Interdisciplinary Initiatives

The Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning, in Partnership with the Division of Strategy and Innovation, and in support of the Bradley University Strategic Plan, invites applications in support of 3 Interdisciplinary Initiatives.

Building Interdisciplinary Connections: Paired Courses

Paired courses provide an opportunity for faculty to build interdisciplinary connections and network with colleagues while also advancing students’ integrative learning. The development of paired courses will enhance curricular connections within interdisciplinary majors and minors and create opportunities for exploring new interdisciplinary programs and activities.

In collaboration with the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning (CTEL), the Division of Strategy and Innovation is supporting this strategic initiative by funding the development of new paired courses for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Funds (up to $1,000 for each award) are available from the Division of Strategy and Innovation to support the development of new paired courses. The brief proposal process and the evaluative criteria for making award decisions are described below.

Deadline: April 1, 2022.

Strategic Plan Seed Grant Challenge to Advance Interdisciplinary Studies

Purpose - Support the enhancement or the development of interdisciplinary programs and initiatives at Bradley University. The awards will provide time and resources necessary for bringing to fruition ideas that will advance interdisciplinary studies at Bradley University.

Awards - Award amounts from the Division of Strategy and Innovation up to $7,500. As many as three awards will be made.

Scope - Proposed initiatives may include, but are not limited to, opportunities in the following five categories. A proposed initiative may fall into more than one category.

  • High Impact Practices with an interdisciplinary focus. Refer to this link for a list of high impact practices: High Impact Practices AACU.
  • Curriculum. Revamp existing interdisciplinary degree-granting programs. Examples include developing an integrated and sequenced core or incorporating high impact practices into the curriculum.
  • Scholarship. Develop or enhance interdisciplinary research and artistry connections to catalyze programmatic initiatives and partnerships.
  • New Program. Develop a competitive proposal for the New Opportunities Process.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Advance programs and initiatives that foster attributes associated with a welcoming campus community (e.g., civic, global, and cultural competency, inclusivity, equity, and diversity).

Deadline: April 8, 2022.

Making Connections: Bradley University Interdisciplinary Living Learning Community Program

Introduction. A Living Learning Community (LLC) - is a cohort of students who share a residential area based on their common interest in a distinctive theme. Participation in Living Learning Communities facilitates students’ academic and social transition to college. LLCs are aligned with best practices when

  • Students in the community enroll in one or more academic courses together.
  • Co-curricular activities are coordinated with coursework and the residential experience.

Bradley University Interdisciplinary LLCs are designed for first-year students. Each LLC features an academic theme of sufficient breadth and depth to (a) warrant an interdisciplinary approach for studying it and (b) stimulate interest among students from any major. The theme will often relate to an interdisciplinary major and/or minor at Bradley.

Funds are available from the Division of Strategy and Innovation for: Course Addition/Modification; Faculty Coordinator; Programming; and Resident Advisors.

Deadline: April 20, 2022