Purpose

The purpose of the Innovation in Learning Grant is to encourage full-time faculty activities that go beyond the normal scope of duties. The basis of all applications should be a project that stimulates innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Grant applicants must be full-time faculty members employed by Waubonsee Community College. Projects include, but are not limited to, educational research and the development of new instructional strategies and material. Projects of a collaborative nature and projects that promote college conversations on learning are encouraged. Three to eight projects are expected to be funded through this initiative during the current academic year. The number and amount of grants awarded is dependent upon, but not limited to, the substantive nature of the proposed project, fitness of application to the evaluation criteria, the number of applicants involved, and the type/amount of resources required to complete the project.

Application Procedures

1. Complete the Innovation in Learning Grant Application cover page and attach your proposal. The Innovation in Learning Grant Application cover page with instructions for the proposal is available on the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology website. If you would prefer a copy be sent to you via email or snail mail, please call the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology at extension 2858. Be sure to obtain the appropriate signatures.
2. Submit your completed Innovation in Learning Grant Application to the Asst. VP for Program Development and Distance Learning. Receipt of your proposal will be acknowledged within two weeks.
3. The application review process typically takes up to eight weeks. The application will be reviewed by the Innovation in Learning Grant Review Board, composed of two members of the Waubonsee Community College's Faculty Development Learning Excellence Team, the Asst. VP for Program Development and Distance Learning, and the Dean for Distance Learning and Instructional Technology. If the Review Board determines that the proposal merits funding, the proposal will be forwarded with the Review Board's recommendations to the Exec. Vice President of Educational Affairs/CLO for final approval. (Note: In special cases, the Review Board may return the application to the applicant before final approval with recommendations for changes and a request for the application to be resubmitted.)
4. If your project is approved for funding, a formal grant letter will be prepared and sent to you for your approval and signature. This formal grant letter must be returned to the Asst. VP for Program Development and Distance Learning before the project and funding can begin.

Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will be used to evaluate an Innovation in Learning Grant application (100 total possible points):

1. The application provides clear evidence of alignment with the Waubonsee Community College's mission and core values (10 points).
2. The application clearly explains how the implementation of the project will foster innovation in learning (25 points).
3. The application clearly demonstrates how the project will impact the applicant's professional growth (10 points).
4. The evaluation design provides information that can be used to evaluate the project's effectiveness in relation to its purpose and objectives (15 points).
5. The application provides a viable plan for sharing the results of the project with the Waubonsee learning community (15 points).
6. The implementation plan is consistent with the scope of the proposed activities (10 points).
7. The budget is cost-effective and is consistent with the scope of the proposed objectives and activities (15 points).

Administration

The Innovation in Learning Grant process is administered through the office of the Asst. VP for Program Development and Distance Learning, Jane Regnier. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call Jane Regnier at ext. 2358.