Mini-grants and Teagle opportunities

The current Implementation Phase of the grant presents new opportunities for faculty interested in building dynamic, engaged learning experiences that will help Augustana enhance students' ability to connect their academic work in the humanities with their aspirations outside the classroom. The Implementation Team will comprise two Learning Leads in key areas. Currently in place is the Teagle Writing FYI Fellow (held by Rob Elfline). The additional learning Leads will flow from faculty deliberations in Fall 2025, but might include themes like Experiential Learning, Thematic Pathways, Senior Inquiry, High Impact Experiences, and will be based on a competitive application process. The CELTS Director will serve in an ex-officio capacity on the Implementation Team to amplify efforts.

What will Learning Leads do?

Learning Leads will lead the campus in developing engaged learning experiences and will work with the CELTS Director and the Implementation Team to create interdisciplinary conversations and support the development of the new general education curriculum.

Learning Leads’ work will be part of the Engaged Learning Incubator. The Engaged Learning Incubator (ELI) will provide funds for faculty to explore engaged learning strategies, such as creating book circles, attending conferences, purchasing course development materials, or acquiring software for digital humanities. As part of the Engaged Learning Incubator, Learning Leads will work with the CELTS Director and the rest of the Implementation Team to:

• Create Expertise Development Grants. These grants will support faculty participation in conferences related to the revised general education curriculum.
• Create Reflective Teaching Grants. These grants will support faculty in further developing the reflective components of SI courses.
• Create Course Development Grants. These grants will support faculty in revising courses to strengthen thematic pathways and integrate humanistic inquiry into foundational courses.

What will Learning Leads receive?

Learning Lead appointments last for two semesters (fall and spring) and the position includes a stipend of $1,500. Learning Leads can also access additional professional development funding up to $2,000 for approved expenses.

What is the timeline?

Informed by the deliberations of the General Education Committee and guidance related to possible new directions of the general education curriculum, the Teagle Working Group will launch a call for applications for Learning Leads in early Spring 2026.

Thanks to President Talentino, CELTS invites applications for AI Innovation Mini-Grants to support educators experimenting with generative artificial intelligence in teaching and learning on campus. These grants encourage thoughtful, ethical, and innovative uses of AI–both in and out of the classroom. Funded projects may explore new AI applications, enhance existing pedagogical approaches, or support the creation of AI-based assignments that foster creativity and critical inquiry among students. Each project will create sharable teaching materials, such as assignment guides, syllabi, sample student work, and/or reflective essays. Through CELTS, these resources will be shared with others across campus.

Applicants should consult the Augustana statement on AI in creating their proposal and in developing their projects.

Funding: Recipients will receive $250 in professional development funds and up to $500 in support resources (e.g., materials, software, subscription services) for projects to be implemented in Spring 2026. Projects may be highlighted as campus case studies in future CELTS programming. We especially encourage applications from educators who are new to receiving internal funding or do not currently hold other institutional grants, to broaden participation and innovation across the campus. 

Timeline: Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority deadline for submission for first round consideration is Nov. 21st. The review committee will include representatives from CELTS, CORE, and representatives recommended by the CELTS Advisory Group.

Application requirements:
Applicants should submit through through Google Forms the following information:

• Project Title and Description: Outline your project, including its goals, rationale, and intended outcomes. (100-150 words)
• Connection to Teaching and Learning: Explain how your project will enhance student learning or pedagogical practice. (100-150 words)
• Implementation Plan: Indicate which Spring 2026 class the project connects with and how it is being integrated into the design of the course. (50-100 words)
• Budget: Provide a brief budget indicating how funds will be used. (50-100 words)
• Deliverable: Describe what you anticipate that you will share with campus (e.g., assignment guides, syllabi, student work, case study, other resources). (50-100 words)
• Assessment/Reflection Plan: Any thoughts on how you will evaluate your project’s success or document lessons learned? (100-150 words)

Thanks to the Teagle Foundation grant, CELTS invites applications to be part of the Engaged Learning Incubator. The Incubator funds mini-grants supporting educators who wish to design or enhance arts and humanities-based engaged learning opportunities. These projects should connect engaged learning with the humanities and the arts–this might mean bringing humanities perspectives into new contexts, such as STEM courses or community-based projects, or connecting humanities courses with experiences outside the classroom. Whether you’re developing a new humanities-centered assignment, creating a public-facing project, or partnering with community organizations, this grant supports creative approaches that deepen student engagement and reflection in the arts and humanities.

Funding: Recipients will receive $250 in professional development funds and up to $500 in support resources to develop projects for Spring 2026. Funded projects will be shared as campus case studies through the Engaged Learning Incubator and future CELTS programming. We especially encourage applications from educators who are new to receiving internal funding or do not currently hold other institutional grants, to broaden participation and innovation across the campus. 

Timeline: Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority deadline for submission for first round consideration is Nov. 21st. The review committee will include representatives from CELTS and the Teagle Working Group.

Application requirements:
Applicants should submit through through Google Forms the following information:

• Project Title and Description: Outline your project, including its goals, rationale, and intended outcomes. (100-150 words)
• Connection to Teaching and Learning: Explain how your project will enhance student learning or pedagogical practice in the arts and/or humanities. (100-150 words)
• Implementation Plan: Indicate which Spring 2026 class the project connects with and how it is being integrated into the design of the course. (50-100 words)
• Budget: Provide a brief budget indicating how funds will be used. (50-100 words)
• Deliverable: Describe what you anticipate that you will share with campus (e.g., assignment guides, syllabi, student work, case study, other resources). (50-100 words)
• Assessment/Reflection Plan: Any thoughts on how you will evaluate your project’s success or document lessons learned? (100-150 words)