Up to ten proposals will be awarded based on the quality of applications received.

• $2,500 will be awarded for the full development of a course for Winter Session 2026-2027.
• $1,500 will be awarded for the substantial revision of a course for Winter Session 2026-2027.
• Pedagogical and design support for the development of instructional content will be provided by CTE Instructional Designers.

Funds will be disbursed to awardees upon completion of the project. Completion includes passing a quality review and finalizing the course in Blackboard by Monday, August 3, 2026. All funds should be expended by the end of Fiscal Year 2027 (by June 30, 2027).

When completing the Winter Session Grant Online Application, please include the contact information for your unit budget manager. If your proposal is accepted, you must notify your unit budget manager of the financial award to ensure the timely transfer of funding.

To apply, complete the Online Application and submit the Department Support Form (digital signatures are accepted). The support form must include confirmation from your department chair, program director, or dean supporting efforts to offer your funded course in Winter Session 2026-2027.

Courses proposed for the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences require the approval of the academic associate dean or their proxy.

If the proposed learning content is for a unit outside of your academic department, obtain endorsement from that unit’s program director.

Develop a one- to two-page proposal narrative that provides:

• A brief narrative that describes why you would like to develop or revise the course for Winter Session 2026-2027.
• A brief explanation of your interest and qualifications as instructor of record for the proposed course.
• A one paragraph summary of the importance of the proposed course to University, college or department curriculum objectives.
• Specific learning outcomes for the proposed course.

Applications that are complete and aligned with the requirements of this announcement will be evaluated based on merit. Proposals should be written to be understood by committee members who are not necessarily experts in the applicant’s discipline. To ensure clarity, applicants should avoid the use of jargon and acronyms whenever possible.

Proposals will be evaluated by the following criteria:

• Completeness and adherence to guidelines. 
• Clear and pedagogically coherent rationale for the project.
• Likelihood that the course will enhance the quality or extend the reach of Winter Session.
• Feasibility of the course being offered in the Winter Session format.
• Likely impact and sustainability of the proposed course.

Faculty receiving awards will be expected to:

• Participate with fellow grant participants, GARNET staff, and CTE staff in a kickoff meeting in March 2026 or April 2026 to share ideas and resources and to discuss best practices.
• Collaborate regularly with a CTE Instructional Designer to design, develop, and prepare the proposed course for Winter Session 2026-2027 (December 28, 2026 – January 17, 2027).
• Share the following information to be posted on the GARNET website by August 3, 2026:
  • Instructor contact information
  • Summary of the course in 300 words or less
  • Course learning outcomes
• Submit a complete version of the course syllabus to GARNET by August 3, 2026.
• Pass a quality review to ensure the course meets the Quality Standards for Online Courses by August 3, 2026.
• Finalize the course development in Blackboard Learn by August 3, 2026.

• Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026. 
• All applicants will be notified by Monday, March 9, 2026. 
• Grant kickoff meeting will be scheduled in March 2026 or April 2026. 
• Project ends on Monday, August 3, 2026. 
• Course is offered from December 28, 2026 – January 17, 2027