Updated August 7, 2020 for AY2020-2021.

The University Senate Committee on Faculty Research (CFR) Faculty Research Grants Program awards three types of funding — summer research appointments, research graduate assistantships, and grants to promote research. In keeping with broader university-wide diversity and inclusion efforts, a portion of available funds will be reserved for research, scholarship, creative activities in the areas of social justice, human rights, diversity, and inclusion. Proposals in these areas must address a scholarly question that will lead to testable objectives or measurable outcomes. Regular eligibility criteria and application procedures, as outlined in the CFR Program Guidelines, apply.

Summer Research Appointments (SRA)

The Board of Trustees has authorized a number of Summer Research Appointments (SRA) for faculty members each year. Each SRA carries a salary of $6,200. Recipients are expected to devote significant effort on scholarly research during at least four (4) weeks of the summer following the date of the award. Recipients are allowed to supplement their salaries from internal or external sources only if they are working on the CFR or closely related research project and if they do not exceed 100% effort (based on salary) during the term of the award. The recipient should neither accept classroom teaching or workshop assignments nor obtain support for the revision or development of teaching materials or practices during the term of the award unless these are included and clearly part of the proposed CFR project. The award cannot be deferred or extended beyond, and the recipient must remain on the Miami University faculty in the academic year following, the summer of the award. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Associate Provost for Research & Scholarship and the Director of Academic Personnel Services or their designees.

Research Graduate Assistantships (RGA)

A number of RGAs are available each year, with the CFR endeavoring to fund them at the support level of the department involved. RGAs also provide a remission of the Instructional Fee and Out-of-State Surcharge. The tenure of the assistantships is restricted to the regular academic year.  The CFR recognizes that different disciplines use graduate assistantships in diverse ways and encourages individuals to devise creative uses of graduate assistants.  To become a research assistant, a student must be appointed through regular academic channels, and be subject to the same regulations as are other graduate assistants.

Grants to Promote Research (GPR)

GPRs may include wages for student labor, equipment, supplies, and travel expenses directly related to the performance of research/creative endeavors, and duplicating and graphics production. The Committee will not award funds for use in covering expenses incurred prior to the time a grant is made. Software purchases will be supported only if the required software is not available from another on-campus source. All software purchased with CFR funds is the property of Miami University. The Committee will not assume responsibility for providing any supplement for later price increases.  Travel funds will be limited to the least expensive mode of travel practical to and from the proposed site(s).

The maximum award is $3,000. In the event that the CFR determines it can make an award, but only at a level less than 75% of the request, the Chair of the appropriate subcommittee will contact the applicant to determine if the applicant wishes to receive the reduced award. Awardees will have a 12-month time period in which to expend funds; extensions may be available if a special request is submitted to the CFR Chair.

Application

Before applying, please read the CFR Faculty Research Program guidelines carefully.Any continuing, tenure-eligible or tenured faculty member may request support through the CFR Faculty Research Program for one project per year.  Proposals addressing new avenues of research and scholarship for the investigator, initiating new projects and pilot studies, or testing novel or controversial research/creative ideas are favored. CFR expects investigators to seek other support for continuing research and scholarship in established areas.