Vanderbilt International Office (VIO) Curricula Grants
Curricula grants of up to $10,000 are available to develop undergraduate course content. Grants will be awarded at the departmental level to teams of at least three faculty members, including at least one tenured or tenure-track faculty member. Grant proposals should outline activities that develop global content and perspectives in undergraduate courses within a department. For this funding cycle, priority will be given to departments that have traditionally had fewer courses with a global focus. Grant funds must be spent within two years after they are issued, and courses must be offered no later than the 2011-2012 academic year.
To compete successfully for an award, a project proposal must satisfy all of the following criteria:
1. Demonstrate how new content will be integrated into the curriculum and how this integration will be sustainable within the department.
2. Describe how the project will contribute to the quality of learning experiences for students.
3. Include student learning objectives and projected outcomes.
4. Include assessment strategies that evaluate the effectiveness and impact of new curriculum elements.
5. Provide project plan including the goal of each activity, a timeline, and the needed resources.
6. Have written support of the respective Department Chair and VU Dean
* While not required, identifying possible sources of external funding to sustain curriculum development will add to the strength of the grant.
We anticipate there may be differing models for internationalizing the curriculum. Though not an exhaustive list, some examples are listed below for reference:
• Collaborate with global partners through use of technology (e.g. videoconferencing or online discussion groups)
• Develop case studies for class discussions
• Create a collection of materials and resources to be used in courses
• Signficantly modify curriculum content to incorporate global perspectives
Resources:
The Chronicle of Higher Education recently published a series on how colleges have tackled some of the basic challenges of internationalizing their campuses.
NAFSA: Association for International Educators developed a search module that allows educators to search theoretical criteria for internationalization.
The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) provides a list of institutions that have developed curricula with significant global learning outcomes. Vanderbilt’s Center for Teaching provides web resources for and individual consultation for assistance with course development.
Restrictions:
Funds should be used to incorporate international content into undergraduate courses offered on campus and are not intended to be used for creating study abroad courses. A portion of the funds may be used for travel if faculty members can demonstrate how travel is necessary for course development. Monies may not be used to pay for student activities, though funds may be directed towards graduate student stipends. Funds may not be used for faculty salaries during the academic year but can be used for summer stipends (make sure to include fringe rates in budget, if applicable).
Examples of allowable expenses include, but are not limited to:
• Translation of materials
• Communication costs (video and phone conferencing)
• Technical equipment for e-learning
• Costs incurred with visiting scholars or workshops (provided that faculty members can demonstrate how these components will be sustainable)
• Travel to local or international sites, provided that faculty members can demonstrate how travel components aid in sustainable course development.
Process
Awards will be decided by a committee and will normally be announced within 4 weeks of the application deadline. You will receive confirmation of receipt of your application within 24 hours of submission. Grant recipients will be required to submit narrative and financial reports within one month of the completion of the grant period, and may be asked to submit progress reports during the grant period. Questions about this program should be directed to Carolyn Miller, Program Coordinator.
1. Cover Page. Include the name of the department and the faculty members participating in the project.
2. Project Summary & Rationale. This section must not exceed three pages of single-spaced text (12-point font).
• Include criteria for selection components #1-5 listed above
• Explain how each faculty member will be involved in the project.
4. Statement from Department Chair and VU Dean. You should provide written verification that this project has the backing of the department chair and the VU Dean. A&S faculty please note: requests for letters of support from the Dean must be submitted to Martin Rapisarda at least 10 days prior to grant deadline.
5. Curriculum Vitae. Provide C.V. for each participating faculty/staff member listed on the cover page.
Deadlines: March 17, 2010. Proposals should be submitted to Carolyn Miller via email, fax (322-6070) or delivered to 201 Alumni Hall.