Center for Innovation Overview

Goal

The Center for Innovation encourages and supports innovative programs which will further the mission of Emporia State University.

Purpose

The Center for Innovation will:

1. Create a supportive environment to foster innovation at ESU, i.e., we’re in the business of saying “yes!”
2. Be flexible and open to new ideas, directions and change. 
3. Support projects that analyze societal trends and needs.
4. Encourage interdisciplinary interactions with creative groups on and off campus.
5. Support and encourage new delivery methods and approaches for academic and student service programs.

Objectives

• The Center will be entrepreneurial, flexible and innovative; it will foster creative thinking and experimentation.
• The Center for Innovation will provide start-up funding and consultation for new academic credit and non-credit courses, programs, and academic support services at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• The Center will be governed by a steering committee of faculty and administrators’ representatives of the University academic units and will report to the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• The Center will administer the Academic Enhancement Grants.

Staffing

The Center is administered by a faculty committee appointed by the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs will provide administrative support for the Center. An elected chair will provide leadership with the support of the Associate Vice President.

Funding

One per cent of the tuition money each year will be allocated to support academic enhancement and creativity grants.

Guidelines for Innovation Grants

(May be reviewed and awarded at any time)

The Center for Innovation encourages and supports innovative projects that further the mission of Emporia State University. The funded pilot projects will be used in subsequent years to promote innovation across campus.

• This funding opportunity is not intended to duplicate university funding opportunities available for traditional research and creativity activities. Proposals in such categories as pedagogy, curriculum, technology, student support services, and community programs are eligible for consideration.
• The Center prefers to fund projects limited to a maximum funding of $5,000.
• A description of the project and the anticipated outcomes must be included in the request along with a budget for the planned project.
• On-going projects must demonstrate a plan of continued support beyond the Center’s funding.
• Funds may be used in any manner allowed by State regulations, including but not limited to RA/TA support, student wages, salary, and capital equipment.
• Full-time faculty and staff are eligible to submit proposals.
• The Center will require a follow-up report at the end of the academic year.  This will include how the outcomes were assessed, the findings, and how the funds were spent.

Guidelines for Academic Enhancement Grants

(Usually awarded only spring semester)

Consistent with previously funded projects, proposals should focus upon one or more of the following:

1. Campus-wide Learning Community Projects;
2. Out of pocket OOE expenses for undergraduate research, scholarly activity, or creative activity;
3. Speakers on issues of university-wide audience;
4. Out of state travel for students to participate in scholarly activity or presentations;
5. Community service opportunities; or
6. Multi-cultural/ diversity projects

Additionally, the Strategic Planning Committee has adopted the following principles regarding use of the Academic Enrichment funding.  To be considered in the 2007-2008 call, proposals should observe these principles.

1. No funding for regular classified/ unclassified salaries, due to the risk associated with obligating tuition dollars for ongoing salaries;
2. No funding to pay undergraduates to conduct research, since multiple examples exist of undergraduates doing research without compensation;
3. No funding of large-scale equipment purchases;
4. No funding for staff/faculty travel;
5. No funding for scholarships;
6. Any proposals for graduate assistants must include tuition waiver as a part of the program costs;
7. Additional financing is only upon application and continued funding cannot be presumed.

Last Updated January 29, 2008