Enhancing First-Year Student and Faculty Engagement Mini-Grant

The Enhancing First-Year Student and Faculty Engagement Mini-Grant Program is designed to increase student and faculty connectivity outside the classroom and enhance connection to Ohio University. OHIO University faculty may apply for one mini-grant (up to $1000) per academic year, which will be used to fund engagement activities. If requesting the full amount, typically the spending would be split across more than 1 engagement activity.

Example Activities

Engagement activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Visit a musical event at Memorial Auditorium
  • Purchase extra-curricular/interest area material to review and discuss
  • Meet for refreshments or a meal to discuss discipline or interest-related topics
  • Engage in an outdoor activity related to the curriculum
  • Facilitate book club/discussion on current events or topics relevant to discipline/interest area.
  • Organize speaker/panel around topics relevant to your field/interests
  • Host career networking activity with alums and/or other faculty in your discipline
  • Host a game with refreshments
  • Rent the Athena/Ridges theater for a private showing of your favorite classic movie
  • Participate in a community-service or community-engaged activity

Key Dates and Information

  • Proposal Deadline: The mini-grant application process will be open from October 1st until November 15th.
  • Number of Awards & Award Value: 10 mini-grants are available, each up to $1000.
  • Eligibility: This award is open to Athens full-time faculty (TT/Instructional) only.

Apply Now

Mini-Grant Proposal Instructions and Review Process

Applicants are encouraged to be creative with proposal ideas. Priority may be given to applications that describe intentional interactions with high-priority first-year student groups such as first-generation, underserved students, Pell-eligible, discipline specific, etc.

Application Form Question Preview
  1. Explain the role faculty play in student success. How can engaging interactions and activities positively influence the lives and success of students, particularly first-year students?
  2. Given the role that faculty play in student success, what is your plan to engage with students outside of the classroom? Please provide the following information for two planned activities:
    • What is your overall goal or purpose for your activities?
    • How many students do you expect to participate in each activity or overall?
  3. Describe the students you will aim to include in your activity (small group or activity participants). How will your planned engagement activities/events positively impact them?
  4. Include two or more behavioral objectives that students could meet by engaging in your proposed activities/event.  Participating students will be able to:
  5. How will the mini-grant funds be used to facilitate your proposed plan? Make sure to provide an itemized budget.

Proposal Review Process

Before submitting the online application form, you need to confirm that you discussed the proposal with your department chair or dean and received approval to proceed. You will also need to acknowledge that you have read the program requirements and understand the obligations if you receive the funding.

Applications will be scored on:

  • Creativity of approaches to engage students
  • Demonstrated understanding of the manners in which faculty-student engagement impacts student success and retention
  • Potential positive impact of proposed activities
  • Clarity and feasibility of plan
  • Completeness of responses

Review the Rubric

Please note: This rubric is intended for download and print use.

  • Have Questions or Need Support?

    If you would like more information or have questions, please email Wendy Merb-Brown, Chief Financial and Operations Officer & Senior Assistant Dean.