LEF Submission Guidelines

Your 2026 LEF Submission consists of the following three components that must be submitted electronically to avpa@uoguelph.ca. The application deadline is 5:00pm, May 1st, 2026.

1. The proposal application (using the downloadable proposal form)
2. Signed letters of support
3. The proposal budget (using the downloadable budget template)

Questions? Have a look at our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page, or contact the Office of Teaching and Learning.

1. PROPOSAL DETAILS

Your proposal must be completed using the proposal template provided. Proposals are considered complete when accompanied by the budget and all signed letters of support.

The proposal form includes the following sections:

i) A description of the purpose of the project

• Describe the general purpose of the project, including a clear articulation of any guiding questions that the project seeks to answer;

ii) A description of the rationale including supporting evidence

• Include the rationale for the project, supported by evidence from scholarly literature, institutional data, lived experience, or other evidence. Evidence may be used from one’s own disciplinary context, as well as from other disciplines or research in education, cognitive science, or learning science. Proposals should identify gaps in knowledge, scope, or context that the project intends to address. 
• Provide a brief description of how the project aligns with UofG’s Strategic Plan, Indigenous Initiatives Strategy, the Anti-Racism Action Plan, or other institutional strategic documents;

iii) A description of the outcomes and impact of the project

• Describe the anticipated impact of the project including a description of how the project may enhance teaching and learning within courses, curricula, or programs at U of G;
• Include any potential for sustainability, or scalability of project outcomes;

iv) A detailed outline of the project implementation

This section should clearly outline the activities, methods, processes, designs and analyses that will be utilized in the project, including:

• A description of any particpant groups and plans to access them;
• A description of any activities, processes, or methodologies used;
• A description of how the project assessments are linked to the outcomes or questions;
• Descriptions of any existing resources to be utilized (technologies, spaces, people, equipment, etc.);
• How project findings will be disseminated.

v) Your relevant experience as the principal applicant

vi) A timeline with project milestones

This section should clearly outline the anticipated project milestones and dates, aligned with the project methodology.  This timeline should address the complete lifecycle of the project, including all steps discussed in the methodology, project closure and dissemination.

LEF recipients are required to present findings at the University of Guelph’s annual Teaching and Learning Innovations Conference.

vii) References for any citations provided in the body of the proposal

2. LETTERS OF SUPPORT DETAILS

Each applicant must provide a letter of support from:

• Your Department Chair / Director, Dean, or Manager
• Each Co-Applicant describing their expected contribution to the project.
• Each supporting person or unit identified in the proposal, describing their roles and contribution.

Applicants are advised to submit all letters of support along with the proposal and budget files. If Co-Applicants or supporting personnel submit support letters directly, the letters must include the Project Title and Principal Applicant's name in order to be considered.

3. BUDGET DETAILS

Your proposal budget must be completed using the budget template provided and be as detailed as possible. Include a clear budget outline of how funds will be used, as well as all associated travel expenses. Your project budget should also include (if applicable) descriptions of any in-kind contributions, and other project funding such as donations, grants, etc.