Program Innovation Accelerator

Both the Academic Planning and Strategy Group and the International Opportunities Think Tank recommended support for the development of innovative academic programs. The academic Program Innovation Accelerator (PIA) was started as a next step in academic planning process to launch academic programs and non-standard program with support from the Provost’s office. 

Under the PIA, the Provost’s office will work with campus partners to provide information and contacts to highlight existing university resources that support curriculum reform, develop and advertise new initiatives and opportunities, and recruit for faculty learning communities and/or fellows focused on curricular innovation.

Opportunities supported by the PIA framework include:

• Curricular support
  • course and program updates
  • streamlining a program
  • developing general education (Arches+) certificates
  • submitting an 1804 grant to fund a curricular innovation
• Online Program development
  • restructuring course delivery
  • new online program development
  • adding a fully online modality to an existing undergraduate major
• Investment support (see Program Investment Request) 
  • faculty lines
  • facilities
  • development support
  • equipment 
• Other curricular and/or pedagogical innovations. 

The Provost's office will work with colleges to provide referrals to campus partners to support curriculum reform and innovation and help connect faculty to university offices and partners or faculty in other colleges/planning units for more preliminary discussion.  

Proposal Support Priorities

While proposals will be reviewed and evaluated holistically, development and funding priorities include:

• Building on strengths: including (but not limited to) health and wellness; energy, the environment, and building vibrant communities; plant-based medicine; robotics; and interdisciplinary programs, such as health and the arts, digital humanities, or global curricula
• Closing gaps: including (but not limited to) digital and data-focused programs such as data science and analytics, coding, cybersecurity and surveillance, artificial intelligence, gaming, and esports
• Innovation: including (but not limited to) stackable and standalone undergraduate and graduate certificates, early start/fast launch virtual first year program, 3 + 1 options, and micro credential programs

Proposal Requirements

The proposing faculty or group should submit an initial proposal of 1,000 words or less that includes a high-level outline of program objectives and structure as well as the following on the proposal. Information will be provided in the form (linked below).

1. Data on student demand from appropriate dashboards (programs in other Ohio colleges and universities, employment data)
2. Curricular plan with all new elements (courses, program, modality) identified
3. Specific resources requested (faculty lines, facilities, equipment) with justification to how and when these are required for program
4. Description of consultation with all relevant colleges (proposers should describe their own Dean’s Office support and positive consultations with leadership of any other impacted colleges) 

Proposal Submission Form

Proposal Review Process

Submitted proposals will be reviewed in this order:

• Initial review by the EVPP to determine which resources are needed or suitable.
• Initial feedback to proposers: Initial decision on type of support may be available. 
• Proposals not needing monetary support will be guided to appropriate resources.
• Proposals needing monetary support will continue to the next steps: Program Investment Request