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Distance Course Development Grant Application

Purpose and Instructions

If you haven't downloaded these instructions and questions, we highly recommend doing that preparation first before starting the form. Copy the Instructions here.

Updated April 2026

Purpose: Strategically use resources to align distance course development and design with UMA’s mission, vision, and values to: 
  • Learn from each other to continually improve distance learning at UMA;
  • Support faculty to develop or revise new and innovative distance courses and curriculum;
  • leverage faculty subject expertise and learning experience designers in a structured, collegial, and collaborative design process to adopt high impact teaching practices; 
  • leverage the resources of UMA academic services to support student learning;
  • transcend average quality standards of distance education; and
  • achieve consistent, high-quality, engaging student-centered education for a diverse and digital future.
Instructions

Full and part-time faculty are invited to apply for a Distance Course Development Grant using this application when they seek support to design or redesign and develop an innovative new distance course. The grant provides either release time (full-time faculty only) or a stipend, (both full and part-time faculty), and intensive support from a learning experience designer with the FDC and the full academic services team, per the course's goals.

Use this application to:
  • Release Time: Request approval of release time  during fall or spring semesters to develop a new or adapt a current course for Hybrid/Blended, Distance Synchronous, Online, or Hyflex delivery (full-time faculty only). The process must be completed during the semester of release time. Requests for extensions must be made to your dean.
     
    • Or
       
  • Stipend funded up to $1,500.00: Request approval of a stipend to develop a new course for Hybrid/Blended, Distance Synchronous, Online, or Hyflex delivery (full or part-time faculty). 
  • Stipend funded up to $500.00: Request approval of a stipend to adapt or redesign a current course for Hybrid/Blended, Distance Synchronous, Online, or Hyflex delivery (full or part-time faculty).
     
    • Adapt or redesign shall mean: To make the current course suitable for delivery in the new distance instructional modality or, substantively redesign a course to incorporate and update high-impact instructional strategies, authentic learning assessments better suited for distance education, and technologies that align with the purpose of this process.
       
    • And
       
  • New Option Neuro-Inclusive Course Designation - additional stipend funded at $300: Faculty may also choose to pursue an optional Neuro-Inclusive Course Designation as part of this process. This additional pathway focuses on designing courses that support diverse learning needs, executive function, and inclusive learning environments. More information and an opportunity to opt into this designation will appear later in the application.


  • Example: Stipend funded at $1,500.00 + $300 = $1,800.00

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