In the 2023-24 academic year, the Office of Undergraduate Education will again fund innovative projects in pedagogy, course design, and undergraduate education. Departments and faculty are encouraged to think creatively to propose projects that will have a potentially transformative impact on undergraduate student learning.   Priority will be given to projects that;

• Impact a large population of students;
• Result in new courses or other long-term changes to the curriculum; and
• Address diversity and inclusion in the classroom.

We offer two categories of funding:

1. For proposals involving more than one course or that impact multiple departments, there is no maximum budget for projects the OUE is willing to contribute to.  We are eager to work with you to help shape your project. Please contact Lisa Laskin, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education, (elaskin@fas.harvard.edu) for a consultation.
2. For redesigning a single course, OUE normally allocates $3000 to cover the work of a graduate research assistant for 8-10 weeks and research materials. Higher levels of funding can be made available for more ambitious projects.

To apply, please fill out this brief form. Typically, course development work takes place prior to the semester in which the course will be next offered.  We suggest submitting your application at least three months in advance of that semester.  If you anticipate additional work being done during the semester that the course will be offered, please contact Instructional Support (instruct@fas.harvard.edu) to discuss a course support allocation, as well. If you have any questions or have a project you’d like to discuss before submitting a funding request, please email us at oue@fas.harvard.edu.

In addition to these funds, the Mindich Program in Engaged Scholarship (MPES) supports the development of undergraduate courses that integrate civic and community engagement into undergraduate education through an emphasis on collaboration, public engagement, and civic purpose—an intention to contribute to the world beyond the self. Courses may be community engaged, have assignments in collaboration with groups/organizations, or have substantive public-facing components, and may encompass student directed/independent projects or faculty directed projects ranging from open-ended to highly structured. Courses may be departmental, general education, or first-year seminar. For more information on MPES and how to apply for funding, visit the MPES website or contact engagedscholarship@fas.harvard.edu.