Inside Iowa State

Nov. 2, 2007

Diversity grants get a boost

by Erin Rosacker

Diversity initiatives were the focus of a pair of task forces organized through the Office of the Provost in the summer of 2006. Recommendations from both groups have resulted in nearly double the funding for diversity grants this year.

With specific needs and opportunities presented in the task force findings, executive vice president and provost Elizabeth Hoffman allocated additional funds to make $60,000 available for awards in the diversity grants program this year. Grants up to $5,000 are available to faculty and staff.

"This increase in funds will allow us to support more of the innovative research and curricula currently under development by our faculty and staff," said associate provost for faculty advancement and diversity Susan Carlson.

Dialogues on Diversity

The task force charged with reviewing the Dialogues on Diversity program, a one-credit university studies course created to foster relationships among people with diverse backgrounds, saw several of its recommendations put into action. Currently funded by the provost office, the program will receive an increased budget and move to the College of Human Sciences in the 2009 fiscal year.

A second, two-credit course also was proposed by the task force. With no budgeted dollars available, the provost office will encourage individuals to apply for diversity grants to develop the course.

Institute for Social Justice

The second task force explored the feasibility of an Institute for Social Justice. Instead of endorsing the creation of an institute, the group recommended continued support and enhancement of the multidisciplinary efforts already available on campus -- especially in Human Sciences' Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program, which offers a social justice concentration of study.

Recommendations to provide additional funding for research support and development of an undergraduate certificate were areas the provost office pinpointed for optimal use of diversity grant monies.

Feb. 4 deadline

The diversity grants program was created to support diversity efforts in education, research and outreach to minorities and under-represented faculty, staff and students at ISU. Last year, nine proposals received a total of $34,600 in funding. Awards included seed money for a national grant proposal, funding for a retention study, creation of a graduate course and filming of a documentary.

Proposals are due to the provost office by Feb. 4, 2008, and monies must be expended by June 30, 2009. Applications are available online.

Women's Enrichment Fund mini-grants available

For the fourth year, applications also are available for Women's Enrichment Fund mini-grants, funds earmarked to benefit the experiences of female faculty, staff and students at ISU. The timeline parallels that of the diversity grants, with a Feb. 4, 2008, deadline for proposals. Applications are online.

"This increase in funds will allow us to support more of the innovative research and curricula currently under development by our faculty and staff."

Susan Carslon, associate provost for faculty advancement and diversity