INSTILL

Instructor Network to Support Teaching Innovation and eLevate Learning: a mini-grant program for implementing evidence-based and innovative teaching

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 CTE also compiles a portfolio of explanatory handouts for each course change, which is housed in the Rice Research Repository.

Details and Eligibility

This year, we encourage faculty to implement changes related to fostering student creativity. However, any evidence-informed or innovative changes are welcome! CTE faculty will be available for consultations during all work sessions. *Please note that the INSTILL process has changed from previous years.

In order to receive funds from the INSTILL program, faculty must meet the following criteria:

  • Be employed full-time as NTT teaching or TTT faculty, or have a contract to teach courses at Rice that extends at least one year beyond their participation in the program
  • Attend at least two in-person work sessions across two different weeks
  • Complete and submit all INSTILL reflection journal entries.

Faculty may attend any number of INSTILL sessions, but may receive no more than $300 of funding per academic year.

Program Process

  1. Review the Controller's policy on discretionary faculty funds.
  2. Read and sign the Memorandum of Understanding to enroll in the program.
  3. Read the consent form for the CTE's program evaluation research.
  4. Email your signed Memorandum of Understanding along with your signed consent form (if applicable) to cte@rice.edu
  5. Attend INSTILL work sessions and sign in to record your participation.

Fall 2025 INSTILL dates

Session 1: Tuesday, September 2 from 1:00-3:00pm
Session 2: Wednesday, September 3 from 1:00-3:00pm

Session 3: Tuesday, September 30 from 1:00-3:00pm
Session 4: Wednesday, October 1 from 1:00-3:00pm

Session 5: Monday, November 17 from 1:00-3:00pm
Session 6: Tuesday, November 18 from 1:00-3:00pm