Faculty Micro Grants, funded via the Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI), are designed to support course improvement efforts by Cornell faculty. The goal of this program is to ease the implementation of small-scale, immediate enhancements that improve the learning experience of students at the course level.

Funds

Faculty may request up to $1,500. See below for eligible and ineligible expenses. Grant applications are reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis, as funds permit. Projects are generally expected to be completed within one semester to one academic year of the award. Grant awards will be transferred to the faculty member’s designated departmental account.

Eligibility

All faculty and full-time instructors who are actively teaching at Cornell (tenure-track, tenured, and non-tenure track) are invited to submit proposals. Previous awardees may reapply, but preference will be given to new applicants.

Application

Applicants are asked to address the following components:

• Abstract: Brief summary of proposed project (Up to 75 words)
• Project Proposal: Describe your plan and how you anticipate this change will improve the student learning experience (Up to 250 words)
• Measures of Success: Provide an overview of how you will assess the impact of this change (up to 250 words)
• Budget: Please list the funds requested, expense categories, and a short explanation. If applicable, please also identify matching funds (category, amount, and source). All expenses must follow university guidelines.

If you would like a preliminary reading of your application or assistance in developing your proposal, contact the Center at cti@cornell.edu to schedule an appointment.

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Final Reporting

A brief summary is requested at the project's conclusion. It should indicate how the work has impacted teaching and learning, and how others may benefit from and advance the work. Faculty awarded funding may be invited to present to the Cornell community at CTI events.

Selected Examples of Allowable Expenses

• Graduate/undergraduate student worker hours related to a course improvement project.
• Student transportation or admission fees to off-site, course-related events.
• Course materials and supplies.
• Hardware or software that will improve the student learning experience in the course.

Selected Examples of Unallowable Expenses

• Food and beverages for course activities involving enrolled students, course faculty, and invited speakers.
• Graduate or undergraduate teaching assistant salaries.
• Faculty transportation or accommodations.