Selection Criteria & Eligibility
Applications that support a fully online program or fully online path to degree; and/or increase course capacity and flexibility; and align with program, department, and/or college goals will be given priority. Previous course offerings, rotation, instructor history, and departmental scheduling may be taken into consideration. Please review the grant application rubric for additional information on selection criteria.
Special topics courses are generally not funded unless there is a plan/pathway to make the course a regular offering.
Grant Funding & Disbursement
- Course Development (Up to $3,000): Completion of the development of a face-to-face or hybrid course for fully online delivery. This may be a new or existing course that has not been offered online previously.
- Foundations of Teaching Online ($1,000 if not yet completed): Completion of an asynchronous online training course that will help you begin development of your own online course and introduce effective practices in online teaching and learning. The course supports faculty in meeting standards outlined in UNO’s Online Course Design Review rubric and includes scheduled meetings with an instructional designer.
- Grant funds are disbursed once the recipient has completed an Online Course Design Review to quality standards. Partial funds may be disbursed at the discretion of the assigned Instructional Designer if hardware (e.g., laptop, webcam, etc.) or other needs are demonstrated.
Application Process and Grant Deadlines
To apply, please complete the Online Course Development form, which asks you to provide us with:
- Faculty and Course Information
- Course Development Impact
- Course Development Plan
Applications will be reviewed three times a year. Applicants will be notified of application status within one (1) month of deadline.
- February 1
- June 1
- September 1
Online Course Development Process
Faculty who receive a grant will:
- Enroll and complete the Foundations of Teaching Online Canvas course (unless already completed)
- Regularly meet with an Instructional Designer
- Develop their online course with the support of the Instructional Design team
- Receive a final Course Design Review for alignment with quality standards
Timeline to Complete
Online development of approved courses must be completed within six months or by the start term indicated on the application, whichever comes first. This timeline begins when the completed Agreements of Terms is received.
Grant awards may be rescinded if course development is not completed, course is not offered by agreed upon date, or an online section is not scheduled in regular course rotation.