2024-2025 Catalog

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C. William McKee Academic Research and Creative Activity Grants

Unique contributions to academic disciplines lead to new knowledge, interpretations, and representations of the human experience and physical world, a hallmark of academia. The purpose of such scholarly endeavor at a teaching-focused institution is to not only benefit the authors and creators of the work and their discipline, but also to enhance the academic training and experience of its students.

Cumberland therefore invests in its faculty, students, and academic reputation by supporting the academic scholarship of its faculty and staff. Each year Cumberland University faculty and staff may apply to the Provost's Office for support of their academic scholarship adherent to the expectations and procedures detailed below.

Interdisciplinary proposals are welcome and encouraged. Proposals may be submitted by a singular faculty or staff member or by several faculty and staff members working jointly. Project previously funded by funds from the Charles and Elaine Bell Grant are not eligible for funding from this source.

Expectations:

  1. The scholarship project should be completed by the end of December of the year in which the award is granted, unless a different timeline is specified in an approved prospectus.
  2. Award recipients will share the results of their projects with the Cumberland Community at a minimum, either in a Colloquium presentation or in a Faculty Research Forum which could be an outgrowth of this initiative.
  3. Failure to complete the proposed project and present it to the Cumberland Community will require the recipient(s) to repay the University for all advanced funds.
  4. Recipients will submit work for dissemination, presentation, review, etc., to external audiences and publications appropriate to the nature of the work. It is not, however, a requirement that these submissions be accepted, published, or presented beyond the university.

Procedure for application and review:

  1. A prospectus is due on the first Friday of January each year and should contain the following information:
    1. how the research project will contribute to the body of knowledge at Cumberland University and beyond,
    2. a detailed proposal of methods and materials required to complete the scholarship and an appropriate timeline for completion,
    3. a review of similar work as appropriate (e.g., a literature review),
    4. the name of three peer reviewed journals, or other appropriate public professional forums to which research will be presented or an alternative plan for presenting the findings of the research project, and
    5. how the project fits the Mission of the University.
  2. Proposals will be reviewed by a Committee composed of the three academic Deans, the Chairperson of the University IRB Committee, and the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
  3. The applicant(s) receiving an award will be notified by the end of January each year.
  4. Applicant(s) using human or animal subjects for their research must submit their proposal to the IRB for approval before beginning any research activities covered under federal guidelines governing such research.

Funding:

  1. The maximum amount of the stipend per project is $2,500. Funding is available for a limited number of projects each year.
  2. Funds may be used for such items as databases, surveys, proprietary research products, materials for participant recruitment, equipment used in ongoing research (including software, art supplies, etc.) as well as travel to specific sites for research.
  3. All grant funds will be held by the Business Office of Cumberland University and are subject to University audit and distribution regulations including purchase orders and travel request policies and procedures.
  4. Specific questions from faculty should be addressed to your Dean or Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Staff questions should be addressed to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.