LEF – Frequently Asked Questions

Feedback from former applicants and proposal reviewers indicated a significant degree of overlap between the LEF and AVPA SoTL Grant. Both the LEF and AVPA SoTL Grant shared the goal of supporting student learning and success, but sought to achieve this goal through different avenues. To increase clarity, the LEF and AVPA SoTL Grant have been combined into a single program under the LEF title.

The different streams encourage some funding balance between projects with different scopes. The streams are also differentiated by project duration, with either a 24-month or 36-month timeframe.

The LEF supports projects in all disciplines and across a wide range in scope. Proposals with a significant scope might involve innovations at the program level, across multiple courses, or collaborations across departments, colleges, or units. Proposals at the course level should be beyond normal course development, involving significant pedagogical innovation.

As an internally funded program, limiting travel costs within the LEF program ensures that most of the funds are re-directed internally. Travel and Conference costs should be no more than 20% of the total budget, to a maximum of $1,500. This maximum applies to both Streams.

Yes, the LEF award can be used to partially support thesis-based graduate students as part of their graduate program. LEF expenses for graduate student stipends can only be used if the LEF project forms a significant part of the student’s thesis /dissertation research. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for more information.

A Co-Investigator should make a significant intellectual contribution to the project. They would normally be co-authors on any publications or presentations. A Collaborator can be a person, a department, or a unit that has agreed to provide resources such as access to equipment, software, data, etc. that are needed to support the project.

Applications from those in temporary positions should include the department Chair / School Director as Co-Investigator or Collaborator to ensure continuity with account access and reporting.

A project can have any number of Co-Investigators. If the Application Form does not have sufficient space to list your Co-Investigators, please append a separate list. Remember to outline each Co-investigator’s significant intellectual contribution that they are making to the project.

The letters of support allow the evaluation committee to understand what is being contributed by the Collaborator, and make it transparent that the Collaborator has agreed to the proposed activities and contributions.

Yes, your Chair / Director / Dean should be aware of the project. Similarly, Co-Investigators should be aware of and in agreement with their stated roles, activities, and contributions. If you cannot acquire signatures on the application form, an email from any Co-Investigators included with your application is accepted.

Project durations have been extended. Stream A projects will normally be completed over a 24-month period. Stream B projects will have 36 months for completion. Investigators may request an extension by submitting a request to otl@uoguelph.ca.

Quotes are not normally required for your budget prior to submission, unless they are for large purchases. Contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for more information.

The LEF is not intended to be used for construction projects, or for purchases such as computers, audio-visual equipment or other physical infrastructure or technology. If such items are included in your budget, they should clearly fit the unique pedagogy of the project and discipline and are evaluated carefully on a case-by-case basis. Previous successful projects that included this type of item also demonstrated the potential for significant and sustainable impact beyond the parameters of the project.

Applicants should clearly indicate any conflicts of interest associated with the contracting or hiring of people or businesses identified in the application, or any other potential conflicts of interest that may be reasonably perceived.

No, any remaining unspent LEF funds must be returned at the completion of the project.

The Office of Teaching and Learning is happy to discuss any questions regarding the goals of the Learning Enhancement Fund as it relates to your proposal, or clarification of submission details, however we cannot review proposals prior to submission.

Please contact us at otl@uoguelph.ca.