Overview
INSTILL mini-grants provide an opportunity for faculty to do the logistics planning and organizational work necessary to implement a concrete improvement in one of their courses. Sessions consist of consultations, independent work time, and collaboration facilitated by CTE faculty and collaborators. Participating faculty receive a nominal grant for every INSTILL session that they attend as recognition and incentive for implementing evidence-based changes in their classroom. The grant workshops culminate in an annual showcase in which participating faculty present lightning talks that highlight the changes they made and insights they gained during the process; the CTE also compiles a portfolio of explanatory handouts for each course change as well as samples of before-and-after course materials.
Details
This year, we encourage faculty to implement changes related to inclusivity, belongingness, and supporting mental health while maintaining rigor. However, any evidence-informed or innovative changes are welcome! CTE faculty will be available for consultations during all work sessions.
Participating faculty receive $100 in their faculty D-fund for each session that they attend in person. For the first year of the program, the maximum mini-grant funding per person is $500 (or 5 sessions), plus an additional $100 for participation in the spring INSTILL showcase. These funds will be distributed as a single transfer at the end of each semester. By participating in the INSTILL mini-grant program, faculty agree to
- include language for the CTE's program evaluation research in their course syllabus
- share their implementation plan and relevant course materials with the CTE
- provide feedback and allow the CTE to view course and instructor evaluations for the purpose of program assessment
Program process and resources
- Review the Introduction slides.
- Read and sign the Memorandum of Understanding to enroll in the program. Email a copy of your signed form to cte@rice.edu.
- Add the INSTILL syllabus language to your course syllabus (if you are currently teaching).
- Read the consent form for the CTE's program evaluation research. If you agree to participate, you will upload a signed copy with your INSTILL plan.
- Once you have a plan for the course improvement that you are going to work on, submit your INSTILL planning form.
Fall 2024 INSTILL workshop dates
Session 1: Tuesday, September 3 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 1: Wednesday, September 4 from 11:30-1:30pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 2: Wednesday, October 2 from 11:30-1:30pm | Individual and collaborative work period
*rescheduled* Session 2: Monday, October 7 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 3: Tuesday, October 22 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 3: Wednesday, October 23 from 11:30-1:30pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 4: Tuesday, November 19 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 4: Wednesday, November 20 from 11:30-1:30pm | Individual and collaborative work period
INSTILL Celebration: Date TBD
Spring 2025 INSTILL workshop dates
Session 1: Wednesday, January 22 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 1: Thursday, January 23 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 2: Tuesday, February 18 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 2: Wednesday, February 19 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 3: Tuesday, March 11 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 3: Wednesday, March 12 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
INSTILL Celebration: Date TBD
No RSVP is required.