Office of Public Health Practice

Newsletter

CBPH Mini-grant Applications for Curriculum Changes

Since 1994, this funding, provided by the Dean’s Office, has been awarded to enhance the role of community approaches to public health practice in the School’s curriculum.  Again this year, following the recommendations in the UM-SPH Report of the Task Force on Diversity, March 10, 2003, this funding can also be used by faculty to integrate knowledge and skills relating to diversity and health throughout their courses.

The SPH Community-Based Public Health Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the award process, is now accepting applications for this new round of funding. The committee’s decisions about awarding funding are based upon goals and objectives with respect to community-based approaches and diversity curriculum.

Mini-grant funding -

• Courses offered no later than Winter Term, 2010
• Awards range from $1000 – $5000

Mini-grant Funding Description
Mini-Grant funding is available to SPH faculty to assist in the design of new courses or the enhancement or revision of courses for the purpose of satisfying one or more of the goals and objectives.

Decisions will be made on the basis of the CBPH committee's opinion of the group of proposals having the greatest potential long-term effect in satisfying the goals and objectives.  CBPH committee reserves the right to negotiate final mini-grant amounts with faculty submitting successful proposals.
Funding can be requested for any or all of the purposes listed below related to curriculum design.  There is no restriction on faculty successful in receiving a mini-grant from one cycle submitting a proposal for support of the same or other courses or programs in a subsequent cycle.

Mini-grant funds can be used for the following purposes:

• For partial faculty salaries;
• For support of students assisting faculty in curriculum design and revision or delivery;
• Honoraria for community-based leadership and public health practitioners invited to participate as guest lecturers or in other capacities in connection with curriculum;
• To defray travel costs of students participating in curriculum or program design or in taking courses involving community-based fieldwork, and to defray other out-of-pocket expenses of students or faculty in connection with curriculum.

Requirements and Desired Characteristics for Mini-grants Applications

• All proposals must satisfy one or more goals and objectives.
• Practice-based or experiential learning is encouraged by either bringing community leadership or practitioners to the classroom or affording students opportunities to work in the field.
• It is desirable that courses and programs be evaluated, revised as needed, and offered as an ongoing part of the school's curriculum. 
• Following the course, a final report is due to CBPH one month after the end of the term.
• On-Campus and On-Job-On-Campus courses are eligible to receive mini-grant support. 
• Independent Studies courses are also eligible provided there is intent to convert successful courses into pilot and ultimately permanent courses.

To apply download the Mini-Grant Application for Curriculum Changes. 
Completed applications are due electronically to dvereen@umich.edu.