E&I update: Dec. 9 is deadline for conference proposals, grant applications and more

Several opportunities to highlight, launch or recognize campus equity and inclusion efforts are currently available thanks to opportunities now being offered by Equity, Inclusion & Community Impact.

These opportunities include the chance to present at the 2020 University of Cincinnati Equity & Inclusion Conference, set for April 1; the opportunity to apply for an Equity & Inclusion Incentive grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000; and the opportunity to recognize the work of a campus community member or group by making a nomination for the Marian Spencer Equity Ambassador Award.

More information is below, and the deadline to submit a conference proposal, grant proposal or nomination is Dec. 9, 2019.

Featured image: Participants at UC's Equity and Inclusion Conference interact during one of the discussion sessions. Photo/Joe Fuqua II, UC Creative Services

The conference is designed to highlight pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices that encourage individuals and organizations to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments. Interactive workshop presentations, training seminars, and stimulating panel discussions are being sought. Concurrent session proposals are welcome from all interested faculty, students, staff, and administrators who practice and value inclusive excellence.

Click below to view updated guidelines and access the submission portal. For consideration, proposals must be submitted no later than Monday, December 9, 2019 with bios and photos for each presenter included.

Submit a concurrent session proposal

For more information on the call for proposals, please contact Dy’an Marinos at Dyan.Marinos@uc.edu or Natalia Darling at darlinnp@ucmail.uc.edu

The Equity & Inclusion Incentive Grant program seeks to support collaborative efforts between colleges and units that align with the Inclusive Excellence pathway in our university’s Strategic Direction. To advance those ideals, E&I seeks to enhance belonging, agency, cultural competence, and accountability within and across the campus community.

These are defined in the following ways:

• Belonging: The degree to which one feels supported, connected, valued and respected.
• Agency: The ability to use one’s personal power to impact positive change.
• Cultural Competence: The awareness, knowledge and skills to interact comfortably across difference.
• Accountability: The obligation of individuals to acknowledge their behaviors and decisions, accept responsibility for them and correct them, if necessary. The expectation for managers and leaders to ensure those in their charge comport themselves accordingly.

Students, faculty, and staff in all colleges and units within the university are eligible to apply.

Proposals must be collaborative in nature (college/college, college/unit, unit/unit).

Proposals involving multiple partners must identify a lead college or unit.  A college/unit can only submit one proposal as a lead, but is not limited in the number of proposals it can participate in otherwise. The proposal must have approval from the head of the lead college/unit.

A 1:1 cash match is required. Matching funds will signal a strong commitment to the proposed program by the submitting college/unit. A clear letter of support and intent to fund the project from the Dean of the College or head of the unit must accompany the proposal at time of submission.

The Equity & Inclusion Incentive Grant program was designed to support new and innovative research and activities that support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Therefore, projects that have not received funding through this program will be given priority. Grant administrators strongly encourage individuals, colleges, and units that have not received an E&I Incentive Grant to apply.

For full consideration, the proposal should include a title and description addressing:

The purpose of the project: How does the project enhance belonging, agency, cultural competence, or accountability?

The intended audience: Who will participate in and benefit from this project?

Proposed activities: In what research or activity will you engage participants?

A clearly defined timeline: What is the anticipated date of each activity?

Desired outcomes and methods for assessment: What is your anticipated outcome and how will you determine success of the project?

A viable plan for sustainability: How will you continue the work beyond the Incentive Grant-funded year?

Project Budget: Grants may range from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the project.

Provide an expense description, requested amount, and cost share. If applicable, indicate other sources of financial support.

Salaries for UC employees, stipends for student assistants, conference travel, and other indirect expenses will not be covered by this award.

No more than 25 percent of the award may be used to cover catering expenses.

Report Requirements: Grantees funded under this RFP will be required to report in two formats: 1) a final written report due at the end for the 2020 – 2021 academic year to the Vice President for Equity, Inclusion & Community Impact and 2) a presentation to the President’s Diversity Council or to the campus community through a university-wide forum.

Submit an Equity & Inclusion Incentive Grant proposal

Proposals must be submitted no later than Monday, December 9.  Award notification will be sent by January 31, 2020. For additional Information or to ask questions, please contact:

Dy’an Marinos
Phone: 556-8463
Email: Dyan.Marinos@uc.edu

Celebrated civil rights activist Marian Spencer, a 1942 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, was the first African American female elected to Cincinnati City Council and the first female president of the Cincinnati chapter of the NAACP. She led the fight to desegregate public schools and integrate Coney Island. She won both battles. We want to continue to honor Mrs.  Spencer’s legacy of activism and servant leadership through the Marian Spencer Equity Ambassador Awards. These awards are designed to showcase members of our campus community whose efforts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion have had a positive impact the university – advancing belonging, agency, cultural competence, and accountability within and across the campus community.

Nominations are now being accepted for the Marian Spencer Equity Ambassador Award to be presented at the 12th Annual E&I Conference on April 1, 2020.  All UC students, faculty, staff and campus organizations are eligible for these awards. Members of the campus community can nominate individuals and groups for this honor. Nominees must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Promotes a sense of belonging among students, faculty, and staff
• Facilitates the growth of a sense of agency among colleagues/peers
• Exhibits cultural competence when interacting with Bearcats, vendors, and guests
• Prepares others to thrive in a diverse and global workforce by advancing personal and professional accountability
  
  Nominations must be received by Dec. 9, 2019: Submit a nomination