Ball State University
AC-7: Incentives for Developing Courses

Provost’s Initiative – Immersive Learning

_____Immersive Learning Project Guidelines

• Preference will be given to projects that meet all or most of the characteristics of immersive learning. See: http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/UndergraduateStudy/BeyondtheClassroom/ImmersiveLearning.aspx
• While preference will be given to new proposals and activities, successful projects previously funded by the Provost’s initiative may apply for funds where need exists and unduplicated students will be served. New proposals are not necessarily new courses. Faculty members are encouraged to consider how their existing courses may be made more immersive.

• We will not fund “immersive coordinators” nor new faculty lines. We will not fund overloads. We will fund buyouts for release time.

• Preference will be given to projects that can become self-sustaining. This is only temporary money. If the project is requesting equipment, please address why new equipment is needed and how it will be maintained. Equipment purchased specifically for immersive learning projects will be turned back to the Provost’s Office if the project is not sustained.

• Interdisciplinary proposals involving multiple departments and colleges are encouraged. Proposals should address how students will be recruited and how credit will be assigned.

• Preference will be given to projects that work with one or more community partners. Letters of support from said partners should be attached to the proposal. Projects involving international travel should provide a signature of support from Dr. Kenneth Holland, Dean Rinker Center for International Programs.

• Projects should involve primarily undergraduate students. Funds for graduate student support may be available, but the learning outcomes and project activities are to be for undergraduate students.

• All full-time faculty (tenured, tenure-track, and contract) are eligible to apply. Professional Personnel in collaboration with faculty are also eligible.

• Proposals must be signed by appropriate chairs and deans.

• Proposals must be accompanied by a brief statement of support from the Department Chair(s) or Center Director(s) that addresses if and how the proposed project a) contributes to the department’s curriculum, b) if the department can meet its curriculum obligations if the faculty member(s) is funded for the project, and c) if the proposed project will be perceived as an appropriate scholarly or creative endeavor for the faculty member(s).

• Proposals will be evaluated by the Immersive Learning Advisory Committee with recommendation to the Provost. Committee members are available for consultation. Contact J. Trimmer for information.

• The proposal is limited to 6 pages, not including the cover memo, letters of community support, or letter of chair support. Please be succinct and direct.

• Faculty receiving funds are expected to provide a mid-grant report and provide a public presentation of the project upon its completion.

• Faculty will be asked to provide assessment data at the conclusion of the project. Faculty members who are funded will be asked to use an experimental evaluation form for assessment purposes.

_____The format for the proposal:
The following items are required.

1) Title of project

2) Person(s) responsible for implementation along with a statement of credentials as they relate to the specific project proposed. An abbreviated vita may be attached as a supplement to the proposal.

3) Abstract of proposed program

4) Narrative: explain how the project meets the seven characteristics of immersive learning

5) Student information:

a)Projected number of students that will participate
b)Statement of how students will be recruited
c)Statement of how much credit will be awarded and how it will be awarded
d)Disciplinary fields and skill sets of those students who will be recruited to complete the project

6) Budget, including as needed:
a)Personnel
b)Travel
c)Supplies
d)Equipment
e)Administrative costs

7) Assessment Plan: How will student learning outcomes be assessed. (May also be part of the narrative.)

8) Sustainability plan

9) Plan for dissemination of pedagogy, research, process, assessment, etc.

10) Letter(s) from community partners

11) Additional Considerations that may need to be addressed

a)Will the project need IRB approval? Where is the faculty member in the process?
b)Has or will the faculty member apply for special leave or other assignment that might delay this project if funded?
c)Has the faculty member(s) reviewed the university’s Intellectual Property Policy?
d)If a new course is being proposed, where is it in the approval process?

Budget, including as needed:
a)Personnel
b)Travel
c)Supplies
d)Equipment
e)Administrative costs