MCCAMC Faculty Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Awards Frequently Asked Questions

What is the intent of this initiative?

The College has made it a priority to set aside funding each year to provide reassigned time, minigrants, or additional travel support to faculty members engaged in research, scholarship, and/or creative activity (RSCA) that will represent a significant contribution to the profession. The expectation is that, once completed, this work will be peer reviewed according to the personnel procedures of the appropriate department. The goal is to incentivize faculty in the College to carry out substantial projects that raise the visibility and RSCA productivity of the College. Any unique aspects of the projects should be emphasized in the proposal. 

What are the awards?

There are three types of MCCAMC RSCA Awards: 

• Reassigned time: typically 3 weighted teaching units but up to 3.9 when that is a typical course for a faculty member; 
• Mini-grant: up to $5,000 and may be used for student assistants, travel to conduct research, materials and supplies, and/or equipment; 
• Additional Travel Support: up to $2,000 for travel needs that go above and beyond what is usually supported.

Who is eligible for these awards?

• All probationary faculty in their third year on campus or beyond as well as all tenured faculty are eligible (not including faculty in the FERP program). The rationale for the exclusion from this initiative of probationary faculty in their first and second years is that they are already receiving reassigned time to launch their RSCA agendas.
• This reassigned time may be used in conjunction with other awarded reassigned time provided that it is for clearly different work.
• Faculty may apply for the additional travel funds for use during a sabbatical semester.
• Two faculty members may apply as a collaborative team in which each would receive reassigned time for one course.

For reassigned time, when should the work be accomplished?

A significant amount of the work should be carried out during the semester in which reassigned time is given, though the work may be started prior to the semester and/or completed after the semester is over.

For mini-grant, for what and when should the funds be used?

Awards given should be used in the fiscal year. The college spending deadline is May 30, 2021. Expense items may include student assistants, travel, supplies & materials, rentals, equipment (excluding printers), editorial contracts, or other categories appropriate to the research. Please note that the awarded funds may not be used for hospitality, food, and payments of salary to faculty members.

For travel support, when should the travel take place?

Awards given may include travel in the summer, fall, spring and summer. For any summer travel, eTravel Travel Approvals must be completed by May 30 (no retroactive approvals)

Who will decide who gets the awards?

The Department Chairs or their designees will serve as the review committee, although they will not have a vote when reviewing applicants from their own departments. Their rankings will serve as a recommendation to the Dean.

Additional Requirements

Faculty receiving an award will be required to submit a short activity report including peerreviewed outcomes early in the following semester and present their work at a college research colloquium.

Revised: January 27, 2020