Illinois State University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has announced applications are open to three grant programs intended to promote the future of general education and research in the University’s largest college.
General Education Teaching Innovation Grant
The General Education Teaching Innovation (GETI) Grant is a new program supporting the development of innovative courses and interdisciplinary undergraduate certificates. Courses and certificates developed with GETI funds will bolster the forthcoming general education program, “Gen Ed 28,” launching in fall 2028.
Applicants may apply to develop an innovative course that aligns with one of the new Gen Ed 28 categories or create an interdisciplinary undergraduate certificate program that incorporates new courses representing at least three different gen ed designations.
Individual recipients will receive $300 for the design and development of a new general education course. All members of a group developing an undergraduate certificate program will also receive $300. Applications are open now, and proposals are due March 6, 2026.
Questions can be directed to Associate Dean Rocio Rivadeneyra at rrivade@IllinoisState.edu.
CAS Ignite Grant
The CAS Ignite Grant promotes innovative scholarship to meet emerging challenges and opportunities, a priority of the CAS strategic plan. The new grant program is designed to provide an initial catalyst for new discoveries, creative breakthroughs, and future external funding.
Full details of the grant program were communicated to college faculty via email on November 11 and are noted in Watermark Faculty Success. Project funding may not exceed $1,000. All full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty in the college are eligible. Proposals are due December 15, and funds must be used by June 1, 2026.
Questions can be directed to Associate Dean Laura Vogel at lavogel@IllinoisState.edu.
Dean’s Research Challenge Grant
The Dean’s Research Challenge Grant returns for a second year. It supports innovative, interdisciplinary projects aligned with this year’s theme of “transformation.” Up to five grants of $5,000 will be awarded for the 2025-26 cycle. Proposals are due February 7, 2026, and funds must be used by June 30, 2026.
Full details of the grant program were communicated to college faculty via email on November 11 and are noted in Watermark Faculty Success. All CAS faculty are eligible. Teams are eligible—and may include faculty outside of CAS—but the principal investigator must hold a primary appointment in a CAS unit.
Questions can be directed to Associate Dean Laura Vogel at lavogel@IllinoisState.edu.
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