In support of its ongoing mission to further strengthen the role of teaching at the University of Pittsburgh, the Provost’s Advisory Council on Instructional Excellence (ACIE) again invites proposals from University faculty for the Innovation in Education Awards. The 2023 awards will recognize faculty for projects that enhance teaching at Pitt and foster new instructional approaches and techniques to advance student learning.
All full- and part-time faculty members at all University of Pittsburgh campuses are eligible to submit proposals.
While proposals are encouraged across a broad spectrum of ideas and projects, this year's call also encourages faculty to explore ideas that focus on experiential or active learning to support an equitable and inclusive learning environment or technology-enhanced learning.
Additionally, proposals should address one or more of the following areas:
- Supporting student skill development in critical thinking, communication, leadership, data analysis, intercultural and global competency, or collaboration
- Expanding interdisciplinary learning opportunities
- Optimizing technology to enhance learning
- Promoting and supporting the development of teamwork
- Broadening academic opportunities for new or nontraditional student populations.
- Broadening academic opportunities in nontraditional settings
- Enhancing the accessibility of educational content and activities
- Supporting equitable learning outcomes for all students
View Innovation in Education Awards funded projects.
Request for Proposals
Call for proposals and application information: Innovation in Education Awards Requirements 2023-2024 (PDF).
Innovation in Education Award applications and supporting materials can be submitted through Competition Space.
Deadline for application submission: The application period is closed.
For additional information about the Innovation in Education Awards, contact faculty@pitt.edu.
Prior to submission, the Council strongly encourages applicants to contact the University Center for Teaching and Learning for consultation regarding the development and feasibility of their proposals. Please send a message to teaching@pitt.edu to make an appointment with a teaching consultant for an initial project consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
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All full-time and part-time faculty at the five University of Pittsburgh campuses are eligible to submit proposals. Collaborative proposals are encouraged.
- What kinds of instructional projects are funded through the Innovation In Education Awards program?
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Funded projects primarily enhance teaching at the University of Pittsburgh and/or foster improved instructional approaches; are adaptable in other instructional settings; foster collaboration among faculty from different departments/units/campuses in the development of innovative approaches to teaching; develop innovative course materials; and/or create significant curricular improvements.
- How many proposals are typically received each year, and how many are funded?
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The average number of proposals submitted varies slightly from year-to-year; and the number of funded proposals is approximately one third of those submitted annually.
- Is the proposed project required to include instructional technology?
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No; proposed projects should focus on the objective of the awards program, it is not simply a program highlighting instructional technology.
- Are there any limitations on the kinds of budget items that can be funded?
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Yes. Unacceptable items include the following: travel and maintenance costs for participation at professional meetings; subscriptions and professional journal costs; editorial assistance; and release time, except for faculty on 12-month base salaries. Items typically funded by a department are also discouraged. (See the current RFP for a description of the Budget and Budget Justification.)
- Where can I get help with designing and costing a proposal?
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The University Center for Teaching and Learning can be helpful in providing comprehensive services to assist faculty in the application of effective teaching (for example, instructional design and development support for the creation, redesign or enhancement of courses and programs); and design and development of teaching materials, including the integration of instructional media and computer technology. Please visit the Teaching Center's website for additional information. Also University Computing Services and Systems Development (CSSD) can assist faculty in planning for the effective use of technology, including hardware and software analysis, as well as training. Visit the CSSD website for additional information.
- Can examples of successful projects that describe the “criteria for success” be reviewed?
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A summary of previous years’ awards is provided on the ACIE website under Funded Projects. Examples of a range of previously funded proposals are also available for review. Please contact faculty@pitt.edu to acquire past copies of proposals.
- Can a second proposal be submitted for continued funding of a successful project?
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Yes, but preference is given to projects/project directors that have not been funded previously under this program.