Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
  All full-time and part-time faculty at the five University of Pittsburgh campuses are eligible to submit proposals. Collaborative proposals are encouraged.

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• What kinds of instructional projects are funded through the Innovation In Education Awards program?
  Funded projects primarily enhance teaching at the University of Pittsburgh and/or foster improved instructional approaches; are adaptable in other instructional settings; foster collaboration among faculty from different departments/units/campuses in the development of innovative approaches to teaching; develop innovative course materials; and/or create significant curricular improvements.

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• How many proposals are typically received each year, and how many are funded?
  The average number of proposals submitted varies slightly from year-to-year; and the number of funded proposals is approximately one third of those submitted annually.

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• Is the proposed project required to include instructional technology?
  No; proposed projects should focus on the objective of the awards program, but it is not simply a program highlighting instructional technology.

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• Are there any limitations on the kinds of budget items that can be funded?
  Yes. Unacceptable items include the following: travel and maintenance costs for participation at professional meetings; subscriptions and professional journal costs; editorial assistance; and release time, except for faculty on 12-month base salaries. (See the current RFP for a description of the Budget and Budget Justification.)
   

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• Where can I get help:

In reviewing my ideas for a project?
Members of the Advisory Council on Instructional Excellence will be available for consultation at the annual Teaching Excellence Fair, held in the Fall term. Any Advisory Council member is willing to advise faculty on proposed projects. Visit http://www.pitt.edu/~facaffs/acie/members.html for a list of the current membership.

In designing and costing a proposal?
The Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education (CIDDE) can be helpful in providing comprehensive services to assist faculty in the application of effective teaching (for example, instructional design and development support for the creation, redesign or enhancement of courses and programs); and design and development of teaching materials, including the integration of instructional media and computer technology. Please visit the website for additional information at www.cidde.pitt.edu. Also University Computing Services and Systems Development (CSSD) can assist faculty in planning for the effective use of technology, including hardware and software analysis, as well as training. Visit the CSSD website at http://technology.pitt.edu/ for additional information.

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A range of previously-funded proposals are available for review in the Office of the Provost, 826 Cathedral of Learning. Please call 412-624-5750 to reserve a time for inspection of these proposals. Summaries of projects funded in previous years can be found in the fall issues of the CIDDE publication, Teaching Times, available online at www.cidde.pitt.edu/teachingtimes/

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• Can a previous unsuccessful proposal submitted but not funded be submitted again?

Yes. But it would be most important for the project director to ask for the reviews in order to gain insight into how and where to improve the first submission. CIDDE may also be of assistance in this area.

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• Can a second proposal be submitted for continued funding of a successful project?

Yes, but preference is given to projects/project directors that have not been funded previously under this program.

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