Introduction

Academic Technology Services (ATS) is providing a faculty development opportunity for this fiscal year (2007–’08) through the Faculty Research Mini-Grant Pilot Program. This Pilot Program is part of ATS’ efforts to provide support for faculty in their research endeavors, in addition to our already established programs/services relating to pedagogy and technology-use. We hope that Deans, Program Directors and full-time faculty will see this as a worthwhile opportunity for the enhancement of personal and professional growth, and as an effective process to increase original research and published contributions by UF faculty in specific disciplines. The Faculty Research Mini-Grant Pilot Program will be fully evaluated at the end of this fiscal year. This assessment process will have an impact upon program continuance and help determine whether a different approach/configuration is needed to further support this area of faculty development.

Program Goals

The goal of the Faculty Research Mini-Grant Program is to support activities that include original contributions to knowledge ranging from professional publications and research studies to creative fine-arts based projects. Ultimately, this program is designed to provide funding support to faculty who are engaged in endeavors that will result in serious and noteworthy professional contributions to their field of study.  There must be a clear indication and demonstration that the research, writing, creative process, and/or academic enterprise will lead to a tangible, apparent outcome (e.g., publication in a peer-reviewed journal, exhibition in a significant gallery, published original compositions/manuscripts, etc.). 

The goal is to offer UF faculty members the opportunity for support beyond what is already available for travel, attendance and presentation at conferences.  Professional projects that do not meet this criteria will not be considered for funding through the Faculty Research Mini-Grant Program. It should also be noted that even though any research conducted by a faculty member will ultimately enhance teaching in the classroom, this program does not require a direct pedagogical link to classroom activities.  

Examples of program support would include:

•    Travel and accommodation for the purpose of research and study
•    Data collection needs/costs
•    Specialized equipment and software (Note: that the equipment remains the property of The University of Findlay)
•    Supplies, materials and books (depending upon the type of acquisition, most books and supplies can be retained as personal property of the faculty member)
•    Unusual opportunity

The program will not fund the following:

•    Conference Attendance
•    Standard computer equipment
•    Guest speakers
•    Reimbursement for research already completed
•    Release time from teaching responsibilities
•    Payment for student/graduate assistants
•    Payment for substitute, adjunct faculty
•    Matching funds for grants

Assessment

It is expected that every research request supported by this program would result in a tangible outcome, such as publication of a peer-reviewed article in a national journal, development of a publication for regional/local use, such as a field-trip guide, or an original performance or work of art.  An ongoing assessment plan is required for this grant, and ATS will follow-up with recipients to monitor research progress.  Grant recipients are encouraged to showcase the results of their research through a presentation, performance or exhibit, either in a local venue or at a national conference.

Coordination with Other UF Faculty Support Programs

This program will be a supplement to, and not a replacement of, existing faculty development support provided by individual colleges, the Faculty Development Committee, ATS and external grant funds.   A comparison of the different development opportunities is as follows:

Faculty Development Committee: A study of grant awards by the Faculty Development Committee over the last several years reveals that the majority of funds have been spent for conference and training session presentation and attendance.  In addition, priority from the Committee is given to activities that directly relate to teaching, and funding is not available for equipment needs.  

Academic Technology Services: ATS currently has two faculty development programs in place, Academic Program Partnerships (APP) and Individual Professional Partnerships (IPP).   The APP program is targeted to programs, (i.e. groups of faculty) and is designed to address gaps and shortcomings within a specific major or program.  The IPP program is designed to enhance the teaching skills and pedagogical practices of the faculty member.  

External Grants:  All applicants are expected to aggressively research and pursue any external grant sources that can be used to extend the support provided by this program.

Application Process

To apply for a Faculty Research Mini-Grant, full-time faculty members must submit an official application to ATS, including a signature approval form signed by the individual’s Area Director and College Dean. Application materials can be accessed online; simply type in the UF keyword “atsminigrant” on The University of Findlay’s homepage, www.findlay.edu.

Each application will be assessed by a review committee, which will consist of two senior ATS staff members, and invited UF faculty members. The number of faculty members on the evaluation committee will range from one to two, decided on a case-by-case basis. Potentially, one faculty member will be drawn from the applicant’s discipline (or from within a closely-aligned discipline), and the second faculty committee member will be from outside of the applicant’s College.

Fundamentally, the application will be evaluated on the basis of originality, adherence to program goals, and the ability to meet projected project goals. It is recommended that the applicant be far enough along with the planning and development of the project so that a clear, anticipated outcome can be projected. For example, any evidence demonstrating the ability to meet success with the publication (in a specific journal or with a publishing company) or acceptance for display/presentation of an artistic endeavor or scholarly achievement can assist in strengthening the grant application. The review committee will accept or decline the application in a timely manner, and no later than two months after the application date.

Award Amounts

Each award will be different, based upon the applicant’s needs, but the maximum amount awarded each academic year to a faculty member under this program will be $2000.00. Award monies will be drawn from a limited fund each fiscal year, with specific submittal due dates each semester. Applications received after the current fiscal year fund is depleted will be reviewed during the next application cycle.

The Research Mini-Grant Review Committee will be monitoring progress on your project and requesting updates. If it is determined that project progress is not being made in a timely and significant manner, the Review Committee will require the grant funds to be returned.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Ray McCandless at ext. 4565 or mccandless@findlay.edu.