Office of Research Events Offer Insight into Competitive Grant Process

March 20, 2015

Three upcoming programs sponsored by Old Dominion University's Office of Research will give faculty and graduate students insight into developing competitive funding applications.

The Office of Research faculty will host "Preparing Future Faculty: Grantsmanship for Graduate Students" on March 20; "The U.S. Department of Education: In the Know" on March 25; and "Faculty Fellowships in the Arts and Humanities" on April 16. The workshops will be given by experts in grant applications, and tailored for their respective audiences.

"Grantsmanship for Graduate Students" is hosted by the University's Preparing Future Faculty Program, but is open to all graduate students. This program is scheduled to take place from 12-2 p.m. on March 20, in the Perry Library Learning Commons, rooms 1310-1311.

In the first half of the workshop, Karen Eck, director of research development, will discuss how grant writing differs from academic writing in its focus and goals, and how graduate students can begin using skills now in ways that will benefit them as faculty. Eck will discuss sources of funding, how to become involved in grant writing and how fellowships can fund graduate education.

Following the talk, students will move into breakout sessions, based on area of interest, with the Office of Research's grant development specialists, who will share real-world experiences in industry, academia and nonprofit organizations about grant writing.

On March 25, the program covers education funding, discussing specific opportunities, review processes, application tips and providing an overview of the organizational structure of the U.S. Department of Education and its research arm, the Institute of Education Sciences.

Presenter Melissa Hallman, grand development specialist with the Office of Research, stresses that the symposium isn't just for education faculty. Because of the highly multidisciplinary nature of education grants, faculty from across all disciplines are encouraged to attend. The program is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Learning Commons @ Perry Library, rooms 1301-1311.

The April 16 event, "Faculty Fellowships in the Arts and Humanities" is ideal for faculty members who have not yet applied for fellowships. It will give a basic introduction to the process.

Grant development specialist Jackie Stein will give an overview of opportunities available and tips on how to prepare an application. The program is scheduled for 10-11 a.m. in the Burgess Room of BAL. A follow-up workshop with a panel of faculty members with fellowship experience is also planned for the future.

Registration and more information on these programs can be found online through the Office of Research calendar.