Teaching & Learning Application

PLEASE FILL IN THE APPLICATION FORM BELOW

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY PRIOR TO PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

We welcome your interest in applying for a UNCF/Mellon Teaching and Learning Institute.

Program Description

The UNCF/Mellon Faculty Teaching and Learning Institute Program was established to create opportunities for UNCF faculty to come together through workshops, seminars and/or mini-conferences to share strategies, scholarship and “best practices” that help to strengthen the teaching and learning environment. It must be emphasized that UNCF/Mellon Teaching and Learning Institutes must focus on curricular enhancements /reforms and pedagogical practices that strengthen the teaching and learning environment within the Mellon disciplinary designated areas. We will not review proposals focused on institutional administrative programmatic needs and/or assessments. Selected institutions will sponsor an Institute at their home campuses and invite UNCF faculty from other institutions to participate. Funding up to $30,000 is available. Two (2) Teaching and Learning Institutes will be funded each year. The funds can be used to support travel, stipends and other instructional costs associated with the successful execution of the Institute. Institutions that have previously received a Teaching and Learning grant within the past three grant cycles are not eligible at this time.

Interested institutions must submit a 2-3 page proposal describing the proposed Teaching and Learning Institute. The proposal must identify the other UNCF institutions that will be invited to participate. The proposal must clearly articulate the need for the Teaching and Learning Institute and how participants will be able to transfer their experience into effective and enhanced teaching and learning experiences on their home campuses. It is important to highlight the impact of the teaching and learning institute upon students within the UNCF network. An assessment/evaluation plan must be included in the proposal. We must understand how the impact of the teaching and learning strategies will be assessed and evaluated. A list of selected facilitators with accompanying biographical information must be included. Preference is given to facilitators with experience working in higher education and with expertise in teaching and learning within Mellon designated disciplinary areas. A detailed description of the role(s) of the selected facilitator(s) must also be submitted. It is anticipated that persons hired to assist in the facilitation of the Teaching and Learning Institute will be recognized professionals, scholars and/or practitioners in their respective fields. A copy of the Institute Coordinator(s)’ Curriculum Vitae must be submitted with the application. An itemized budget must be attached. In addition, a letter of endorsement from the Chief Academic Officer must accompany the proposal detailing how the proposed Institute will enhance the teaching and learning environment of his/her institution.

Funding for facilitators must not exceed more than 25% of the grant without justification. Funding for Campus Coordinators must not exceed 20% of the grant. Thus, no more than $10,000 can be spent on stipends for Campus Coordinator and External Facilitators.

TEACHING AND LEARNING INSTITUTE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please make sure the following items are completed and postmarked by January 31.

☐ 2 – 3 page typed proposal describing the Teaching and Learning Institute, including UNCF institutions that will be invited to participate

☐ List of selected facilitators with accompanying biographical information. It is anticipated that persons hired to assist in the facilitation of the Teaching and Learning Institute will be recognized professionals, scholars and/or practitioners in their respective fields

☐ A detailed description of the role(s) of the selected facilitator(s)

☐ Curriculum Vitae of the Institute Coordinator(s)

☐ Itemized budget detailing expenses related to the Institute. Please note that funding to support host institutional staffing and technology purchases must be justified.

☐ A detailed assessment/evaluation plan must be included in the application

☐ Letter of Endorsement from the Chief Academic Officer (Note: Letter must detail how the Institute will enhance the teaching and learning environment of the host institution.)

Complete online application below or mail and submit by January 31.

Dr. Cynthia Neal Spence
Director
UNCF/Mellon Programs
350 Spelman Lane
Box 333
Atlanta, GA 30314

For further information, please contact our programs office at 404.270.5685 or 404.270.5686.