Nord Grants

Overview

Nord Grants fund faculty-led projects that create meaningful, lasting change in teaching and learning--not standard course tweaks, but innovations substantial enough to reshape how students learn. Projects can be led by an individual faculty member or a team, including partners outside CWRU.

Two funding tiers are available:

Tier 1 -- up to $7,500: course development, revision, or similar innovation projects 
Tier 2 -- up to $15,000: larger-scope projects expected to lead to a publication or conference presentation.

Awards are made twice a year (Winter, starting February 1; Summer, starting August 1). Priority is given to faculty who have not previously received Nord Grant funding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of projects does a Nord Grant support?

Projects that go beyond standard course development or revision. Possibilities might include:

• Curricular application of competency-based learning or expansion of active learning opportunities to incorporate experiential learning approaches (e.g., project-based learning, service learning, active learning)
• Innovation of instructional techniques through application of teaching and learning technology (e.g., collaborative projects with think[box] or application of AI tools in learning)
• Development of inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations to develop student learning opportunities, with potential for vocational applications
• Application of inclusive engagement teaching frameworks to expand educational access (e.g., application of Universal Design for Learning framework)
• Evaluation of innovative teaching strategies on student learning (e.g., assessment of learning in courses or curricula through research design projects)

Who is eligible to apply?

Full-time CWRU-salaried teaching faculty — tenure-track faculty, NEW—full-time non-tenure track faculty (e.g. College of Arts & Sciences instructors and senior instructors; professional school assistant, associate, and full professors), and lecturers with continuing instructional appointments. Visiting faculty, part-time faculty, postdocs, and graduate students can join as team members, but a full-time CWRU-salaried faculty member must lead the team and submit the proposal. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact your school’s UCITE Advisory Committee member or inquire with us directly.

What's the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 funding?

What does the application involve?

Three required parts, plus appropriate supporting documentation:

1. Faculty Application Form (submitted online): contact information and a project summary.
2. Project Description Form (PDF, submitted online): your full proposal, using the required template. Be concise; an interdisciplinary panel of UCITE Advisory Committee members will review it.
3. Department Chair/Dean Endorsement Form (submitted via email): your chair or dean's review of the proposal and budget, and confirmation of support.
4. Additional documentation of support (submitted via email), as applicable: for example, from any other department or unit collaborating on the project.

Reminder: Tier 2 applicants must meet with the UCITE Director before submitting. Contact UCITE to schedule a meeting prior to the pre-submission meeting deadline. A draft of your project description form must be sent to UCITE two days before your meeting to allow for review and comment.

Where do I find the application template and guidelines?

• Complete guidelines
• Project Description Template
• Department Chair/Dean Endorsement Form

May I use AI tools while preparing my proposal?

Yes, with a clear line between exploration and drafting:

• Acceptable: use AI as a discipline-specific brainstorming partner. For example, you may use AI tools to help generate ideas for assignments, to help identify relevant literature or methods in your field (e.g., Scite), or to explore learning possibilities for your project concept before you draft your proposal.
• NOT PERMITTED: DO NOT use AI to draft the proposal itself. The abstract, narrative, budget justification, and supporting materials must be written by the applicant or team of applicants.

If you are unsure whether a particular use of AI tools falls on the "brainstorming" or "drafting" side of the line, ask UCITE before you submit.

What happens after I complete my grant?

• Report: within two months of the award period ending, submit a ~500-word report on project accomplishments and impact on student learning. It will be linked on UCITE's website.
• Presentation: give a short public presentation at UCITE's Teaching Forward event at the end of the academic year.
• Acknowledgment: any resulting publications or presentations must credit UCITE support. For example, "The author of this publication/presentation received financial support from a CWRU UCITE Nord Grant for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article." Please submit electronic copies of any publications.
• You may be invited to record brief comments about your project for UCITE's website or publicity materials.

How long does the award period last?

• Winter awards: typically 1.5 fiscal years (e.g. February 2027-June 2028
• Summer awards: typically 1 fiscal year (e.g. August 2027-June 2028)

Who do I contact with questions?

Contact UCITE by phone - 216.368.1224 - or email - ucite@case.edu. We're here to talk through your idea, your tier, or the AI-use guidelines above before you apply.

Nord Grants Awarded

The following faculty were awarded grants to fund the listed proposals.