by Randy Hollowell, IT Services

We know everyone is extremely busy this time of the year, but we wanted to remind everyone that the deadline to submit proposals for the next round of the Student Technology Fee Competitive Proposal Process (Tech Fee) is midnight on September 25, 2022. The complete schedule for FY23 is available at MiamiOH.edu/TechFee. 

Since 2009, Miami faculty, staff, and students have developed innovative and exciting projects with over $6 million of awarded funds. The projects help students in and out of the classroom through the use of technology. Some examples of recently funded projects include:

• Access to and training in X-ray diffraction analysis (Geology and Environmental Earth Science)
• Creation and Innovation in King Library (University Libraries)
• Technology to Assess Muscle and Cerebral Oxygenation Non­-invasively (Kinesiology)

Proposal Guidelines

Committee members are looking for innovative or significant ideas, but all technology requests will be considered, as long as they clearly benefit students. The guidelines define significant in two ways: impacting a large number of students or having a deep impact on a smaller number.

Your project may directly relate to academics or may be part of the broader Miami experience, making students’ lives better or more productive. Both graduate- and undergraduate-focused proposals are encouraged.

Purchasing Guidelines

Please be aware that all purchases made with Tech Fee funding are subject to relevant University policies. Compliance reviews will include Procurement (per the Purchasing Handbook), an IT Services technical review, and an accessibility review (in accordance with Miami’s Accessible Technology Policy).

The Office of Strategic Procurement has asked that individuals involved with preparing proposals, including all software/hardware purchases, consult with Procurement early in the process for contract and vendor management in order to ensure the best pricing and terms.

Proposals may be submitted for Tech Fee review utilizing a single quote for cost estimation and budgeting. Purchase requests upon award will not be processed unless they comply with Section 2.01 or 2.03 of the Purchasing Handbook. Please contact the Office of Strategic Procurement if you have questions.

Proposal Applications

Proposals for the 2022-2023 academic year need to be submitted by midnight on Sunday, September 25. The link to the online application form is available on the Tech Fee website. For more information visit MiamiOH.edu/techfee or send questions to TechFee@MiamiOH.edu.