Background
This program is supported by resources generated from endowed College-specific accounts in the West Virginia University Foundation, Inc. These accounts include the Eberly Family Faculty Development Fund, the Arts and Sciences Endowed Faculty Development Fund, and the Dorothy J. Dotson Endowment. The purpose of these accounts is to provide annual income to support activities that will enhance faculty development and encourage renewal.
Program Goals
This program encourages faculty members to review the variety of work they do in order to identify where faculty development dollars could enhance that work. Through financial support, the college wants to facilitate the work faculty members do so that our faculty can seize special opportunities that come to them. This program allows faculty to request development dollars at any time during the year. Requests for support must include a budget with justification for the amount of dollars sought. Before considering requests to the dean, a faculty member should have already exhausted standard sources of support (e.g. senate travel, senate research, college course development funds, etc.). Emphasis is placed on establishing and nurturing new ideas which will enhance future teaching, research, and public service.
Examples of activities include projects that enhance computer-aided instruction, support the redesign of curriculum and/or courses, develop new student markets through extended learning, foster new student-centered activities, enhance multidisciplinary learning, support cutting-edge research, develop outreach into the public service arena, allow for mastery of new skills, and require travel to collections or centers to jumpstart fresh areas of interest. Support for travel to attend workshops, to attend conferences where new educational initiatives are being explored, or to visit other institutions where such activities are occurring can be provided through this program. Direct support for existing projects will be considered but with secondary preference. Stipends and travel to give presentations or to provide professional service will not be supported.
Requests must be endorsed by a department or division chair. For larger amounts requested, it is assumed that there would be some cost share with the chair or the faculty member whenever possible and appropriate.
Procedures
The Web-based application form for this program has been kept simple. The space which has been allocated on the form is all that is permitted. There are no options for attachments (e.g., your vita) because none are requested. A brief statement of support from your Department Chair is required; therefore, you should make arrangements to submit the final version of this form in the presence of your department chair so he or she can fill out their portion of the form. Submit your request at any time. The principal criterion for a positive decision will be whether or not the case is made that the initiative will enhance and improve your future efforts as a faculty member.
Also, as a condition of the receipt of an award, and depending on the source of the funds, you may be asked to write a note of appreciation to a benefactor. You will also be expected to report on your work to the Office of the Dean.