Academic Affairs

Supporting the Growth Agenda Action Steps

Deadline for 2009-10 Proposals: May 4, 2009.

Background | Proposal Requirements | Project Duration | Requirements for Application
Proposal Components | Review Process | Documentation

 

Grant Program Parameters

The University of Wisconsin System Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to
announce a request for proposals for a new grant program that seeks to support and advance the UW System Growth Agenda Action Steps.

A total of $500,000 will be available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-10 to fund projects in the following categories:

  • New pathways to degrees and other related initiatives to enhance educational opportunities for Wisconsin’s underserved adult population;
  • New or Expanded Projects for a Wisconsin KnowHow2Go Network, enlisting college undergraduates, faculty, and staff as mentors to K-12 students;
  • Collaboration with PK-12 community to enrich college preparation in the area of Mathematics.
  • New or Expanded Projects for the development of a Student Engagement Portfolio

(Further explanation of these project categories can be found in Appendix 1)

Successful proposals will result in programs that directly advance systemwide efforts in one of these four areas.  Particular attention will be given to models, programs and strategies with demonstrated success.  Proposals will generally fall under one of four categories:

  • New or pilot projects
  • Proposals to replicate projects at another campus or in another context
  • Expanding or enhancing existing projects
  • Program evaluation and assessment of existing projects

Other innovative projects that advance systemwide efforts in the four project categories are also invited.

All UW System institutions are eligible to apply and up to two proposals per institution will be accepted.  For 2009-10, the maximum funding amount is $100,000 per project.  Collaborative proposals across disciplines, schools, colleges, or institutions are especially encouraged.  Each proposal must be signed off by the Provost(s) and the Grants Officer.

 

Background

In February 2008, University of Wisconsin System President Kevin P. Reilly presented eleven initiatives to the Board of Regents, entitled the Growth Agenda Action Steps, in support of the Growth Agenda for Wisconsin – the university’s effort to produce more college graduates, stimulate job creation and strengthen Wisconsin communities. The initiatives grew out of a systemwide strategic planning process that gathered input through work groups, statewide listening sessions, business surveys, and other methods.  The UW System’s Strategic Framework for Advantage Wisconsin and the eleven Growth Agenda Action Steps can be found at http://advantage.wisconsin.edu/reports/

The four targeted areas for this Grant Program are based on which areas would most benefit from campus initiatives at this time.

 

Proposal Requirements

The electronic submission of the proposal is due on or before May 4, 2009, for projects that will be funded during the fiscal year 2009-10.  Proposals should be sent to bjokisch@uwsa.edu.

 

 

Project Duration

While funding is available for 2009-10, projects may extend their work over a two-year period, if necessary.  It is anticipated that funding for this program will be available again in 2010-11.  Grant proposals that outline two-year plans will therefore be welcome.

 

Requirements for Application

To be considered for funding, a proposal must:

  1. Present a coherent statement of how project outcomes advance systemwide efforts in one of the four selected Growth Agenda Action Steps;
  2. Clarify how activities designed to meet stated outcomes are grounded in research;
  3. Have the potential to advance systemwide efforts or be replicable at other institutions;
  4. Employ sound evaluation measures;
  5. Identify how project activities/outcomes could be sustained beyond the life of the grant (e.g., external funding potential, institutionalization of project through internal reallocation, etc.); and
  6. Have the endorsement of the Provost.

 

Proposal Components

  1. Cover Page.  Please use the attached form.
  2. Abstract.  Maximum length: one double-spaced page.
  3. Project Narrative.  Maximum length: ten double-spaced pages, with a minimum 12-point font.  Please note that reviewers will evaluate proposals based on these sections. 

The narrative must include the following sections:

  1. Description of Project Outcomes and Activities.  Clearly identify the intended outcomes of the project and describe the relevant activities consistent with each of these outcomes.  Outcomes should be specific, measurable, attainable, and timely. As appropriate, applicants should identify the research or evidence base that helped inform the outcomes and/or activities selected. 

 

In this section, discuss how the proposed project will relate to and enhance existing efforts on your campus.  If applicable, describe the innovative and/or experimental nature of the project.  Describe the nature of and reasons for the specific collaborative partners (i.e., describe how partners will enhance activities associated with planning, implementation and evaluation).

The narrative should be organized so that the reviewers are clear about the overall outcomes of the project (i.e., what you will present as your final documented accomplishments) as well as the incremental indicators or benchmarks of success and relevant activities for each year of the project.

  1. Systemwide Impact/Replication.  Proposals should specify how the outcomes and related activities would serve to directly advance systemwide efforts or are replicable at other UW System institutions.
  2. Assessment/Evaluation.   Each outcome detailed in section B must be assessed using quantitative and/or qualitative methods and associated activities must be evaluated.  In this section, identify the methods and tools you will likely use.  Successful proposals will reflect sound quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies (i.e., participant perceptions are not sufficient for documentation of outcomes or evaluation of the quality of activities).  It is appropriate to indicate that new tools may be developed; however, please provide general information regarding any proposed methods or tools.
  3. Sustainability.   Identify the specific strategies you will take to increase the likelihood that the activities/project outcomes will be sustained beyond the grant cycle (e.g., actions to secure other external funding; institutionalization of project through internal reallocation; etc.).
  4. Diversity.  Particular attention will be given to models, programs, and strategies with demonstrated success with advancing diversity and fostering equity and excellence for underrepresented and underserved populations, inclusive curricular, co-curricular, and pedagogical practices.
  5. Budget and Budget Narrative.  The attached budget form must be used for all proposals (do not use your own form). 

You must also include a budget narrative (maximum length: two pages double-spaced, with a minimum 12 point font).  Clearly describe and justify each item of the budget in relation to the proposal.  For example, if you include release time for faculty and/or staff, explain their activities during the funding period.
Examples of funding requests may include following expenses:

  • UW faculty/staff release time, overload, or summer contracts
  • Consultant expenses or collaborative partners
  • Student help, graduate assistants
  • Travel for planning meetings and dissemination
  • Software, supplies and expenses
  • Capital equipment and hardware in support of the project

In order to maximize grants funds, we prefer that fringe benefits be kept to a minimum.  However, if the proposal is adding staff, and both salary and fringe dollars are needed, please explain why this is the best approach.  Please work with your Budget Office to determine the appropriate fringe rate.

Matching funds are not required but are a plus for demonstrating commitment and sustainability.

  1. Vitae For the project director only, please provide a condensed, one-page curriculum vitae.
  2. Provost Letter of Endorsement
  3. Additional Letters of Support (optional).

 

Review Process

A review team consisting of representatives from UW System Institutions and UW System Administration will assess the proposals and make funding recommendations to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, UW System Administration.  Individuals and institutions will be notified no later than June 15, 2009, with the results of the review process.

 

Documentation

Growth Agenda RFP (pdf document)
Further Explanation of Project Categories (Word document)
Proposal Cover Sheet (Word document)
2009-10 Budget Sheet (Excel document)