Reform of Introductory Science Courses for Non-Science Majors
MENTORING MINI-GRANTS

Description:

As part of the ACS Reform of Introductory Science Courses for Non-Science Majors Program, there is limited funding for mini-grants of up to $500 per grant year for each ACS institution to sponsor faculty mentoring activities to stimulate discussion and collaboration among all faculty teaching introductory science courses both within and among ACS institutions.

Mentoring activities may take many forms and can be tailored to meet the needs of the institution. Examples of activities include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitator Visitation – experienced ACS facilitator or an expert from outside the ACS system travels to an ACS institution to meet with natural science faculty to discuss/present a topic relevant to science reform. A list of available ACS facilitators is available from your chief academic officer.
  
  
• Individual Visitation – junior faculty travel to an ACS institution to observe an established model program.
  
  
• Reciprocal Visitation – for those institutions within driving distance, teams of faculty visit each other’s campuses to observe existing programs and foster collaboration on science reform.
  
  
• On campus group meetings/seminars – natural science faculty within an ACS institution meet for presentations and/or discussions regarding non-majors science reform. See the ACS Science Reform Website for possible activities/topics: http://www.colleges.org/sciencereform/index.html

Science faculty with experience and expertise in topics relevant to the goals and objectives of this grant are encouraged to serve as mentors/facilitators in this effort.

While the focus of this grant is on non-majors science education, all faculty teaching science at the introductory level are encouraged to participate in this program, since science literacy, fundamental skills, and core science content are issues that apply to both science majors and non-majors. The intent of this program is to promote discussion and collaboration among natural science faculty in general, and to provide mentoring of junior science faculty at the post-mid-tenure review stage in particular.

The Proposal Process:

The ACS Reform of Science Education for Non-Science Majors Initiative anticipates having mentoring mini-grants of up to $500 per ACS institution available each year during the three year grant cycle. Mini-grant allocation may be adjusted in future years based on activity in this program.

Mini-grants will cover travel expenses and/or local arrangements for lodging, meals, and event breaks. Ideally, the host institution would cover expenses exceeding the grant allowance. Unless otherwise approved, funds will be issued on a reimbursement basis in keeping with ACS reimbursement guidelines, which may be reviewed at http://www.colleges.org/forms/index.html.

ACS institutions are invited to submit proposals for mentoring mini-grants at anytime during the year; however, proposals should be submitted 6-8 weeks prior to the event to allow for processing and approval. Proposals should include the following:

1. Cover sheet (PDF document)
   
2. Activity Description (not to exceed 2 pages)
   • Explanation of the anticipated event
   • Goals and objectives of the event as they apply to the goals of the grant
   • Names of anticipated participants
   • Projected timeline
   • Description of evaluation process
     
3. Proposed budget (not to exceed one page), with details of each anticipated expense.

Proposals may be submitted via snail mail or electronically to:

ACS Science Reform Initiative
Associated Colleges of the South
1975 Century Blvd., Suite 10
Atlanta, GA 30345

Final Reporting Process

A final report should be submitted within 45 days of the end of the event to assess the outcome of the mentoring activity. A copy of the report guidelines will be included when approval notification is sent. These guidelines also may be accessed at http://www.colleges.org/sciencereform/index.html

QUESTIONS?

Questions about this mentoring program and the application/reporting process may be sent to your campus representative on the Science Reform Program Committee, or to Linda McNally, Biology Department, Davidson College, limcnally@davidson.edu or 704-894-2886, or to Beth Bowser at the above address.

ACS Science Reform Homepage

This consortial program is supported by the W.M. Keck Foundation of Los Angeles