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GSI Teaching & Resource Center
University of California, Berkeley

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Course Improvement Grants

Eligibility
Any UC Berkeley Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) teaching a section or course during the 2007-2008 academic year or summer session is eligible to apply. GSIs may receive no more than one grant per semester.

Purpose of the Program
The aim of the grant program is to provide modest funds for projects that will enhance student learning and increase the GSI's teaching effectiveness. The intention of the program is to make available to all students in your section or course the opportunity to participate in the project.

Amount Awarded
The maximum amount awarded is $300, and full or partial funding may be provided. Funds are transferred to and administered by the department in which the course is being taught. Any items purchased through this program shall remain the property of the University, as stipulated in the award letter.

Implementation of Project
Projects need to take place during the GSI's teaching assignment. GSIs may apply for funds in the semester before they teach or during their teaching appointment, but not during or after the project has been undertaken. Funds must be spent by the end of the semester in which the grant is awarded.

Deadline
There is no deadline, but applications, letters of support, and any required documentation must be received no later than 15 working days prior to the implementation of the proposed project. Applications are accepted year-round.

Application Form and Documentation Process
To submit a proposal, you must complete an application form and checklist [pdf]. Two copies of the proposal must be submitted to the GSI Teaching and Resource Center, 301 Sproul Hall. The application and checklist must be accompanied by all documents relevant to the request, including a résumé for prospective speakers, a letter of support from the faculty member in charge of the course, and, when appropriate, a minimum of two estimates for purchases over $100.

Assistance in Developing a Proposal
Information and assistance in planning and developing your grant proposal are available from the GSI Teaching and Resource Center in 301 Sproul Hall. You may call (510) 642-4456 or e-mail gsi@berkeley.edu if you wish to discuss your project with a consultant.

Types of Projects That Are Funded
Typical activities funded by GSI Course Improvement Grants include:

Examples of Grants Awarded

Suggestions for Writing a Successful Proposal

Restrictions
These funds cannot be used to augment or provide normal departmental course support (e.g., duplicating of standard course materials or purchasing supplies). Projects that impact an entire course being taught by a faculty member are under the faculty member's purview, and funding should be sought through the Office of Educational Development (510-642-6392). Funds may be used for expenses related to course improvement with the following exceptions:

Criteria for Judging Proposals

Impact of Grant
Funded applicants will be sent a questionnaire with the award letter in which they will be asked to describe the results and impact of their projects. The questionnaire should be returned to the GSI Teaching and Resource Center as soon as the project is completed but no later than the end of the semester in which the grant has been awarded.

Notification of Awards
Applicants typically will be notified three weeks after submitting an application.

Grants Links:

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