The Center for Academic Innovation is inviting proposals from Ann Arbor campus faculty to engage in projects in three areas aligned with the center’s mission.
The center is currently accepting proposals focused on developing online and hybrid degree programs, adopting educational technology and conducting educational research.
The center provides financial and in-kind support from U-M’s Academic Innovation Fund to help faculty and staff develop innovative projects. Each call for proposals has project priorities, submission requirements and deadlines for final proposals.
CAI staff are available to consult on potential projects, offering consultation services by appointment or through open office hours.
Learn more about each open call below, and additional details about submission guidelines, procedures and consultation with the center are available on the center’s Academic Innovation Fund page.
Online and hybrid degree programs
Online and hybrid degree portfolios, degrees supported by open online courses, series and certificates, allow academic units to attract and meet student and learner needs effectively.
Priority will be given to proposals that explore and validate potential and early-stage online degree program portfolio concepts. The submission deadline is April 5. Learn more about this call for proposals.
Educational technology
The center is seeking proposals to adopt existing educational technologies that enable innovative pedagogy, skill development and personalization at scale.
Tools available for adoption funds and support include:
- GradeCraft, a learning management system that supports gameful instruction.
- Lettersmith, a writing support tool that provides structured guidance and encourages metacognition.
- Problem Roulette, a study tool encouraging practice with real problems from previous exams.
- Tandem, a tool that helps instructors and teams manage teamwork.
The submission deadline is May 17. The center will conduct an Educational Technology Showcase from 3-5:30 p.m. Feb. 21 that is open to faculty and staff to learn about tools, discuss proposal ideas and consult with center staff. Learn more about this call for proposals.
Educational research
Faculty, students and staff are invited to apply for research grants, with the following research areas receiving prioritization:
- Generative artificial intelligence technologies in postsecondary teaching; use of technology to advance student success.
- Accessibility, impact or efficacy of extended-reality-enhanced learning experiences.
- Open learning experiences and their ability to support undergraduate student success.
The submission deadline is March 15. Learn more about this call for proposals.
