Boldly Creative: Strategic Academic Enrichment Initiative

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Miami University's new strategic plan calls for the University to innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing environment, invest in proactive solutions, and invigorate our process and culture to clear pathways for creative solutions. In keeping with these objectives, the Boldly Creative Strategic Academic Enrichment Initiative is a competitive process to generate and fund promising academic programs, pioneering and cross-disciplinary research projects and other cutting-edge learning initiatives that meet the following criteria:

  • Advance knowledge in the professional fields considered most in demand throughout Ohio, the region and the nation.
  • Prepare students with the versatile skills and mindset to meet the needs of a demanding and dynamic workforce, with an emphasis on 21st century liberal education outcomes for success.
  • Advance Miami’s reputation for excellence and innovation in broad, trans- and inter-disciplinary areas of research and pedagogy.
  • Develop/enhance partnerships from the government, non-profit, corporate, higher education and/or health care sectors to enhance programming and learning outcomes.
  • Promote one or more objectives and recommendations of the strategic plan
  • Demonstrate a long-term sustainability plan that generates net new revenue by increasing enrollment beyond the residential capacity of the Oxford campus or from external sources. This may include programming that offers professional credentials, develops increased e-learning offerings that will attract students beyond Oxford’s residential population, and/or supports growth on Regional Campuses.

Rationale

The University is committed to a significant investment in the Strategic Academic Enrichment Initiative to fund faculty-developed and faculty-led programs, projects and initiatives designed to prepare students to meet the current and future needs of a global society. These programs will advance academic excellence; enhance research competitiveness; build connectivity between campus units; build a foundation for a sustainable future; and support, enhance and attract faculty whose scholarship prepares students for a competitive and ever-changing world.

Successful programs will offer an education that prepares students with the knowledge to succeed at the cutting edge of a technologically and data-driven world, while instilling the traditional liberal education capacities to think critically, communicate effectively, act ethically, and remain nimble and responsive – or as President Crawford has stated, “to liberate each person’s power for a meaningful life and career.”

These programs will contribute significantly to meet the demands and needs of our local, national and global societies by closing the workforce talent gap. For example, in our state alone, estimates are that by 64% of Ohio’s workforce require a postsecondary education, yet only 43.2% of Ohio adults possess such an education (Lumina Foundation).

In seizing this critical opportunity, Miami will draw upon its historic liberal arts commitment, its traditional success in preparing students for professional careers, its exceptional faculty, and its growing commitment to experiential learning. Central to the success of Miami’s academic experience is our capacity to offer and sustain innovative curricula that prepare students to face challenges and opportunities of the future.

Additionally, we will offer new outstanding academic programs that will attract a diverse demographic of students while strengthening our academic reputation and scholarly standing and generate new net revenue. While the efficiencies gained through the 2010 Strategic Priorities Task Force and Miami 2020 Plan have placed the University on a stable financial foundation, we must be proactive to sustain our excellence. As a result, Miami must be boldly creative in developing financially successful and sustainable programming that envisions tomorrow’s possibilities while maximizing the value of every available resource.

Executive Summary

The resources in the Strategic Academic Enrichment Initiative will be committed to programs that: advance knowledge; prepare versatile, analytical and flexible students; advance Miami’s reputation for excellence and innovation; generate new sources of revenue; may involve trans- and inter-disciplinary curricula and research connecting academic units; and engage external partners. During the 2018-2019 academic year, seven (7) projects were provided initial funding

Funds are released each spring on an annual basis. Annual reports will be required by program sponsors, and additional funding will depend on if the goals and metrics outlined in the proposal are met.

KEY DEADLINES FOR 2019-2020

  • ROUND 2 Preproposals: November 4, 2019
  • ROUND 2 Final Proposals: March 2, 2020
  • ROUND 3: Preproposals: February 12, 2020
  • ROUND 3: Final Proposals: April 13, 2020
  • ROUND 1: Annual Report: May 1, 2020

Round 1: Annual Report

For each of the funding years of a program, an annual report must be submitted for review no later than May 1

Annual reports provide project leaders the opportunity to document their innovation program from inception to completion and to assist the University in determining the needed level of support moving forward. Success of a project is measured not only by whether the project achieved anticipated outcomes but also be the lessons learned through the project and how well they are articulated so as to inform future project activity. you are encouraged to use this report as a tool to record your activities and to reflect on the significant knowledge you gained, including what you would have done or will do differently, and of any activities planned for the future. Follow the format below to create your annual report. Please submit in WORD format to boldlycreative@miamioh.edu no later than May 1 of each academic year of your granting period. 

  1. Date
  2. Project Title
  3. Project Team Members - List name, title, and department or program
  4. Total Project Granting Period
  5. Executive Summary - Please limit to one paragraph. This summary should be written for a public audience and capture the project's purpose, scope, target population , major activities or results, and findings. 
  6. Activities and Accomplishments - This section should address the following questions:
    • What were the outcomes or objectives you established in your original proposal for this year? 
    • What did you accomplish during this reporting period and how did these accomplishments help you reach your stated outcomes or objectives? Please note any significant project partners and their role in project activities. 
    • What, if any, challenges did you face during this reporting period and what actions did you take to address said challenges? Please note your in response, changes, if any, to your project goal(s), objective(s), or activities that we made as a result of challenges faced.
    • How have the activities conducted during this project period helped you achieve the measurable outcomes identified in your project proposal? 
    • How have you communicated any of your accomplishments? 
  7. Upcoming Goals and Objectives - Please describe the anticipated goals, outcomes, and objectives for the upcoming year. Be careful to highlight any that diverge from what was described in original proposal or prior annual report. 
  8. Budget - Summarize any changes that have been made to budget submitted with original proposal or prior year's annual report. Please complete the budget template. 

Each annual report will be assessed by the Boldly Creative committee and given one of three possible outcomes:

  • Continue funding - All/most benchmarks are met; progress is made as defined
  • Continue with caution - Some benchmarks are being met, but progress is slow
  • Terminate funding - Benchmarks are not being met; little to no progress demonstrated

Round 2: Application Process AY 2019-20

Preproposals

Submission Date: Monday, November 4, 2019 

  • Preproposals are strictly limited to four pages (minimum 11 point font).
  • Submissions are to be sent directly to: boldlycreative@miamioh.edu.
  • Cover sheet with the names and signatures of all proposers and dean(s) must be completed and submitted with the preproposal. 
  • All preproposals require the signature of the dean(s) of every division represented by faculty submitting the preproposal.

Faculty should ensure they have the support of the appropriate dean(s) as they develop the preproposal and should consult with them on:

  • Preliminary Budget: estimated costs/expenses and revenue
  • Enrollment projections and target population of students for the program
  • Potential compliance issues

Preproposal Format

  1. Specific Aims/Goals – Clearly define specific aims/goals, as well as the purpose and rationale for how the project will advance the mission of the University and is aligned with the new strategic plan and the foundation principles of the Boldly Creative Strategic Academic Enrichment Initiative. Describe clearly the metrics that will be used to assess progress toward achieving the specific aims/goals. Identify benchmarks, when available. [Recommended ½ -1 page].
  2. Broader Impacts – Describe how the proposal position Miami to thrive in the current dynamic, competitive higher education environment, catalyze new ways of learning, and galvanize our students success. Identify how the program will potentially be pioneering in one or more of the following areas: student experiential learning, cross-disciplinary scholarship and teaching, new ways to approach liberal arts education, inclusive excellence and diversity, community engagement, partnerships with external partners and stakeholders, entrepreneurship and workplace or economic development. [Recommended ½ page].
  3. Target Audience & Projected Enrollment – Identify the specific audience targeted by the program, e.g. traditional, residential students in Oxford; non-traditional students; working professionals; full-time students; part-time students; alumni, etc. Include the expected class size/capacity, mode of delivery (on ground, online) and program location (Oxford, Regional Campuses, Voice of America Learning Center, other). Provide evidence that the program will appeal to the audience identified or describe a plan to determine that the program will do so. NB: Enrollment assumptions (including projected enrollments over time) must be included. These assumptions must:
    • Be supported with evidence, i.e. information regarding other programs that may already be in place;
    • Consider recruitment strategies [Recommended ½ page].
  4. Academics – Summarize the curriculum as well as, the potential for internships or other forms of experiential learning. Indicate current partnerships that will be available to support these opportunities and/or identify other potential partners that will likely be required. To the greatest extent possible, programs and initiatives should be inclusive and accessible/available to all students. For example, proposals should steer away from opportunities only in the summer or during winter term (use of financial aid is restricted) or that include a net new fee. [Recommended 1 ½ pages].
  5. Preliminary Budget –Develop the preliminary budget in consultation with the appropriate dean(s)' office(s). Be sure to identify sources of potential additional, new revenues, including external funding for research through government, corporations or foundations, philanthropy, or other mechanisms. Consider staffing, facilities and support resources that may be required, including new library resources and other equipment needed. Programs may not increase costs for students. [Recommended ½ page].
  6. Compliance – If proposing a new academic program, please note whether the program will:
    • Be delivered fully online or in hybrid format
    • Be delivered at offsite location (if so, list the location(s))
    • Be delivered in flexible or accelerated format
    • Involve an off-campus experience for students
    • Have instructional or administrative staff working at offsite location
    • Be similar to other programs at Miami
    • Involve licensure and/or special accreditation
    • Be Title IV eligible (students eligible for financial aid)
  7. Works Cited and Other References – (not included in 4-page limit)
  8. CV – Include a two-page updated CV for each faculty member involved in the programs (not included in 4-page limit)
  9. Cover Sheet Template is currently available upon request (boldlycreative@miamioh.edu). 

Preproposal Review

  1. Finance and Business Services will review, evaluate and provide feedback to the Deans and Provost regarding the preliminary budget.
  2. EMSS will review, evaluate and provide feedback to the Deans and Provost regarding enrollment projections
  3. Deans may seek additional expertise, as necessary
  4. Deans make recommendations to the Provost
  5. Provost and President select preproposers invited to submit full proposals by the end of fall semester.
    • Feedback will be provided to all faculty who submit preproposals

Full Proposal

Submission Date: Monday, March 2, 2020

Full Proposal format will be the same as that used for preproposals but with further elaboration of each section. The tone and content should be written for a non-specialized audience. Proposals should be a maximum of 11 pages.

  • Pay particular attention to the need to provide accurate information in the budget template. 
  • Be sure to pay attention to and to address reviewers’ comments from the preproposal.
  • All full proposals require the signature of the Dean(s) of every division represented by faculty submitting the full proposal

Full Proposal Format

  1. Specific Aims/Goals – [Recommended 1 page]
  2. Broader Impacts – [Recommended 1-2 pages]
  3. Target Audience – [Recommended 1-2 pages]
  4. Academics – [Recommended 4-8 pages]
  5. Budget – Use the budget template (currently available upon request (boldlycreative@miamioh.edu) and will be posted as soon as it is remediated and accessible) following the listed guidelines:
  • Calculate projected enrollments for all five years of the budget plan and estimated instructional fee revenue following RCM methodology;
  • Identify other sources of funding for the initiative such as grants, gifts, endowed earning, etc. should be included in the budget plan
  • Summary of ongoing costs of program delivery should be clearly shown across all five years of the budget plan
  • Include one-time costs such as special space needs, equipment, technology requirements, consultants, etc. should be identified separately from the ongoing cost of delivering the program
  • Articulate needed and existing infrastructure support, e.g., libraries, e-learning, facilities, etc.
  • Indirect costs do not need to be included

Please note

  • State Share of Instruction need not be shown in the budget plan. Finance and Business Services (FBS) Office will provide this information following the proposal submission
  • Funding request should be identified as part of the budget plan, including when the start-up funding will no longer be needed and when the revenue generated by the program exceeds the cost of delivering the program
  • When making assumptions about financial outcomes from the program, it is important to note that for the first 3-4 years, the program may cost more than it generates; however, the program should be producing a surplus by no later than Year Five
  1. Additional Materials – (not included in 11-page limit)
    • Works Cited and Other References
    • Letters of Support
    • CV – Include a two-page CV for each faculty member involved in the program
    • Additional Appendices - Please keep these to the bare minimum as long set of appendices may not be scrutinized by the reviewers.

Full Proposal Evaluation

  1. Business and Finance will review and provide input/feedback to include in overall evaluation
    • Each proposal will be ranked based on its financial performance
    • FBS will use the five-year budget template that is submitted to project and evaluate the surplus that can be expected from the initiative over the next five years as part of the financial evaluation
  2. Deans review and make recommendations to the Provost and President. Deans may seek input regarding strengths and weaknesses of the proposal from: 
    • External stakeholders, as necessary, e.g. industry partners, alumni, high school teachers, thought leaders
    • Faculty review groups (faculty with expertise identified by Deans)
    • Fiscal Priorities (budget)
    • FBS and Enrollment Management/Admission 
  3. The Provost, in consultation with the President, will make final decisions regarding funding for programs.

Proposals will be rated as follows:

  • Excellent: All criteria clearly - met Funded fully
  • Very Strong: Most criteria clearly met - Funded at a reduced level
  • Strong: At least half criteria clearly met - Recommend revision for resubmission next year
  • Not competitive at this time: Major revisions needed. - Consider resubmission

Please note:

  • Funding for Excellent and Very Strong Proposals will be released in annual increments and continued funding will depend upon successfully achieving clearly articulated annual goals.
  • Feedback will be provided to all faculty who submit proposals.
  • Faculty will be notified of the funding decision in April 2020.

Annual Review Process

For each of the funding years of a program, an annual report must be submitted for review no later than May 1

Annual reports provide project leaders the opportunity to document their innovation program from inception to completion and to assist the University in determining the needed level of support moving forward. Success of a project is measured not only by whether the project achieved anticipated outcomes but also be the lessons learned through the project and how well they are articulated so as to inform future project activity. you are encouraged to use this report as a tool to record your activities and to reflect on the significant knowledge you gained, including what you would have done or will do differently, and of any activities planned for the future. Follow the format below to create your annual report. Please submit in WORD format to boldlycreative@miamioh.edu no later than May 1 of each academic year of your granting period. 

  1. Date
  2. Project Title
  3. Project Team Members - List name, title, and department or program
  4. Total Project Granting Period
  5. Executive Summary - Please limit to one paragraph. This summary should be written for a public audience and capture the project's purpose, scope, target population , major activities or results, and findings. 
  6. Activities and Accomplishments - This section should address the following questions:
    • What were the outcomes or objectives you established in your original proposal for this year? 
    • What did you accomplish during this reporting period and how did these accomplishments help you reach your stated outcomes or objectives? Please note any significant project partners and their role in project activities. 
    • What, if any, challenges did you face during this reporting period and what actions did you take to address said challenges? Please note your in response, changes, if any, to your project goal(s), objective(s), or activities that we made as a result of challenges faced.
    • How have the activities conducted during this project period helped you achieve the measurable outcomes identified in your project proposal? 
    • How have you communicated any of your accomplishments? 
  7. Upcoming Goals and Objectives - Please describe the anticipated goals, outcomes, and objectives for the upcoming year. Be careful to highlight any that diverge from what was described in original proposal or prior annual report. 
  8. Budget - Summarize any changes that have been made to budget submitted with original proposal or prior year's annual report. Please complete the budget template. 

Each annual report will be assessed by the Boldly Creative committee and given one of three possible outcomes:

  • Continue funding - All/most benchmarks are met; progress is made as defined
  • Continue with caution - Some benchmarks are being met, but progress is slow
  • Terminate funding - Benchmarks are not being met; little to no progress demonstrated

Please send any questions and requests for templates to boldlycreative@MiamiOH.edu. This process will be repeated annually and continue until funds are expended.

Round 3: Application Process AY 2019-20

Preproposals

Submission Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Please note: ROUND 3 has a special focus: the development of new online degree programs, certificates and majors that have a demonstrated promise of high enrollments and increasing demand from employers. As a result of this focus, the procedures and format for the preproposal and proposals will vary slightly from those used in ROUND 1 and 2
  • Preproposals are strictly limited to three pages (minimum 11 point font).
  • Submissions are to be sent directly to: boldlycreative@MiamiOH.edu.
  • Cover sheet with the names and signatures of all proposers and dean(s) must be completed and submitted with the preproposal. 
  • All preproposals require the signature of the dean(s) of every division represented by faculty submitting the preproposal.

Faculty should ensure they have the support of the appropriate dean(s) as they develop the preproposal and should consult with them on:

  • Academic degree program, major, or certificate to be developed or revised for online delivery
  • Preliminary Budget: estimated staffing needs
  • Enrollment projections and target population of students for the program
  • Potential compliance issues

Preproposal Format

  1. Specific Aims/Goals – List the program(s) being proposed for online delivery. Give the title of the degree program, major, or certificate(s). Clearly define specific aims/goals, as well as the purpose and rationale for how the proposed online programs will advance the mission of the University. If applicable and when available, identify enrollment benchmarks relevant to the proposed programs. [Recommended ½ -1 page].
  2. Broader Impacts – Describe how the proposal position Miami to thrive in the current dynamic, competitive higher education environment, catalyze new ways of learning, and galvanize our students success. For reference, identify between 3-5 comparable or model programs similar to the one being proposed. Also, highlight initial thoughts on how the proposed programs(s) can be unique and differentiated from others that may already exist. [Recommended ½ page].
  3. Target Audience & Projected Enrollment – Identify the specific audience targeted by the program, e.g. working professionals, full-time and/or part-time students, alumni, corporate partnerships or unique associations, etc. Include the expected class size/capacity, mode of delivery (hybrid, online) and program location (Oxford, Regional Campuses, Voice of America Learning Center, other). Provide evidence that the program will appeal to the audience identified. NB: Enrollment assumptions (including projected enrollments over time) must be included. These assumptions must:
    • Utilize evidence to support enrollment assumptions, i.e. any information regarding other programs that may already be in place or other relevant market/industry data;
    • Indicate any recruitment strategies and marketing strategies that might be unique to the proposed program. 
  4. Academics – Provide a brief summary of the curriculum. Include anticipated program outcomes, number of courses, course topics, and total credit hours required. If applicable, include the potential for internships or other forms of experiential learning and any current partnerships that will be available to support these opportunities and/or identify other potential partners that will likely be required. (Note: To the greatest extent possible, programs and initiatives should be inclusive and accessible/available to all students. For example, proposals should steer away from opportunities only in the summer or during winter term (use of financial aid is restricted) or that include a net new fee. [Recommended 1 paragraph].
  5. Preliminary Budget – Provide a brief description of your staffing needs as well as any other equipment needs that may be unique to the proposed program(s). Be sure to identify sources of potential additional, new revenues, including external funding for research through government, corporations or foundations, philanthropy, or other mechanisms. Consider staffing, facilities and, including new library resources and other equipment that may be unique to the proposed program. Programs may not increase costs for students. [Recommended 1 or 2 sentences and/or table].
  6. Compliance – If proposing a new academic program, please note whether the program will:
    • Be delivered at offsite location (if so, list the location(s))
    • Be delivered in flexible or accelerated format
    • Involve an off-campus experience for students
    • Have instructional or administrative staff working at offsite location
    • Be similar to other programs at Miami
    • Involve licensure and/or special accreditation
    • Be Title IV eligible (students eligible for financial aid)
  7. Works Cited and Other References – (not included in 3 page limit)
  8. CV – Include a two-page updated CV for each faculty member involved in the programs (not included in 4-page limit)
  9. Cover Sheet Template is currently available upon request (boldlycreative@MiamiOH.edu). 

Preproposal Review

  1. Finance and Business Services will review, evaluate and provide feedback to the Deans and Provost regarding the preliminary budget.
  2. EMSS will review, evaluate and provide feedback to the Deans and Provost regarding enrollment projections
  3. Directors of the eLearing offices on the Oxford and Regionals campuses will review, evaluate and provide feedback to the Deans and Provost regarding the feasibility of developing and delivering the proposed online programs.
  4. Deans may seek additional expertise, as necessary
  5. Deans make recommendations to the Provost
  6. Provost and President select preproposers who are invited to join a team to develop a full proposal by mid-April 2020. Oxford-based proposers will work with Ryan Baltrip, Director of Digital Learning Initiatives, to develop a single comprehensive full proposal focusing on online programs on the Oxford campus. Regional proposers will work with Janet Hurn, Sr. Director of Regionals eLearning, to create a comprehensive proposal focusing on online programs in the College of Liberal Arts & Applied Science. These two proposals (Oxford and Regionals) will include a plan for ensuring the appropriate infrastructure in their campus-based eLearing unit to support online program development and quality assurance as well as include plans for delivering the most promising online programs in the academic departments and divisions.
    • Feedback will be provided to all faculty who submit preproposals

Full Proposal

Submission Date: Monday, April 13, 2020

Full Proposal format will be the same as that used for preproposals but with further elaboration of each section. The tone and content should be written for a non-specialized audience. Proposals should be a maximum of 11 pages.

  • Pay particular attention to the need to provide accurate information in the budget template. 
  • Be sure to pay attention to and to address reviewers’ comments from the preproposal.
  • All full proposals require the signature of the Dean(s) of every division represented by faculty submitting the full proposal

Full Proposal Format

  1. Specific Aims/Goals – [Recommended 1 page]
  2. Broader Impacts – [Recommended 1-2 pages]
  3. Target Audience – [Recommended 1-2 pages]
  4. Academics – [Recommended 4-8 pages]
  5. Budget – Use the budget template (currently available upon request (boldlycreative@miamioh.edu) and will be posted as soon as it is remediated and accessible) following the listed guidelines:
  • Calculate projected enrollments for all five years of the budget plan and estimated instructional fee revenue;
  • Identify other sources of funding for the initiative such as grants, gifts, endowed earning, etc. should be included in the budget plan;
  • Summary of ongoing costs of program delivery should be clearly shown across all five years of the budget plan;
  • Include one-time costs such as special space needs, equipment, technology requirements, consultants, etc. should be identified separately from the ongoing cost of delivering the program;
  • Articulate needed and existing infrastructure support, e.g., libraries, e-learning, facilities, etc.;
  • Indirect costs do not need to be included.

Please note

  • State Share of Instruction need not be shown in the budget plan. Finance and Business Services (FBS) Office will provide this information following the proposal submission
  • Funding request should be identified as part of the budget plan, including when the start-up funding will no longer be needed and when the revenue generated by the program exceeds the cost of delivering the program
  • When making assumptions about financial outcomes from the program, it is important to note that for the first 2-3 years, the program may cost more than it generates; however, the program should be producing a net-gain by no later than Year Five
  1. Additional Materials – (not included in 11-page limit)
    • Works Cited and Other References
    • Letters of Support (ideally from external experts and/or industry or community partners)
    • CV – Include a two-page CV for each faculty member involved in the program
    • Additional Appendices - Please keep these to the bare minimum as long set of appendices may not be scrutinized by the reviewers. Enrollment Data demand data, such as Gray Associates Data Scorecard, required. (See Bill Knight, Office of Institutional Research, for scorecard.)

Full Proposal Evaluation

  1. Business and Finance will review and provide input/feedback to include in overall evaluation
    • Each proposal will be ranked based on its financial performance
    • FBS will use the five-year budget template that is submitted to project and evaluate the surplus that can be expected from the initiative over the next five years as part of the financial evaluation
  2. Deans review and make recommendations to the Provost and President. Deans may seek input regarding strengths and weaknesses of the proposal from: 
    • External stakeholders, as necessary, e.g. industry partners, alumni, high school teachers, thought leaders
    • Faculty review groups (faculty with expertise identified by Deans)
    • Fiscal Priorities (budget)
    • FBS and Enrollment Management/Admission 
  3. The Provost, in consultation with the President, will make final decisions regarding funding for programs.

Proposals will be rated as follows:

  • Excellent: All criteria clearly - met Funded fully
  • Very Strong: Most criteria clearly met - Funded at a reduced level
  • Strong: At least half criteria clearly met - Recommend revision for resubmission next year
  • Not competitive at this time: Major revisions needed. - Consider resubmission

Please note:

  • Funding for Excellent and Very Strong Proposals will be released in annual increments and continued funding will depend upon successfully achieving clearly articulated annual goals.
  • Feedback will be provided to all faculty who submit proposals.
  • Faculty will be notified of the funding decision in April 2020.

Annual Review Process

For each of the funding years of a program, an annual report must be submitted for review no later than May 1

Annual reports provide project leaders the opportunity to document their innovation program from inception to completion and to assist the University in determining the needed level of support moving forward. Success of a project is measured not only by whether the project achieved anticipated outcomes but also be the lessons learned through the project and how well they are articulated so as to inform future project activity. you are encouraged to use this report as a tool to record your activities and to reflect on the significant knowledge you gained, including what you would have done or will do differently, and of any activities planned for the future. Follow the format below to create your annual report. Please submit in WORD format to boldlycreative@miamioh.edu no later than May 1 of each academic year of your granting period. 

  1. Date
  2. Project Title
  3. Project Team Members - List name, title, and department or program
  4. Total Project Granting Period
  5. Executive Summary - Please limit to one paragraph. This summary should be written for a public audience and capture the project's purpose, scope, target population , major activities or results, and findings. 
  6. Activities and Accomplishments - This section should address the following questions:
    • What were the outcomes or objectives you established in your original proposal for this year? 
    • What did you accomplish during this reporting period and how did these accomplishments help you reach your stated outcomes or objectives? Please note any significant project partners and their role in project activities. 
    • What, if any, challenges did you face during this reporting period and what actions did you take to address said challenges? Please note your in response, changes, if any, to your project goal(s), objective(s), or activities that we made as a result of challenges faced.
    • How have the activities conducted during this project period helped you achieve the measurable outcomes identified in your project proposal? 
    • How have you communicated any of your accomplishments? 
  7. Upcoming Goals and Objectives - Please describe the anticipated goals, outcomes, and objectives for the upcoming year. Be careful to highlight any that diverge from what was described in original proposal or prior annual report. 
  8. Budget - Summarize any changes that have been made to budget submitted with original proposal or prior year's annual report. Please complete the budget template. 

Each annual report will be assessed by the Boldly Creative committee and given one of three possible outcomes:

  • Continue funding - All/most benchmarks are met; progress is made as defined
  • Continue with caution - Some benchmarks are being met, but progress is slow
  • Terminate funding - Benchmarks are not being met; little to no progress demonstrated
  • Continue funding - All/most benchmarks are met; progress is made as defined
  • Continue with caution - Some benchmarks are being met, but progress is slow
  • Terminate funding - Benchmarks are not being met; little to no progress demonstrated

A special note regarding online and hybrid program development: The eLearning units will have an understanding of how programs are progressing how programs are progressing toward their development goals and if they are on track. If the eLearning units sense a program is not developing in the agreed upon, timely manner, they reserve the right to either make recommendations for corrective actions, including termination of development to the Deans and Provosts at any point. 

Round 4: Application Process AY 2020-21

Preproposals

Submission Date: Pre-proposals can be submitted fall 2020 semester on either October 16, 2020 or November 30, 2020.

Please note: ROUND 4 has a special focus: diversity, equity and inclusion. As a result of this focus, the procedures and format for the preproposal and proposals will vary slightly from those used in ROUND 1 and 2

  • Preproposals are strictly limited to three pages (minimum 11-point font).

  • Submissions are to be sent directly to: boldlycreative@MiamiOH.edu.

  • Cover sheet with the names of all proposers and dean(s) must be completed and submitted with the preproposal. 

  • Proposers should secure approval from dean(s) (of every proposer) via email and forward the approval(s) along with the pre-proposal.

Key criteria for Boldly Creative Round 4 projects include:

  • Alignment with the recommendations of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force

  • Promise of significant and wide-ranging impact on multiple constituents in our community

  • Collaboration across departments, divisions, campuses and other units

  • Informed by thoughtful and relevant data and promising practices in the professional literature

  • Sustainability over time.

Faculty and staff should ensure they have the support of the appropriate dean(s) as they develop the preproposal and should consult with them on:

  • Academic degree program, major, certificate or other activities (related to research, scholarship, faculty recruitment and support, curriculum or co-curriculum, students, Miami Tribe, etc.) being proposed

  • Preliminary Budget: estimated staffing needs

  • Enrollment projections and target population for the program or activity

  • Potential compliance issues

Preproposal Format

  1. Specific Aims/Goals – List the program(s), initiative or activities being proposed. Clearly define specific aims/goals, as well as the purpose and rationale for how the proposed programs/activities will advance the mission of the University, MiamiRise strategic plan, the principles and values of Miami’s Diversity & Inclusion Statement, and the recent recommendations of the University DE&I Task Force. If applicable and when available, identify enrollment or participation benchmarks relevant to the proposed programs or activities. [Recommended ½ -1 page].
  2. Broader Impacts – Describe how the proposal will position Miami to thrive in the current dynamic, competitive, and diverse higher education environment, catalyze new inclusive and equitable ways of learning and/or working together, and galvanize the success of our students, faculty and staff. Also, highlight initial thoughts on how the proposed programs(s) can be unique and differentiated from others that may already exist at Miami or elsewhere. [Recommended ½ page].
  3. Target Audience & Projected Enrollment – Identify the specific audience targeted by the program, initiative or activity, e.g. undergraduate or graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, corporate partners or community members, etc. Include the expected class size or participation level, mode of delivery (in person, hybrid, online) and program location (Oxford, Regional Campuses, Voice of America Learning Center, other). Provide evidence that the program will appeal or be beneficial to the audience identified. NB: If proposing an academic program, enrollment assumptions (including projected enrollments over time) must be included. These assumptions must utilize evidence to support enrollment assumptions, i.e. any information regarding other programs that may already be in place or other relevant market/industry data. (Please contact the Office of the Provost for more information on how to gather data.)  Finally, please indicate any recruitment strategies and marketing strategies that might be leveraged for the proposed program, initiative or activity. 
  4. Content and Academics – Provide a brief summary of the content of the proposed program or activity, including anticipated learning or other outcomes and anticipated length/duration of the proposed activity or program.  If proposing an academic program, include number of courses, course topics, and total credit hours required. If applicable, include the potential for internships or other forms of experiential learning and any current partnerships that will be available to support these opportunities and/or identify other potential partners that will likely be required. (Note: To the greatest extent possible, programs and initiatives should be inclusive and accessible/available to all students or other constituencies. For example, proposals should steer away from opportunities that are offered only in the summer or during winter term (use of financial aid is restricted), are only open to a small sector of a population, or include a net new fee. [Recommended 1 paragraph].
  5. Preliminary Budget – Provide a brief description of your staffing needs as well as any other equipment needs that may be unique to the proposed program(s) or activity. Be sure to identify sources of potential additional, new revenues, including external funding for research through government, corporations or foundations, philanthropy, or other mechanisms. Consider staffing, facilities and, including new library resources and other equipment that may be unique to the proposed program or activity. Programs or activities may not increase costs for students. [Recommended 1 or 2 sentences and/or table].
  6. Compliance – If proposing a new academic program or activity, please note whether the program will:
    • Be delivered at offsite location (if so, list the location(s))

    • Be delivered in flexible or accelerated format

    • Involve an off-campus experience for students

    • Have instructional or administrative staff working at offsite location

    • Be similar to other programs at Miami

    • Involve licensure and/or special accreditation

    • Be Title IV eligible (students eligible for financial aid)

  7. Works Cited and Other References – (not included in 3 page limit)
  8. CV – Include a two-page updated CV for each faculty or staff member involved in the proposal activity or programs (not included in 4-page limit)

  9. Cover Sheet Template is currently available upon request (boldlycreative@MiamiOH.edu). 

Pre-proposal Review

  1. The Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Committee of Academic Affairs will review, evaluate and provide feedback to the Deans and Provost regarding the pre-proposals and work with proposers to ensure that proposals that advance to the full proposal round are well aligned with one another and work toward strategic university goals related to diversity and inclusion.

  2. The Office of the Provost may also seek input from the following:

    • Finance and Business Services regarding the preliminary budget.

    • EMSS regarding enrollment projections of any new program(s) proposed.

    • Directors of the eLearning offices on the Oxford and Regionals campuses regarding the feasibility of developing and delivering the proposed online programs.

  3. Deans may seek additional expertise, as necessary

  4. Deans make recommendations to the Provost

  5. Provost and President select preproposers to develop a full proposal

  6. Principal authors of selected preproposals may be invited by the Academic Affairs Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee to a meeting in November or December to discuss and identify potential synergies and collaborations among the projects being proposed as well as to ensure that the projects are well aligned with one another as well as the University’s strategic goals. 

Note: Feedback will be provided to all faculty who submit preproposals

Full Proposal

Submission Date: January 31, 2021 regardless of when preproposal was submitted. Full Proposal format will be the same as that used for preproposals but with further elaboration of each section. The tone and content should be written for a non-specialized audience. Proposals should be a maximum of 11 pages.
  • Make sure that the full proposal meets the criteria identified for Boldly Creative Round 4 (e.g., alignment with task force recommendations, wide-reaching impact, cross-unit collaborations, research-driven ideas, and sustainability beyond the granting period).

  • Pay particular attention to the need to provide accurate information in the budget template. 

  • Be sure to pay attention to and to address reviewers’ comments from the preproposal, including collaborating with other proposers.

  • All full proposals require the approval of the Dean(s) of every division represented by faculty and staff submitting the full proposal.  Email approval is acceptable.

Full Proposal Format

  1. Specific Aims/Goals – [Recommended 1 page]

  2. Broader Impacts – [Recommended 1-2 pages]

  3. Target Audience – [Recommended 1-2 pages]

  4. Academics – [Recommended 4-8 pages]

  5. Budget – Use the budget template (currently available upon request (boldlycreative@miamioh.edu) following the listed guidelines:

    • Calculate projected enrollments for all five years of the budget plan and estimated instructional fee revenue;

    • Identify other sources of funding for the initiative such as grants, gifts, endowed earning, etc. should be included in the budget plan;

    • Summary of ongoing costs of program/activity delivery should be clearly shown across all five years of the budget plan;

    • Include one-time costs such as special space needs, equipment, technology requirements, consultants, etc. should be identified separately from the ongoing cost of delivering the program;

    • Articulate needed and existing infrastructure support, e.g., libraries, e-learning, facilities, etc.;

    • Indirect costs do not need to be included.

Please Note:
  • State Share of Instruction need not be shown in the budget plan. Finance and Business Services (FBS) Office will provide this information following the proposal submission

  • Funding request should be identified as part of the budget plan, including when the start-up funding will no longer be needed and when the revenue generated by the program exceeds the cost of delivering the program

  • When making assumptions about financial outcomes from the program, it is important to note that for the first 2-3 years, the program may cost more than it generates; however, the program should be producing a net-gain by no later than Year Five

  1. Additional Materials – (not included in 11-page limit)

    • Works Cited and Other References

    • Letters of Support (ideally from external experts and/or industry or community partners)

    • CV – Include a two-page CV for each faculty member involved in the program

    • Additional Appendices - Please keep these to the bare minimum as long set of appendices may not be scrutinized by the reviewers. Enrollment Data demand data, such as Gray Associates Data Scorecard, required. (See Bill Knight, Office of Institutional Research, for scorecard.)

Full-Proposal Evaluation

  1. Members of the Academic Affairs Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will review and provide input and feedback to the deans.

  2. Business and Finance will review and provide input/feedback to include in overall evaluation

    • Each proposal will be ranked based on its financial performance

    • FBS will use the five-year budget template that is submitted to project and evaluate the surplus that can be expected from the initiative over the next five years as part of the financial evaluation

  3. Deans review and make recommendations to the Provost and President. Deans may seek input regarding strengths and weaknesses of the proposal from: 

    • External stakeholders, as necessary, e.g. industry partners, alumni, high school teachers, thought leaders

    • Faculty review groups (faculty with expertise identified by Deans)

    • Fiscal Priorities (budget)

    • FBS and Enrollment Management/Admission 

  4. The Provost, in consultation with the President, will make final decisions regarding funding for programs.

Proposals will be rated as follows:

  • Excellent: All criteria clearly - met Funded fully

  • Very Strong: Most criteria clearly met - Funded at a reduced level

  • Strong: At least half criteria clearly met - Recommend revision for resubmission next year

  • Not competitive at this time: Major revisions needed. - Consider resubmission

Please note:

  • Funding for Excellent and Very Strong Proposals will be released in annual increments and continued funding will depend upon successfully achieving clearly articulated annual goals.

  • Feedback will be provided to all faculty who submit proposals.

  • Faculty will be notified of the funding decision by Spring Break 2021.

Annual Review Process

For each of the funding years of a program, an annual report must be submitted for review no later than May 1, with the first report due May 1, 2022.

Annual reports provide project leaders the opportunity to document their innovation program from inception to completion and to assist the University in determining the needed level of support moving forward. Success of a project is measured not only by whether the project achieved anticipated outcomes but also be the lessons learned through the project and how well they are articulated so as to inform future project activity. you are encouraged to use this report as a tool to record your activities and to reflect on the significant knowledge you gained, including what you would have done or will do differently, and of any activities planned for the future. Follow the format below to create your annual report. Please submit in WORD format to boldlycreative@MiamiOH.edu no later than May 1 of each academic year of your granting period. 

  1. Date

  2. Project Title

  3. Project Team Members - List name, title, and department or program

  4. Total Project Granting Period

  5. Executive Summary - Please limit to one paragraph. This summary should be written for a public audience and capture the project's purpose, scope, target population , major activities or results, and findings. 

  6. Activities and Accomplishments - This section should address the following questions:

    • What were the outcomes or objectives you established in your original proposal for this year? 

    • What did you accomplish during this reporting period and how did these accomplishments help you reach your stated outcomes or objectives? Please note any significant project partners and their role in project activities. 

    • What, if any, challenges did you face during this reporting period and what actions did you take to address said challenges? Please note your in response, changes, if any, to your project goal(s), objective(s), or activities that we made as a result of challenges faced.

    • How have the activities conducted during this project period helped you achieve the measurable outcomes identified in your project proposal? 

    • How have you communicated any of your accomplishments? 

  7. Upcoming Goals and Objectives - Please describe the anticipated goals, outcomes, and objectives for the upcoming year. Be careful to highlight any that diverge from what was described in original proposal or prior annual report. 

  8. Budget - Summarize any changes that have been made to budget submitted with original proposal or prior year's annual report. Please complete the budget template. 

Each annual report will be assessed by the Boldly Creative committee and given one of three possible outcomes:

  • Continue funding - All/most benchmarks are met; progress is made as defined

  • Continue with caution - Some benchmarks are being met, but progress is slow

  • Terminate funding - Benchmarks are not being met; little to no progress demonstrated

  • Continue funding - All/most benchmarks are met; progress is made as defined

  • Continue with caution - Some benchmarks are being met, but progress is slow

  • Terminate funding - Benchmarks are not being met; little to no progress demonstrated

Please send any questions and requests for templates to boldlycreative@MiamiOH.edu. This process will be repeated annually and continue until funds are expended.