Spectrum - Volume 18 Issue 18 January 25, 1996 - Funds to internationalize courses available

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Funds to internationalize courses available

By Clara B. Cox

Spectrum Volume 18 Issue 18 - January 25, 1996

Faculty members planning to internationalize their courses can now apply for funds from the University Office of International Programs (UOIP) and the Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (CEUT).

"In our on-going effort to internationalize the curriculum and make Virginia Tech a world-class university, we have joined with CEUT in establishing the Internationalizing the Curriculum Mini-Grant Fund to provide assistance to faculty members in developing, implementing, and infusing their courses with substantive international content," said Patrick R. Liverpool, vice provost for international programs.

All faculty members who teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses are eligible to submit proposals and receive awards. "We hope this new funding opportunity will stimulate important curriculum activity, as well as lead to the eventual formation of faculty groups who can collaborate effectively on issues and opportunities that go well beyond individual courses and departments," said Terry M. Wildman, CEUT director.

The sponsors have initially allocated $20,000 to the program. Individual grants will not exceed $1,500 and must be matched by department or college support. Although the program will continue through the academic year, grants will not be awarded later than May 1, 1996.

Applicants receiving grants will be expected to submit a final report to UOIP at the conclusion of the project. They will also be asked to share their work with others in the university community through publications, informal discussion groups, formal workshops, or other appropriate methods of information dissemination. Recipients will be required to acknowledge the support of CEUT and UOIP in any reports concerning their respective projects.

Faculty members interested in applying for grants can discuss their project plans with Liverpool (1-6452) or Wildman (1-9109).

Application forms are available from the UOIP office in 134 Burruss. Completed applications should be sent to the University Office for International Programs, 134 Burruss Hall, 0265.