Overview
The UVU Grants for Engaged Learning (GEL) program invites faculty and staff to submit proposals intended to increase engaged learning practices campus-wide and to support UVU’s goals and strategic plan regarding engaged learning. Particular consideration will be given to proposals that support and increase academic application to regional, national and global issues and particularly to proposals that strengthen community and academic ties.
The GEL program plans, organizes, and promotes collaborative funding opportunities for faculty, staff and students to develop and participate in engaged learning projects. For purposes of GEL grant decisions, the following definition includes critical elements of engaged learning.
The Grants for Engaged Learning Program supports projects that promote collaborative learning and problem-solving that result in solutions and benefits to the communities served by the university.
This statement adopts the Carnegie Foundation premise that the term “communities” is used with a broad perspective with understanding that there must be “a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources.”
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Seed Grant application deadline: October 4, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
- Quick Grant application deadline: Rolling deadline
- Phased Grant application deadline: consult with your dean
Award Format
Seed Grants
Proposals may be funded up to the maximum of $10,000 per project. Grants will only
be funded for one to a maximum of two years and be dependent on continued approval
in competition with other grant submissions. Continued funding will depend upon fundraising
capabilities and the budget priorities of your college or school. The Office of Engaged
Learning will work with grant directors on a funding plan for each project in consultation
with department chairs and deans.
Quick Grants
Quick grants may be funded for up to $2500 and will be awarded on a rolling basis
throughout the academic year. These awards are intended for smaller projects and do
not require an elevated level of review. Please allow two weeks for notification from
the Office of Engaged Learning.
Proposal Criteria
Proposal Snapshot
Project title and a one-sentence project description, project lead and participant
names including contact information, and requested amount of funding.
Purpose
What opportunity or need is being addressed? How will this proposal further community-engaged
learning and scholarship?
Alignment
Briefly demonstrate alignment with the university’s strategic plan. How will this
proposal improve student success and meet the needs of the community?
Strategy
Detailed description of what will be done by whom and over what time line. What strategies
will be used for utilizing students and identifying community partners? What role
will students and potential community partners have in the planning and project organization?
Outcomes
Detailed description of desired outcomes and benefits to students and community partners.
Include specific methods for assessment and accountability.
Resources
- Itemized budget with budget narrative. Must include both funds requested and resources being contributed from the academic unit or other sources. If purchasing equipment, a plan must be included for its use after project completion.
- Funding Plan identifying the intended funding sources in subsequent years, if applicable.
Endorsement and Applicant Information
Letter of endorsement from the Dean, Vice President, department chairs, and community,
as appropriate (se website for form).
Grant Evaluation Measures (Rubric)
The five central evenly-weighted criteria effecting potential funding of proposals are as follows:
Student Success
the depth and breadth of student involvement with significant learning conditions
Community Benefit
the depth and breadth of impact and value to the community being served
Application of Academic Learning
the extent to which the project connects academic theory and learning to practical
applications
Outcomes, Benefits and Measures
the extent to which potential student and community outcomes will be measured—Potential
success/outcome measures include: number of students engaged, impact on learning outcomes,
impact on community or issue, number of faculty engaged or courses taught, and number
of projects completed
Making the Case
the extent to which the grant is complete and well-written with sound arguments that
address the stated criteria
