Course Transformation Grant

The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) is offering Course Transformation Grants of up to $3,000 to support the implementation of student-centered, evidence-based, and innovative teaching practices. These grants aim to enhance the learning experiences of KU students. The priority deadline for Spring 2025 proposals is March 28, 2024. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by April 8, 2025.

Eligibility and Expectations

  • Eligible applicants include faculty (including teaching professors, teaching specialists, and lecturers) with ongoing teaching roles at the KU Lawrence or Edwards Campus. Postdoctoral fellows and students may participate as part of faculty-led teams.
  • Grants up to $1,500 are available for individual course projects, while grants up to $3,000 are typically awarded for projects involving multiple courses or faculty teams.
  • Priority will be given to first-time applicants and those who have not received Course Transformation funding in the last two years.

For Spring 2025, priority will be given to proposals submitted by March 28, 2025, that include plans to utilize the funding by June 1, 2025. After this date, proposals may be considered on a rolling basis, contingent upon the availability of funds.

Focus Areas

For the 2024-2025 academic year, we are particularly interested in projects aligned with one or more of CTE's working groups, including:

  • Alternative Grading (e.g., implementing grading approaches—such as ungrading, specifications grading, or standards-based grading—that promote meaningful learning and student agency)
  • Large Class (e.g., implementing strategies to support inclusive, engaging, and effective learning in high-enrollment courses)
  • Neurodivergence & Disability Inclusion (e.g., implementing practices that make courses more accessible, flexible, and responsive to diverse cognitive and physical needs)
  • Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning (e.g., using or responding to AI in ways that support student learning, encourage ethical academic practices, and reimagine assignment design)

Participants in these groups are encouraged to apply to integrate these ideas into their courses.

Expectations for Grant Recipients

  • Awardees are expected to share project outcomes, including student learning impacts, at CTE’s annual Celebration of Teaching.
  • A brief report (1-2 pages) summarizing the project’s results will be due at the end of the semester when the transformed course is first taught.
  • A CTE Graduate Student Fellow will assist with developing a presentation poster for the Celebration of Teaching event.

Proposal Development and Submission

We encourage potential applicants to schedule a consultation before submitting their proposals. Contact cte@ku.edu to be directed to someone for guidance.

Proposal Guidelines

Proposals should be no more than 2 pages (3 pages if reporting on prior grants) and include the following:

  1. Course Information: Describe the course(s) and planned teaching dates for the transformed course(s).
  2. Project Proposal:
    • What changes are you proposing for the course or student learning?
    • Why are these changes important, and how will they enhance student learning?
    • How will you assess the effectiveness of these changes? Include direct measures of student learning (e.g., performance on key assessments) and any indirect measures (e.g., student feedback).
    • For team projects, outline the roles of each team member.
  3. Prior Funding: If applicable, a summary of results from prior course transformation grants. If a member of your team, or the proposed course(s), received a prior course transformation grant, please include a short summary of the project and results, and whether/how the proposed work builds on the prior project(s).
  4. Budget and Justification: Provide a budget estimate and a brief explanation of expenses.

Use of Funds

Grant funds can be used for:

  • Resources or events that enhance course engagement.
  • Graduate or undergraduate student support for course design, implementation, or assessment.
  • Books or publications on teaching innovations.
  • Peer mentor or teaching assistant support.
  • Site visits to learn about innovative course design (with clear connections to course goals).
  • Supplies or software for new learning activities (sustainability beyond the funding period should be addressed).

Most funds awarded must be used by June 1 FY25, or they will be forfeited.

Selection Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Assessment of the impact on student learning outcomes.
  • Sustainability of course revisions.
  • Commitment to sharing outcomes with the KU community.
  • Engagement of faculty who have not received funding in the last two years.
  • Alignment with CTE's focus areas.

Questions? Contact cte@ku.edu.

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