By Elizabeth Pierdominici
In an attempt to diversify knowledge and opportunities for the University, the Center for Teaching and Scholarly Excellence (CTSE) hosted a panel discussion to assist faculty in broadening international research and programs.
Professors from different disciplines attended the lecture, "Let's Go Global," on Nov. 3 to learn about writing proposals for grants.
The lecture focused on how to reach out to members of academia from across the globe and adopt international programs for the University.
"The president and most of the senior administrators are very proactive in trying to provide resources for faculty to actually attain grants," Sofia Kakoulidis, associate provost for research and sponsored programs, said.
Kakoulidis introduced online resource such as InfoEd.Inc and Sponsored Programs Information Network (SPIN), which allow faculty to search for funding opportunities in a certain country or specific subject.
Faculty members are eligible to receive a stipend of $2,500 to $10,000 per proposal.
"It's a win-win situation," Kakoulidis said. "You receive funding opportunities, you work with our office and you are possibly eligible for a grant writing stipend program."
Patricia Welch, assistant professor of comparative literature and languages, and director of Asian studies, gave her testimony on receiving funding from the Freedman Foundation for Asian Studies.
She received $500,000 to expand Asian studies, with a focus on East Asia within the University. She recommends the Development Seed Grant, where many of the University's existing courses have sprouted from, as another source of grant money.
"The worst thing they can do is say no," Welch said.
She explained the work involved in writing the proposal is still useful for future endeavors, regardless of whether the proposal is initially accepted.
Laurie Johnson, professor of counseling, research, special education and rehabilitation, discussed her funded research in Northern Ireland. Her experience in Ireland helped her recognize it is in never too late to start working on a proposal.
"Many of us are not aware that most institutions do have endowed visiting professorships," Johnson said. "Now with the Web, so much of the work that we do is facilitated."
James Hickey, professor of law, compared the one international law program the University had in 1984, to the 27 current programs and four study abroad programs now offered by the law school.
"Our programs are robust enough now that they produce half a million to a million of income for the law school without seeking outside grants," he said. "For those seeking international opportunities, that sort of exposure is enriching to the university and to your own schools."
The CTSE provides workshops, peer reviews and discussions throughout the year for a higher standard of teaching and scholarly excellence.
Kakoulidis encourages faculty to visit the office for research and sponsored programs, located within the Office of the Provost, for further inquiries.