Grants: Support Innovation

Call for Proposals: Faculty Innovation in Teaching (FIT) Grants

Oakland University recognizes that faculty are the primary architects of the student academic experience. To support this vital role, the Faculty Innovation in Teaching (FIT) Grants provide resources for educators to pilot evidence-based instructional strategies, redesign core curricula, and lead initiatives that move the needle on student success. These grants are designed to empower faculty to transform the classroom—and the campus—through innovative practices that enhance learning, improve retention, and ensure every student has the opportunity to excel.

Application

Current University Priorities for Student Success

The FIT Grants seek to fund projects aligned with the university’s strategic commitment to student success. Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following:

• Pedagogical Innovation and Curricular Design: Introducing innovative pedagogical or curricular practices—such as active learning, inclusive design, or technology-enhanced instruction— to improve student learning outcomes, engagement, and academic achievement.
• Retention and Completion Pipelines: Implementing evidence-based strategies to increase course completion, retention, and pathways to graduation particularly in gateway courses or disciplines with historically high DFWI rates.
• Inclusive Learning Environments: Developing targeted interventions to support underserved or at-risk student populations, ensuring all students have the resources necessary to thrive academically.
• Holistic Academic Support and Mentorship: Strengthening academic support, advising, and mentoring programs to provide high-touch guidance that fosters a sense of belonging and institutional affinity.
• Cross-Departmental and Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Fostering cross-departmental collaboration to create integrated support networks and shared curricular goals that break down institutional silos.
• Data-Informed Student Success: Using institutional data and learning analytics to identify barriers to success and deploy proactive outreach to vulnerable student groups.

Application

To be considered, a FIT grant application must include:

• A complete application form, including a full description of the proposed idea.
• A detailed budget, not to exceed $10,000.
• An assessment plan to measure the impact on student success.

Submission Details: Application materials must be submitted electronically via the application form. The application deadline is 1:00 PM ET on May 18, 2026. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Budget Guidelines and Project Scope

• Award: Up to $10,000 for a one-year period (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).
• Priority: Funding should primarily support direct, student-facing initiatives (e.g., peer mentors, pedagogical tools, or curricular materials).
• Selection Criteria: Projects demonstrating high student impact with efficient implementation and low administrative overhead will be prioritized.
• Policy Adherence: All awards are subject to Oakland University’s policies and procedures; compliance must be sustained from project innovation through completion.

Eligibility

All Oakland University faculty are eligible to apply. Collaborative proposals are encouraged.

Project Assessment and Reporting

Grant recipients are expected to execute their proposed project and evaluate its impact. A final report must be submitted by the deadline (see Timeline), including:

• Synopsis: A concise overview of the activities and milestones achieved.
• Impact Analysis: A data-informed evaluation of how the project influenced student success outcomes.
• Financial Summary: A final accounting of expenditures relative to the approved budget.

Faculty are strongly encouraged to share their findings and best practices with the broader OU community.

Timeline

Call for Proposals: March 31, 2026
Application Deadline: May 18, 2026 by 1:00 PM ET
Recipients Announced: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Funds Available: July 1, 2026
Deadline to Complete Expenditures: June 30, 2027
Final Report Deadline: October 15, 2027