Gilbert Whitaker Fund for the Improvement of Teaching: Stage II

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Deadline: 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Recent Gilbert Whitaker Fund recipients

Introduction

Stage I Whitaker grantees from AY 2011-2012 and AY 2012-2013 have the opportunity to continue their work by applying for a Stage II grant of $15,000, within two years of their initial Stage I award.  Stage II is intended to fund collaborative groups of faculty for activities that develop and deepen the commitment to good teaching and learning. Up to three Stage II grants will be awarded.

Eligibility

Recipients of Whitaker I grants awarded in AY 2011-2012 and AY 2012-2013 are eligible to apply in Fall 2013.  The application process for Stage II requires both a report summarizing what has been accomplished in Stage I and a proposal indicating what might be accomplished with additional funding in Stage II.

Deadline

Proposals are due at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2013.

Submission Procedures

All applications are handled electronically and must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October  1, 2013.

  1. Submit a Whitaker Stage I report by clicking the Submit Report button at the top of the Whitaker II page. 

    PLEASE NOTE: This report will be publicly displayed on the CRLT Grants Reports website.

  2. Download and complete this cover/budget sheet
    1. Budget not to exceed $15,000 from the Provost’s Office, see FUNDING section below for allowable expenses.
  3. Prepare a 2-3 page proposal in accordance with the Guidelines below.
  4. Solicit letters of support from deans, chairs, or other relevant colleagues.
  5. Merge items 2-4 into a single PDF file.
  6. Click the Submit Application button at the top of this page.
    1. Fill out the web form, which requires a project overview.  This project overview (250 word maximum) will be included in a set of summary documents provided to the review panel. 
    2. Upload the pdf file.

Chair Evaluations:

  1. Forward to your chair this Chair Evaluation Form along with a complete copy of your application packet. 
  2. The chairperson should evaluate the proposal and then forward the Chair Evaluation Form to crltgrants@umich.edu.  These must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2013.

Proposal Guidelines

Applicants should prepare a 2-3 page proposal that includes the following items:

  1. Project Statement: Explain the specific project to be implemented, clearly delineating the need for the project and how the project represents an improvement upon, or important departure, from existing practice.  Address how this project would lead to significant and sustainable change in the teaching and learning environment at U-M.  Clearly explain how this project builds upon the work accomplished in Stage I and how the project will be sustained after the funding period.  
  2. Project Evaluation Plan: Explain how the success of this project will be assessed, documented, and disseminated. Assessment methods might include, but are not limited to: focus groups; surveys; midterm course assessments; assignment, syllabi or other course document reviews; analysis of student work; end-of-term student ratings; etc.  

Budget 

Provide a justification of the budget so that it is clear why each requested budget item is essential to the success of the project.  Travel and conference attendance, in particular, require substantial justification.  Grant monies must be used for project costs that do not fall within the realm of regular departmental expenditures.  

The following expenditures (among others) may be included in the budget request:
  • Retreats, workshops or planning sessions
  • Focus groups, surveys and written materials
  • Data analysis
  • Facilitator or consultant honorarium
  • Faculty summer salary
  • Graduate or undergraduate student salaries
  • Materials and supplies
  • Travel and registration fees for special teaching-related seminars or workshops
  • Other travel essential to the project

Funding is NOT available for:

  1. Registration fees for workshops, seminars and meetings that are not directly related to teaching
  2. Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) salaries
  3. The tuition portion of a Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) appointment

Funding Period

The period of funding may vary to fit the needs of the project, but is limited to two years. The funding period must begin in 2014, and projects must be completed by December 31, 2015. 

Funding Decisions

All Gilbert Whitaker Fund Stage II applications undergo a review process carried out by members of the CRLT staff and the CRLT Advisory Board, composed of faculty from across campus. The final funding decisions will be made by the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Stage II awards will be announced in December 2013.

Reporting Requirements

CRLT requires all grant recipients to disseminate their results by completing a brief web form within three months of the project’s completion. These reports will be publicly displayed on the CRLT Grants Reports website.

Questions and Consultations

Please contact CRLT at 764-0505 or crltgrants@umich.edu if you have questions.  CRLT staff are available to consult with grant applicants as they prepare proposals. 

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