Call for Proposals — University of Toronto Teaching Grants (PDAD&C #50)

From: Susan McCahan, Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education and Vina Goghari, Vice-Dean, Research and Program Innovation, School of Graduate Studies)
Date: June 24, 2022
Re: Call for Proposals – University of Toronto Teaching Grants (PDAD&C #50)

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Innovation in Undergraduate Education, the School of Graduate Studies and Academic & Collaborative Technologies are pleased to announce the launch of the  2022/2023 teaching grant cycle, as well as workshop opportunities for interested applicants.

Learning and Education Advancement Fund

The focus of the LEAF program is to enrich the learning experience of undergraduate students in first-entry Divisions by supporting projects that anticipate, leverage, and create positive changes in both the modes and mechanisms of undergraduate education. The program provides individual faculty, programs units and divisions with a means to develop and enhance the application of impactful teaching practices within the range of learning environments at the University.

LEAF supports two tiers of grant applications, both to a maximum of three years: 

• Seed ($5,000 – $10,000/year) 
• Impact ($10,000 – $100,000/year) 

The LEAF application process includes two stages; the submission of an Expression of Interest (EoI) prior to the submission of a full application. This model is intended to increase faculty engagement with the program prior to final submission and provide interested faculty with additional support as they consider potential projects.

The OVPIUE will be accepting EoIs for Fall term Seed and Impact grants on a rolling basis between June and August 31, 2022, and full proposals are due November 8. More information about this process is available on the Application & Eligibility portion of the LEAF website.

Building an Effective LEAF Application: From Idea to Submission

If you are interested in applying to LEAF, you are encouraged to attend this workshop on developing an effective LEAF application. Our workshop will cover everything from designing a research question for the Expression of Interest to the basics of building an effective, integrated assessment strategy. Participants will gain insights into strategies and suggestions for successful applications, collaborate with peers on proposals and hear from a panel of former LEAF recipients.

The workshop will be held July 18 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. To register, please follow the link: https://www.viceprovostundergrad.utoronto.ca/leaf-application-workshop/

Graduate Education Innovation Fund (GEIF)

The GEIF is intended to foster excellence in graduate education by supporting and promoting outstanding graduate learning and research in an environment that encourages an exceptional student experience. The fund will support projects within and across academic divisions and units that create positive, innovative changes in the design and delivery of graduate education at the University of Toronto. For details on applying, please review the GEIF website and the summary of the March information session.

An information session will be held on September 22 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. To register, please follow the this link – GEIF Info Session Registration.

The program supports ten seed grants annually, with a maximum of $5,000 per grant. Applicants are encouraged to seek out contributions from their unit or division and document it in their budget. The program supports two intake cycles with deadlines for applications on November 1, 2022 and April 3, 2023.

Instructional Technology Innovation Fund (ITIF)

ITIF’s supports a three-tiered granting system that is intended to provide opportunities for technology-mediated teaching and learning projects that explore and implement promising practices at various stages of their development and implementation. The grant creates a pathway for projects from their initial inception to their full realization. Recipients have up to two years to complete their project:

• Seed Funding: Maximum $2,000 with no matching requirement.
• Matched Funding: Maximum $5,000 with matching funds from another source.
• Support Stream: Access to an educational technology or instructional design specialist for up to 150 hours per project, per year. This non-cash award is worth an equivalent of $20,000 that can be used as an in-kind contribution when applying elsewhere for funding.

Complete information on the ITIF program, including the application process and requirements, can be found online. Applications will be due November 8, 2022.