Program Priorities
The Innovation Fund supports projects that:
- Contribute to a culture of innovation in the college.
- Advance the college's goal to deliver innovative, inspiring and effective instruction to students and community engagement.
- Expand current or offer new opportunities for students to actively participate in teaching, research, and beyond-the-classroom experiences.
- Align with college and university academic and strategic priorities.
Possible Project Proposals
Proposals that connect faculty with communities, enhance interdisciplinary teaching and research, and facilitate innovative and creative projects that enhance the student experience within and beyond the classroom are encouraged. Potential projects are wide ranging, and may include:
- Developing or revising online CAS courses and program offerings.
- Fostering partnerships with community-based and/or nonprofit organizations that serve South Carolina communities.
- Creation of student-centered workshops, studios, labs, and other innovative workspaces.
- Benefits and limitations of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
- All awards are made competitively.
- Full-time faculty and staff in any CAS unit (department, school, program, center, or institute) are invited to submit proposals.
- Projects may be sponsored by a single CAS faculty or staff member, or by a group.
- Multiple proposals may be submitted by an individual or group; however, each individual or group may only receive one award per application cycle.
- Proposals must be endorsed/approved by the unit chair or director. Note that projects that cross multiple units should be endorsed by all related chairs and directors.
- Total awards will range from $10,000 to $50,000.
- Funds will be awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year, including summer 2025 and summer 2026 as appropriate. Multi-year projects of up to three years will be considered.
- Proposals for projects or equipment with a cost of more than $50,000 will only be considered if the department or program provides matching funds.
- Funds may be used for course buyouts, summer salary supplements, and student stipends if the need is clearly justified.
- Courses created through an awarded project must be approved through college and university processes and offered and taught at least once within 2 years from the award date. Course development must occur in collaboration with the Dean’s Office.
- Recipients will be required to submit a 3-4 page report at the end of the award period summarizing the project, its accomplishments and challenges, and possible next steps in continuing to advance the project goals.
The Associate Deans comprise the selection committee, chaired by the Dean. Competitive proposals will have a high impact and demonstrate innovation, sustainability beyond the project funding period, and the potential for scaling.
The following materials should be submitted using the online form.
Project Proposal: A project proposal of no more than four pages. The proposal should be in PDF format and include:
- A brief description of the proposed project and its goals;
- A list of individuals who will contribute and their roles;
- A timeline of activities and deliverables; and
- A rationale describing how the project will fulfill the fund priorities.
Project Budget: An itemized budget using the McCausland Innovation Fund Budget Template is required. Budgets should include fringe when personnel are involved, with justification detailing how the funds will be spent. Budgets including proposed course buyouts must comply with the CAS Course Buyout Policy [pdf]. Budgets should also list resources sought or acquired from other sources. Approved technology purchases and other supplies are the property of the College of Arts and Sciences. Applicants should contact their unit CAS Budget contact with any questions about budget development or allowable expenses. Please see the following examples of a completed Budget Justification and Sample Budget for guidance.
Project Lead and Faculty Partner CVs: A two-page curriculum vitae or resume in PDF format for each project lead and faculty partner.
Please contact Claudia Benitez-Nelson (BENITEZN@mailbox.sc.edu) if you need help troubleshooting the application form.