The Office of Academic Assessment and Institutional Research (AAIR) will once again have funding available for summer assessment projects that support the Goals and Objectives found in the University Strategic Plan, 2007-2012.  Projects may vary considerably in nature and scope, but funding priority will be given to two types of initiatives:  (1) those that address the development, refinement, or assessment of objectives related to departmental student learning outcomes or (2) those that deal with the assessment of objectives and learning outcomes in the course(s) that a department will propose for inclusion in the new UCC-21. 

Faculty members participating in a funded project will receive stipends typically ranging from $300 to $1,000, depending on the nature and complexity of the project.  In general, because funds are limited, no more than three faculty members from any single department will be supported.  Stipends will be paid on June 30 or July 31, 2008.

One- or two-page proposals are solicited from individuals, or from two- or three-person teams, and should include the following information:

1. Project goals and objectives;
2. Background and rationale for the project, including a statement as to how the project relates to the University Strategic Plan, 2007-2012;
3. Description of project activities and anticipated results as they relate to departmental student learning outcomes or to those of the course(s) being proposed for UCC-21;
4. Support for the project provided by the department (e.g., student or graduate assistant wages, supplies, etc.) as appropriate;
5. Name(s) of faculty who will carry out the project;
6. Signature of the department chair and college dean to indicate their endorsement of the project.

Completed proposals should be sent to Donald Whitaker, AAIR Executive Director, by Monday, April 7, 2008.  Electronic submissions are perfectly acceptable.  Awards will be announced before the end of the spring semester.

Should you have questions, please contact Dr. Whitaker.  He would be happy to respond to questions from interested faculty or to discuss the viability of proposed projects.