Diversity Grant Background:
The Comprehensive Plan for Faculty Development at Simpson College called for the creation of an in-house small grants program to help faculty to include minority and multi-cultural perspectives into existing courses and also to support the development of new courses which include such perspectives. As the plan suggests, “Individual courses created by faculty are at the center of the college student’s experience.”  The Faculty Development Working Group recommended that funding be available for the purpose of buying books, software, travel to libraries or collections and other materials or experiences to support the College’s diversity goals.

To move forward on this recommendation the College announced Diversity Grants would be awarded to faculty for the 2007-2008 academic year.  There was an award made to Mark Freyberg for development of an Anth 290 course: The Ancients Knew Us: What the Maya and Inca Can Teach Modern Civilization and for enhancement to two other courses: Anth 310: Indians of the Americas and Soc 340: Race and Ethnic Relations. 

Process:
Grant applications will be received by the Faculty Development Office - shelly.priebe@simpson.edu - ext. 1879 - in the spring semester by a date established by the Dean’s Office (probably early April deadline).    The exact date will be posted on the Faculty Development web site as well as email notification of the opportunity.
Application Format: Pick up an application form from the Faculty Development Office.
The applications will be reviewed by the Multicultural and Minority Issues Committee and their recommendations will be forwarded to the Dean, who will make the final decision. Up to four proposals will be selected for funding in the 2008-2009 academic year.  Up to $500 will be available for each award.   All tenure-track and tenured faculty members are eligible to apply.

Regarding projected expenses:
The funding may be used for the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment, computer software, travel to libraries, professional conferences, or other course materials. Faculty must provide the College with expense receipts up to the amount granted. The grant may not be taken as a stipend.
Budget Form:  Pick up the budget form from the Faculty Development Office.