approaches to student advising. Proposals should deal with methods that are transferable to other courses and departments.
4. Professional Development
Proposals are encouraged from individual faculty members who wish to gain expertise in new and experimental instructional techniques in their fields. Applications can also be submitted from faculty who need to update their subject-matter knowledge in light of new teaching assignments.
5. Services for Faculty and Teaching Assistants
Proposals in this area include programs or workshops offered in collaboration with the University Teaching and Learning Center for faculty and teaching assistants to enhance their teaching ability. Examples include a seminar for new college teachers, a workshop on test design, a conference for faculty involved in a special curricular undertaking, or assistance to faculty in creating and pursuing individual professional development plans. Proposals to assist the University Teaching and Learning Center in offering creative University-wide programs to enhance teaching and student learning are encouraged.
6. Research in Teaching and Learning
Proposals can also involve research into the effectiveness of current or new teaching methods in achieving learning goals for UNCG students. Of particular interest is the study of the effectiveness of active learning strategies, collaborative learning experiences, classroom assessment efforts, and the inclusion of instructional technologies.
Application Requirements:
A brief application of five or fewer pages should describe the project. In addition to the appropriate cover page (PDF), each proposal must include the items below. Proposals that do not include all of the required components will not be considered.
A. Purpose statement and project goals: Briefly describe the project goals and explain their significance to the instructional aims of the department, program or University. Include sufficient background information to define the project for a general university audience. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the staff of the University Teaching and Learning Center in planning their projects.
B. Project design: Describe the exact work to be undertaken and its appropriateness to the project. Outline the steps from initial preparation to implementation.
C. Statement of anticipated effect: Indicate the effect of the project on instruction. Identify the groups of students affected by the project. In what ways will these groups be helped?
D. Evaluation plan: How will the success of the project be evaluated? What criteria will be used to assess the outcomes of the project?
E. Schedule for completion of the project or a timeline for the evaluation: Outline a timetable for completion of the work. If this is not applicable to the project, outline a timetable for conducting the evaluation.
F. Budget proposal: Indicate the categories of expenditures and amount requested. Include a statement of any "matching" support from the department(s) or college/school.
G. Personnel list: Discuss the personnel involved in the project and the planned activities for each individual. If salaries are involved, indicate how the proposed salary or payment was determined.
H. Statement of potential for subsequent development: Where appropriate, indicate how the project may lead to research concerning teaching and learning (including advising and curriculum development). If this project requires continued funding, identify the possible sources of further support (your department/school or extramural agencies). If applicable, discuss how the project my result in technology transfer.
I. Letter of endorsement by the Department Chair or Department Head and the Dean or designated Associate Dean. Endorsements should indicate any provisions for support provided by the department or the college/school.
J. Technology feasibility statement: Applicants proposing projects involving technology must consult with Director of the University Teaching and Learning Center about the feasibility of the technology proposed. On such projects, the appropriate staff from Computing and Information Services and/or the Library will also be consulted.
K. After endorsement by the dean and department head, nine copies and one original of the application form and all supporting documentation should be submitted to: Faculty Instructional Grants Review Committee, University Teaching and Learning Center, 134 McIver Building.
Funding:
Grants are limited to $3,000 for proposals from individuals and to $6,000 for proposals from a department or group of faculty. Departmental requests are those that impact the total curriculum of a department and which involve a significant effort of two or more faculty. Preference will be given to projects in which the department or school demonstrates a commitment to the effort through matching funds, release time, assignment of student assistance, or other support. Funds awarded in December must be expended before December 31 of the following year. Funds awarded in April must be expended before May 30 of the following year. Funds awarded will normally be used for purchase of materials and supplies, computer hardware and software, student assistance, purchase of services, registration fees for teaching and learning conferences and workshops, travel (if to participate in an teaching and learning activity directly related to the project or to visit and observe similar efforts in other settings), release time, and/or summer project support. Funds will not be used for food and entertainment. If the full amount to an individual is granted as a stipend in the summer, any summer teaching must be limited to one course.
Eligibility, Review and Selection Process:
The Faculty Instructional Grants Review Committee will review applications and make recommendations to the Director of the University Teaching and Learning Center who will notify the grant recipients. The members of the Faculty Instructional Grants Review Committee are appointed by the Provost. The members normally serve a two-year term and the Committee should have a representative from each Unit.
Preference will be given to proposals from full-time continuing faculty at UNCG.
Proposals will be evaluated with respect to their potential for advancing creativity in teaching and improving student learning at UNCG and with respect to satisfying the ATL guidelines.
Faculty and/or departments who have not submitted final reports on previous awards will not be considered for additional awards.
Reporting Requirements:
Persons receiving grants are expected to provide a summary report and, when appropriate a demonstration of the project supported by the grant. Reports must include an evaluation of the project, any research activity developed from the activity, proof of expenditures and any efforts to obtain extramural support for future enhancements. Reports for projects are due thirty days after the last day to expend funds.
NOTE: The Committee will not consider applications that do not conform to guidelines.
Submission Calendar:
The schedule for submission of the application and supporting materials and the announcement of awards is shown at the UTLC Grants Calendar.
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