Office of Civic Engagement

Applications Due: February 5, 2007

Faculty Mini-Grant Proposals Requested for Civic/Public Engagement

Fall/Spring 2007/08

UMD’s Office of Civic Engagement announces a request for proposals to UMD’s faculty. The purpose of the grants is to integrate civic/public engagement into an existing course or create a new course with a civic/public engagement component.

Procedures and Criteria for Allocating Mini-Grant Funds

Size and Nature of Awards: The Office of Civic Engagement is anticipating applications for mini-grants supporting faculty in integrating civic/public engagement into courses. An individual UMD faculty member may apply for up to $2,000.

Criteria for Ranking of Award: Applications are open to all UMD faculty. The Office of Civic Engagement Steering Committee will review and rank proposals. Awards will be made by the Office of Vice Chancellor of Academic Administration. Criteria for selection will include one or more of the following:

• Innovation
• Emphasis on increase civic awareness in students
• Multi/inter-disciplinary approach
• Structured reflection: thoughtfully constructed process that challenges and guides students
• Partnership with community groups or organizations
• Curriculum integration
• Clarity  

Application Procedures: Applicants must provide: (a) cover page, (b) a description of the civic/public engagement component (see course description below), and c) a budget for the requested funds. Please do not exceed three pages.

Send electronic copies of the application material to the Office of Civic Engagement via email to: clacore@d.umn.edu Applications must be received by Monday, February 5th, 2007.

Describe Your Course and Explain How It Is Designed To Answer the Following Questions:

• What are the specific goals, activities, and expected outcomes of the course?
• What impact do you expect this course to have on your students?
• What are the innovative features and long term impact of the project instrengthening civic/public engagement?
• Who else will be involved as participants in the project (e.g. other faculty, community partners, etc)?
• How will the success of the completed project be evaluated?

In addition to an e-mailed mini-grant proposal, please send or fax within one week of the February 5th deadline, one paper copy of your proposal with signatures from your: department chair, dean and/or director plus a cover page to:

University of Minnesota Duluth

Office of Civic Engagement

120 Bohannon Hall

Fax 218-726-8694

Questions: Contact Casey LaCore clacore@d.umn.edu or 218-726-7125