Academic Innovation Fund Overview
The Next-Gen K-State strategic plan emphasizes academic innovation: “We must reimagine everything about how we educate and prepare learners – broadly challenging ourselves to move nimbly beyond our traditional approaches and lean into a culture of disruption, agility and change.”
In the Fall of 2023, the Office of the Provost launched a new Academic Innovation Fund (AIF) to invest up to $1 million in new academic programs, including microcredentials in the FY24 year. A call for proposals has been established designed to spur creative curricular proposals university-wide.
Proposals may include new degree programs at all levels, minors, certificates as well as credit and noncredit microcredentials. Proposals may target existing or new audiences with a focus on positioning K-State as the first-choice education and business partner in Kansas. Additionally, proposals may build on existing curriculum or propose totally new curriculum.
Priority is given to proposals that:
- Meet regional, national or international learner or workplace needs of the future
- Drive curricular innovation and academic excellence at K-State, using new and/or flexible methods to present up-to-date and rigorous disciplinary learning experiences
- Align with the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan or realize other key outcomes and/or differentiators
- Support the long-term financial viability of the university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on questions asked during the webinar in December or through the academicinnovation@ksu.edu email, responses are provided. Questions are grouped into four categories including: General, Market Intelligence and Analysis, Funding Considerations, and Evaluation. The FAQ’s will be updated as additional questions are received.
Presentation and Other Resources
An Academic Innovation Fund informational webinar was held on December 5, 2023. Information from the session includes:
- Submitting an Academic Innovation Proposal Information Session (Zoom Recording)
- Submitting an Academic Innovation Fund (AIF) Proposal (PPT - 16MB)
During the webinar, the Academic Innovation Fund Portfolio Matrix was discussed.
Questions?
Email academicinnovation@k-state.edu with questions!