Instructors may use any of the following ‘Innovative Approaches to General Education Courses,’ or they may identify their own approach.

Gen Ed Themes

Organizing Gen Ed courses around one of the Gen Ed themes or creating a new Gen Ed theme (current examples: health and wellness, social justice and diversity, sustainability) can make the curriculum more coherent and synergistic.

High-Impact Practices

Integrate High Impact Practices (HIPs) into Gen Ed courses. HIPs may be undergraduate research, projects, diversity/global awareness programs, career competencies and skill development, volunteer and community service, and/or field trips.

Short-Term Faculty Led Programs

Develop a faculty led program connected to a Gen Ed course that immerses students with a domestic or international experience.

Global Classrooms

Create collaborative projects for students with peers from other countries and/or bring in global guest lecturers from different countries to provide insights into their field of expertise. This can help students develop teamwork skills and learn different cultural approaches to problem-solving while exposing them to a variety of viewpoints that enhance their global understanding.

Interdisciplinary Approaches

Faculty from different departments work collaboratively to integrate interdisciplinary approaches, combining elements from different fields to provide a more holistic understanding of subjects. This approach can help students see the connections between various disciplines and apply their knowledge in diverse contexts.

Active Learning Classes

Faculty can focus on creating small, discussion-based classes that emphasize critical thinking and active learning. This approach, although labor-intensive, ensures high-quality education and engages students more effectively.

Inclusive Course Designs

Faculty apply practices shown to be effective in building more inclusive classes, demonstrating development of a fuller understanding of the social and cultural experiences students bring to the learning environment and intentional construction of the classroom as a safe space for belonging.

Special Skills Certificates

Develop a certificate or stackable credentials across Gen Ed subjects and categories that provides students with the opportunity to earn certificates in skills in different areas (examples: data analysis, project management,  or sustainability).

Project-Based Learning

Engaging students in projects that require them to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. This approach not only enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also fosters collaboration and communication among peers. Additionally, project-based learning helps students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter by allowing them to explore and experiment with different solutions.

1-2 Credit Hour Packaged Courses

Create a variety of 1-2 credit hour 8-week “packaged” courses within the same Gen Ed category which students may combine to complete the 3 hour requirement. Courses must be offered on a regular basis so student are able to complete the Gen Ed requirement. Shorter courses with focused content on a specific topic and/or skill that aligns with the Gen Ed mission and category requirements. Students must take 2-3 of these courses in order to fulfill the 3-hour minimum requirement.

Redevelop Course into Two Courses

Redesign a course into a multi-semester course sequence to spread the content over a longer period of time focused on student success. Students take a two-course sequence to complete the subject at a pace that would allow them to learn the topic over a longer period of time.

Proposals must be submitted using the online form and will require the below information:

Applicant Information:

Applicant Name
Title(s)/Position(s)
University Email
Phone Number
Gen Ed Teaching Experience
Gen Ed courses you have taught and/or will teach including all semesters taught (example: SUBJ 100 Title (Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Future Fall 2025)
Additional Gen Ed Service/Experience (if applicable)
Gen Ed Board, Gen Ed Assemblies, Gen Ed (Re)Certification Proposals, etc.
Additional Applicants (if applicable)
If collaborating on this application, please provide information on the other applicants (name, title, email, unit)

Unit Information:

Instructional Unit (Department/School)
Unit Executive Officer (UEO) Name
Unit Executive Officer (UEO) Email
Letter of Endorsement
Upload a letter of endorsement from the unit executive officer (UEO), indicating agreement that the proposal aligns with the unit’s aims. Each UEO’s letter should make explicit reference to the course and the name of the lead proposer, and reference the Innovation in Gen Ed Courses Award. If applicable, letters should specifically address any unit cost-sharing mentioned in the proposal’s budget.
Budget Officer Name
Budget Officer Email

Course Information:

Course Subject/Number (ex. PSYC 108)
Course Title
Course Description
Course Learning Outcomes
Syllabus following Gen Ed Syllabus Guidelines (Upload)
Course Details
Include other relevant details about the course, including if the course is existing or a new course, Gen Ed categories (approved or being sought), how often the course will be offered in the future, student enrollment, and any other helpful information for review.

Innovative Approach Information

Innovative Approach Description
Provide a description of your classroom innovation. Explain how it aligns with the goals of the “Promoting Excellence in General Education” campaign. Mention any innovative approaches you plan to implement, such as integrating high-impact practices, developing interdisciplinary courses, creating global classrooms, etc. Include any additional course learning objectives.
Expected Outcomes
Describe the expected outcomes of your classroom innovation. How will it enhance the General Education Program and improve students’ learning experiences.
Timeline
Provide a timeline for your classroom innovation, including the semester you plan on implementing the classroom innovation, and future offerings.
Budget Overview
Provide an overview of how these funds will be used to support this proposal. May include costs for staffing, development, implementation, materials, resources, and any other expenses. Include if additional budgetary support is being provided by unit or other funds.
Collaboration
List any collaborators or partners involved in your project. Explain how their expertise will contribute to the success of the project. Please indicate how you intend to work with the Office of the Provost’s Gen Ed office, CITL, and any additional campus colleagues relevant to supporting the development of the course.
Sustainability
Explain how the innovation(s) in your course will be sustained beyond the grant period. Mention any plans for securing additional resources (funding, staff, etc.) and/or integrating the project into existing course offerings.
Evaluation
Describe how you will evaluate the success of your project. Include metrics will you use to measure its impact on the General Education Program and students’ learning experiences.
Additional Information (Optional)
Include any additional information that may support your application. This may include how this proposal aligns with unit/school/college/campus mission and goals and priorities, or other relevant information.
Additional Attachments (Optional)
Upload any additional documents if applicable. This could be a additional letters of support, previous project successes, or relevant research.