UW–⁠Madison Information Technology
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Use data to support diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging

Are you interested in using data as a way to support diversity, equity, inclusion or belonging? Apply for a microgrant so you can collaborate with others and obtain support in your exploration.

The Division for Teaching and Learning (DTL) and the Learning Analytics Center of Excellence (LACE) are offering microgrants to help facilitate exploration on how data empowered educational practices (DEEP) might contribute to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in the UW–‍Madison teaching and learning experience.

Microgrants will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 per semester for an academic year. Grants can be used for supplies and services, professional development or equipment. In addition, grantees will be part of a microgrant learning community and will meet to collaborate and obtain support during the fall and spring semesters of the program. Participants will receive pedagogical support, analytical and evaluation support, data governance guidance, and assistance using or integrating tools to support projects.

In this page

How do I apply?

Download the information packet that includes the questions that need to be answered and the scoring rubric for proposals. It includes sample proposals, as well as slides from an information session that provides more details about the program, including goals, expectations, timelines and logistics. Complete the application form by August 18.

Complete the application

Informational sessions are also being offered this summer, to answer questions about the program and to help applicants frame and scope their proposals. We highly encourage you to attend or listen to an information session.

Eligibility, expectations and key dates

Proposal Due Date

August 18, 2023

Eligibility

These microgrants are available to instructors and instructional staff working at UW–‍Madison. Collaboration is encouraged. If you are not an instructor and would like to apply, please collaborate with someone who is teaching a for-credit course. If you have questions, please email the project team.

Expectations

  • Participate in monthly microgrant learning community cohort meetings; events will be held both in person and virtually.
  • Complete an action research or instructional improvement project, using teaching and learning data/information to consider how to improve an aspect of diversity, equity, inclusion or belonging in a course/program.
  • Participate in sharing your work at an event on campus.

Funding

Grants will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 per semester, for an academic year. Once notification letters are sent, additional information will be provided. These grants can be used for supplies and services, professional development/conferences or equipment. These funds are not intended for salary (to buy out your time or get a TA/RA) unless your department covers fringe costs. Grants will be distributed to your department to administer.

Benefits to program participants

  • Analytical support
  • Assessment support
  • Data governance guidance
  • Funding
  • Pedagogical support
  • Peer collegial support
  • Support using or integrating campus supported tools

Thinking about a proposal?

“DEEP” is a framework/mindset to enhance institutional capacity to leverage data to advance equitable student success. What does that mean in practical terms? Think about what data might be useful to access before, during and after a course. How might you leverage data for program improvements?

We’re focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and encourage you to think broadly. Proposals do NOT have to address all aspects of DEIB; for example you may have a question that focuses on inclusion and belonging, and not diversity and equity.

What would you like to experiment with or think about to support student learning? Are you interested in using data or information from existing campus tools, resources or course contents?

For example,

  • What insights might Canvas or Kaltura analytics provide?
  • Can you leverage minute papers from student reflections?
  • Perhaps using the Course Level Undergraduate Snapshot (CLUES), or dashboards from Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research (DAPIR) might provide new insights?
  • Do you have a series of assignments or a set of assessments/class activities you’d like to review through a DEIB lens?
  • Are you interested in exploring student-facing learning analytics?

We will have 3 virtual information sessions this summer to help answer your questions and help you  frame and scope your project proposals. We encourage you to attend a session so we can answer your questions, but this is not required. We hope you will consider taking advantage of these opportunities so that your project can hit the ground running at the start of the fall semester.

The sessions are all virtual and will be recorded for those who cannot attend. Sign up for a session so you can receive project updates, and links to recorded sessions.

Complete application by Aug 18

Learn more

Learn more about the first round of microgrants. The inaugural cohort presented at the May 18, 2023  Teaching and Learning Symposium.