Grants
The 2009-10 Assessment Grant Program
Note: The Category 3 deadline has been extended to November 25, 2009 at noon.
The Assessment Steering Committee requests assessment grants proposals for the 2009-10 academic year. Proposals will be accepted in the three categories described below:
- implementation of a program's assessment plan (Category 1),
- dissemination and use of assessment findings for program improvement (Category 2), or
- improving student learning and success in high-failure 100- and 200-level courses (Category 3).
To be eligible for funding in categories one and two, the program must already have an assessment plan that includes a mission statement, student learning outcomes, a program matrix (or equivalent) and a timeline. If these assessment plan components (or links to them) are not already posted on the Assessment website, they may be submitted with the grant proposal. Assistance with the development of assessment plans is available through the Advancing Program Assessment through Discussion initiative above and the Assessment Peer Consulting program. if you would like more information about these, please contact the Assessment Office. To be eligible for funding in category three, the proposal must focus on improving student learning or success in 100- and 200-level courses deemed high failure in the last two years. If you are uncertain whether a course meets this criterion, please contact the Undergraduate Studies Office.
Individuals who have received assessment grants in academic year 2008-9 and have not submitted a report upon completion of that grant are ineligible for funding.
Awards: The maximum grant is $2,000. A total of $17,500 is available from University Assessment. Grant Category three is being funded by Undergraduate Studies; there is up to $20,000 available for this category.
The 2008-9 Advancing Program Assessment through Discussion (APAD) Program
In an effort to promote discussions among faculty and staff about program-level assessment of student learning, the Assessment Steering Committee introduces the APAD (Advancing Program Assessment through Discussion) initiative. APAD subsidizes the purchase of reference books on assessment that can help guide discussions among program faculty and staff. The Assessment Steering Committee has identified Barbara Walvoord’s book Assessment Clear and Simple as an excellent general purpose resource for program-level discussions about assessment. Walvoord’s assessment workshop at SCSU last January was well received by those who attended. Her approach is simple, practical, and applicable to programs whose assessment efforts are in varying stages of development. For most programs and departments that participate in APAD, Walvoord’s book will serve well as a resource. However, sometimes another book may provide a better foundation for discussions. For example, if a relevant disciplinary association or accrediting body publishes a book on assessment, this may be an especially useful resource. (View examples of discipline-based resources.) Your college or unit assessment director may be able to provide additional examples.
Proposals that meet the APAD guidelines will be funded on a first come, first served basis. Quantities are limited, so apply early!
