Grants

Purpose
Learning and Teaching Development Grants are awarded to support projects that are designed to improve learning and teaching at St. Thomas University.

Criteria
Grants may be awarded for projects that assist faculty to:

• improve or modify techniques of instruction;
• share with colleagues recent innovations in teaching and learning;
• develop educational philosophies and practices;
• promote an enhanced learning environment;
• develop new curriculum.

In the past, grants have been made to assist faculty in developing new technical skills or new programmes and teaching materials and to evaluate their work. Grants have also been made to fund participation in conferences and workshops related to teaching and learning.

Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their project with the Learning and Teaching Development Officer prior to making an application.

Priorities
The following priorities will be applied to applications:

• Research and development grants
• Active participation (such as making a presentation) at International Conferences
• Active participation at National Conferences
• Active participation at Regional Conferences
• Active participation at Local Conferences
• Non-presenting participation at conferences
• Applications will also be given higher priority when they:
• have potential to enhance teaching and learning in more than a single course;
• are submitted by a faculty member during the first three years of teaching;
• are from applicants who have not received a grant in the previous two years.

Value of Grants
Grants will not normally exceed:
$500 for Research and Development Grants
$400 for International Conferences
$300 for National Conferences
$200 for Regional Conferences
$100 for Conferences in New Brunswick
Applicants will be expected to contribute at least 50% of costs from their PDA.

Methods of Application
Applicants should apply by letter to the Chair or Officer of the LTD Committee enclosing a detailed budget. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, applications should be made at least six weeks before the project or conference is scheduled to begin.

Research and development grants
Applications should describe the project and make a persuasive case that a grant will lead to an improvement of teaching and/or the creation of an enhanced learning environment.

Conference participation
Applicants should explain the role they will play in the conference (presenter or non-presenting participant) and explain how the grant is likely to lead to an improvement of teaching and/or the creation of an enhanced learning environment. A conference schedule should be forwarded as soon as it is available. Duration of Grants
The project should begin at the date included in the application or within three months of the award being made.

Obligations of the Grant Holder
Research and development grants
All grant holders will write a short report about the project within three months of its completion. This report should be submitted to the Chair of the LTD Committee for posting on the LTD Web Page. Grant holders may be required to make a presentation to the LTD Committee and provide a workshop, seminar or discussion meeting for faculty.

Conference participation
The grant holder will write a short report about the conference, and make a presentation to faculty if this is requested. The report may be posted on the LTD Web Page.

Decision Making
Decisions on grant applications will be considered at the next meeting of the LTD Committee when possible. Applicants will be advised of the result of their application shortly after this. Retroactive applications will not be considered under any circumstances.

Grant funds are accessed by submitting a completed STU Employee Reimbursement form billed to LTD. In lieu of an authorization signature, please attach a copy of your letter from the Learning and Teaching Development indicating grant approval.