We are very happy to announce a new faculty funding opportunity available through the Digital Liberal Arts Initiative. The Digital Enhancement Fund is intended to support faculty projects, in research or teaching, based on digital methods. Unlike some other DLA programs, the Digital Enhancement Fund is available to all faculty, whatever their home department or program or disciplinary background.
The general purpose of this funding program is to encourage faculty to try new methods, learn new skills, or master advanced skills that will enhance their teaching or research. Funding may support acquisition of software or hardware that the College does not already provide and that regular departmental and other sources of internal funding cannot cover in an expedited fashion; hiring a student research assistant for a digital project; research travel related to a digital project; travel to conferences focused on digital research or teaching; travel to a training opportunity, such as a workshop on digital methods; or expenses related to bringing to campus a speaker or workshop instructor whose expertise will contribute to awareness or training in an important digital tool or method.
Successful applicants will be required to submit a short report at the conclusion of the award that explains how the tool, workshop, conference, or lecture contributed to the applicant’s professional development.
The DLA Executive Committee will review proposed projects in consultation with appropriate technical specialists and faculty experts to ensure that each project can be supported. When projects intersect with one of the DLA Hubs, they will be reviewed by the appropriate Hub faculty and staff.
Proposals will be reviewed on two schedules. Proposals for projects up to $3,000 will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Projects with larger budgets will be reviewed twice each semester. This year there will be three reviews of larger projects, with deadlines for applications on Dec. 1, March 15, and May 1. Applicants will be notified of decisions as soon as possible. Please be advised that DLA funding is limited; it is unlikely that we can consider funding requests of over $10,000.
The online proposal form lays out the specific information required in applications. Applicants are advised to consult with Anne Knowles or Jason Mittell (faculty co-directors of DLA) or Alicia Peaker (DLA Postdoctoral Fellow) before submitting their application, to discuss the suitability of the proposal and budget. To request a consultation, email dla@middlebury.edu.