The Frances D. Fergusson Faculty Technology Exploration Fund has been created to encourage faculty members to explore the ways in which technology can enhance their teaching or research. Such technologies can include both computer software and peripheral devices. (Funding for actual computer workstations should be pursued elsewhere.)
While the fund will provide competitive grants to faculty members for the initial acquisition of technologies, it is expected that ongoing maintenance costs will be borne by the individual applicants or the applicants' departments. The fund will not pay for ongoing or recurring costs, or for technology that is already being used by the applicant, or for travel expenses. All faculty members are encouraged to apply, regardless of rank or status.
Requests for funds will be reviewed by the Committee on Computing and Educational Technologies (CCET), with input from the Dean of the Faculty, and the Vice President for Computing and Information Services. Applications for the fund will be accepted two times per year. For the fall 2008 semester, the fund has $8,500 available.
Applications for fall 2008 grants must be submitted by November 7 and should be reviewed by the faculty member's Academic Computing Services (ACS) liaison before the application is submitted. The ACS consultant will be helpful in considering all technology alternatives available and will act as a resource in guiding the application process. Diversity among applications is encouraged, so please speak to your liaison if you have questions about your ideas.
Applications should include a brief statement of the need for the technology, how it would be used, the potential impact, and the expected cost. Applications should be submitted by using the designated application form. A confirmation of receipt will be sent to the applicant and his or her department chair.
All applications will be considered simultaneously by CCET. Decisions about grants will be based both on the cost of the requested technology and on the potential impact the technology may have on the applicant's teaching or research. Priority consideration will be given to applications for technology that:
Faculty members who receive funding will be expected to provide brief, written summaries of their experience with the technology so that other faculty on campus can benefit from what is learned. (Recipients may also be asked to speak at various campus events on how they have used the technology).
This page was last updated on 10/9/08.
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