Digital Scholar Grant Program

The aim of the Digital Scholar grant program is to increase scholarship in digital practices produced by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi faculty. The program is open to all full-time faculty in any discipline and provides participants the opportunity to explore digital strategies and addresses the need for high-quality digital innovation. The goal of the program is to support the study, adaptation and implementation of effective evidence-based innovations that can be employed in their course during the incoming year.

One faculty member will be selected to conduct a year-long research project. The selected participant will receive a $1000 participation stipend along with project funding of up to $500 for digital resources* needed to support their research project.

Submission Requirements

1. Title of the proposed research project.
2. Abstract (no more than 855 characters [approximately 150 words]): The abstract should provide the general description or summary of the proposed project.
3. Project Description (no more than 11835 characters [approximately 2000 words]): Define the scope and provide details of the project. Your project description should define the project goals and how they will be achieved, identify technologies to be used in the project, describe intended benefit to student learning outcomes, detail how success will be measured, and articulate how the scholar intends to share the results of the project with TAMU-CC faculty.
4. Timeline: Provide a timeline during which the project will be developed and implemented.
5. Budget: List how the grant funding will be used. The Grant money may be used for legitimate scholarly purposes approved by Digital Learning and Academic Innovations, such as digital resources and purchase of research materials.

Grant funding may not be used to purchase computer systems (desktops, laptops, tablets), or for hiring staff.

Project Deliverables

1. Mid-point progress report six months from research project start date outlining accomplishments based on submitted project abstract, description and timeline, and projection for remaining work.
2. Final project report summarizing research project findings and the academic impact of the digital strategy implemented within the academic course.

Selection Process and Notification

Upon receipt of applications, the Digital Learning and Academic Innovations team will conduct a thorough review of each application. All applicants will be notified, by email, regarding the status of their grant application on Monday, January 17, 2022.

Selection Criteria Guidelines

The Digital Learning and Academic Innovations team will consider the extent to which each grant proposal addresses the following criteria:

• demonstrates foresight and careful planning for long-term impact,
• articulates clear, measurable goals, and
• includes an evaluation plan by which goals are measured.

Terms of Participation

By submitting a Digital Scholar research project proposal, the applicant agrees to the following terms:
• Obtain IRB approval before grant funds can be disbursed.
• Build an academic partnership with Digital Learning and Academic Innovations.
• Submit items identified in the Project Deliverables section.
• Serve as a mentor for next year’s digital scholar.
• Share project findings through publications in peer reviewed Academic journals.

Distribution of Grant Funds

The grant recipient will be required to submit verification that they agree to the terms of the participation. Once the agreement to the terms of participation has been received, disbursement of funds can begin. An initial disbursement of $500 will be awarded to the grant recipient. Another disbursement of $500 occurs after the final report is submitted and reviewed by the Digital Learning and Academic Innovations team. As noted, the grant recipient is allowed up to $500 for digital resources to help support their research. Disbursement of funds for the digital resources will be based on need and after DLAI consultation.

For more information about the stipend process or status, please contact the Office of the Dean of Libraries at libraryadmin@tamucc.edu

Dates to Remember

• Application submission opens on Tuesday, November 9th, at 8:00 AM CST.
• Application submission closes on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
• Proposal’s selection will be announced on Monday, January 17, 2022.

*Digital resource funding may not be used for staffing, computing workstation purchases (desktop, laptop or tablet devices) or participation stipends.