Skip to Navigation | Skip to Content
classroom

Fund for the Improvement of Teaching (FIT)

The Faculty Development Committee announces the availability of small grants to improve teaching and learning at Calvin College. Six thousand dollars is available each semester for projects and purchases that will improve teaching effectiveness. Examples of previously funded projects include:

Equipment purchases, in support of active learning, which are not able to be funded by the department

Consultants who worked with departments on strategic planning related to curriculum and educational issues.

Attendance at a conference related to a departmental or cross departmental teaching goal.

Books and refreshments for a faculty learning community focused on a teaching and learning issue.

Application process:

A short application is required.The maximum award is $1000.00, however, we encourage you to be conservative in your request, so that we can fund as many projects as possible.Applications are accepted from a department, several faculty together, or an individual faculty member. Applications that describe effects beyond the immediate project are given priority. Examples are: apple
  • Willingness to lead a teaching and learning lunch or other workshop related to the grant project
  • Ability to use the equipment or training in several courses
  • Cross departmental involvement

Applications in support of core courses and core learning objectives are given priority.A brief report on the project is required after it is completed. Applications are accepted at any time. When available funds are diminished, priority will be given to applicants who have not received Fund for the Improvement of Teaching monies in the past fiscal year.Applications must be received and approved by the Provost Office prior to the activities in question.

NOTE: This fund operates on a "reimbursement" basis. That is, you will be reimbursed from the fund for travel or other approved expenses that you have incurred. Please keep any receipts for which you expect to be reimbursed. Receipts/Credit Card statements should be submitted to the Provost Office.