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Join Catalyst Innovative Program

Join Catalyst Innovative Program

Please Note: The call for proposals for the Catalyst Innovation Program (CIP) is currently closed. We appreciate all the creative submissions we received. If you missed the opportunity this year, we encourage you to start preparing for the next cycle. Stay informed for future announcements and updates on the next round of innovative digital learning proposals with MSU's Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI).

MSU is dedicated to enhancing digital learning experiences for students. The Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI) is committed to supporting new ideas that improve the student experience through seed grant opportunities. These opportunities align with the program's goals of enhancing digital learning experiences and promoting inclusivity. By integrating digital strategies into pedagogy, we aim to enrich student learning and streamline assessment and analysis.

Many impactful digital learning innovations at the institutional level often begin with small, experimental projects. These innovations may arise from unique pedagogical approaches in individual courses, cross-disciplinary collaborations, or responses to student feedback and needs analysis. The Catalyst Innovation Program is designed to provide one-time, just-in-time funding to test ideas or achieve incremental improvements. Proposals requiring recurring funding to sustain the innovation should detail how they plan to secure ongoing support outside of the Catalyst Innovation Program.

How to Apply

Submit your Catalyst Innovation Program (CIP) proposal through this Qualtrics form. Ensure your proposal includes the following components:

  • Description
    • Aim, hypothesis, and rationale of the innovation project and idea
  • Implementation Approach
  • Evaluation and Assessment Plan
  • Budget with Rationale

Review Process and Evaluation Criteria

The Catalyst Innovation Program offers up to $10,000 in funding for creative and innovative uses of tools, technology, and pedagogical approaches. These funds are intended for experimentation with the potential to enhance student learning experiences on a digitally-immersed, global campus. Please note: Funds are restricted to one-time expenses for software, technology, equipment, and services (either external vendors or internal services through a service center with approved rates). Catalyst funds cannot be used for salaries or recurring expenses.

Our Priorities Include:

  • Alignment with Student Learning Objectives:
    • Clearly ties the project to specific learning goals (e.g., “Students will enhance their systems thinking skills by using the virtual reality program Noda to build concept maps collaboratively.”)
  • Increase Access:
    • Provides means for all qualified, motivated students to complete courses, degrees, or programs in their disciplines of choice (e.g., universally designed experiences)
  • Foster Equitable and Inclusive Digital Learning Environments:
    • Enhances accessibility of course materials
  • Utilize Learning Analytics:
    • Enables adaptive or personalized pedagogy
  • Innovative Assessment Strategies:
    • Implements real-world and innovative assessment methods
  • Increase Student Engagement:
    • Enhances participation, collaboration, and peer learning

Project Proposals Will Be Evaluated Based On:

  • Alignment: Clearly aligns with one or more of our priorities
  • Readiness to Implement: Demonstrates feasibility and preparedness
  • Scalability: Potential for reuse or adaptation in different courses
  • Assessment Plan: Well-articulated evaluation and assessment strategy
  • Sustainability: Solid plan for maintaining the project beyond the grant

We Will Not Fund Proposals That:

  • Request Salaries or Recurring Expenses:
    • Funding is restricted to one-time expenses only
  • Lack Clear Plans:
    • Missing implementation, evaluation, or sustainability plans
  • Do Not Align with Program Goals:
    • Projects not focused on enhancing digital learning experiences and inclusivity
  • Intend Large-Scale Technology Pilots Without IT Approval:
    • Projects using software or educational technology across multiple instructors or courses should consult MSU IT

Important Dates

  • Preparing for Catalyst - Information Session: Friday, September 20, 2024  
  • Call for Proposals Opens: Monday, September 30, 2024  
  • Proposals Due: Friday, October 27, 2024
  • Awards Announced: Friday, November 8, 2024
  • Funding Availability:
    • Funds must be used in the current semester or before the next
    • Preference given to projects utilizing the award by Monday, December 30, 2024
    • Note: This grant is available twice a year—in the Spring and the Fall.

Get Involved

Request a Consultation to refine your proposal or explore innovative ideas. Our team is here to assist you with every step of your application process.