LEF - Learning Enhancement Fund

---

The Associate Vice-President (Academic) and the Office of Teaching and Learning are once again pleased to announce the call for proposals to the Learning Enhancement Fund.

 

Starting in 2025, the Learning Enhancement Fund and former AVPA SoTL Grant have been combined into a single call for proposals with a broader scope.

PURPOSE

Since 2006, the Learning Enhancement Fund (LEF) has provided funding to support and enrich the learning experience of our students.

The LEF aims to improve undergraduate and graduate learning experiences and teaching practices across disciplines by funding projects that are grounded in evidence, demonstrate actionable application, and contribute to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.

ELIGIBILITY

Proposals will be accepted from current University of Guelph, Guelph-Humber, and Ridgetown faculty, librarians, and staff.

AWARD VALUE

LEF funding is organized in two streams that applicants can self-select into based on project scope:

•  Stream A, maximum grant of $15,000 (24-month duration)
•  Stream B, maximum grant of $50,000 (36-month duration)

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Proposals must be submitted electronically using the forms provided (below) to avpa@uoguelph.ca. The application deadline is 5:00pm May 1st, 2026.
We encourage applicants to discuss their project with staff in the Office of Teaching and Learning to ensure that your project fits within the scope of the LEF parameters. LEF focused workshops for interested applicants will be announced thorugh our newsletter and posted on our events page.

YOUR PROPOSAL

PROPOSAL THEME

The LEF competition considers proposals designed to support student academic success through projects that enhance student engagement, improve access and inclusion, innovate the curriculum, and advance our understanding of student learning and teaching practices. Collaborative proposals across departments and colleges, particularly for Stream B, are favourably considered. We encourage evidence-based projects that, for example:

This year, proposals that consider the application and impact of generative AI on teaching and learning are particularly encouraged.

Staff from the Office of Teaching and Learning may be able to contribute their expertise to your project, and have often been included as co-applicants on LEF proposals within their areas of expertise.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The evaluation of proposals is based on the following factors:

• Clear rationale that is grounded in evidence
• Project alignment with the University of Guelph’s Strategic Plan, Indigenous Initiatives Strategy, the Anti-Racism Action Plan, or other institutional strategic priority documents
• Clear project outcomes and indications of how these will be assessed, and how project success will be ascertained
• Meaningful and significant impact, aligned with the scope of the project

Full selection criteria are outlined in the submission guidelines.

ADJUDICATION

All applications are peer-reviewed by a committee facilitated through the Associate Vice-President (Academic), that is comprised of:

• The Associate Vice-President (Academic) or designate (Chair),
• A representative from the Office of Teaching and Learning,
• A faculty member from each College,
• The Central Student Association (CSA) Academic Commissioner (or designate).

FUNDING PARAMETERS

• Project Duration:Grants awarded under Stream A will normally be completed over a 24-month period (September 2026 – August 2028). Grants awarded under Stream B will normally be completed over a 36-month period (September 2026 – August 2029).

• Acceptable Expenses: Acceptable expenses include items such as personnel costs for a work-study student, undergraduate and graduate research assistants (URAs, GRAs) or technical assistance; purchases of software or other subscriptions; consultation with experts in other campus units; production of print materials, etc.

  The LEF should not be used as a replacement for or to offset salaries for staff engaging in activities that normally fall within the purview of their job description. It is expected that these positions will be fully funded by the home department / school. LEF expenses for graduate student stipends can only be used if the project forms a significant part of the student’s thesis or dissertation research.

  The LEF is not intended to be used for construction projects or for the purchase of physical equipment (e.g. computers, video equipment etc.). Purchases of physical infrastructure 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.

• Travel / Conferences: Travel and conference costs are limited to a maximum of $1500.

• Publication fees: Publication fees are limited to a maximum of $1000.

• Conflicts of Interest: 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 perceptions of conflict of interest that may be reasonably foreseen.

EXPECTATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

Applicants will be notified of a decision in late June 2026.

Successful applicants commit to providing the following during and after the project timeframe:

• Project Description:Upon notification of funding, provide a brief project description (~150 words) and photos of the investigator(s) for inclusion in announcements and other communications.

• Reporting: The Principal Investigator is responsible for providing status update(s) and a final report, including an accurate record of disbursements, and complying with any audit requests from the University. Reporting templates will be provided. Significant deviations from the funded, approved project goals or budget items must be discussed and approved by the Chair of the LEF committee.

  Stream A:
  • Project Status update due May 31st 2027
  • Project Final Report due August 31st 2028
  Stream B:
  • Project Status update 1 due May 31st 2027
  • Project Status update 2 due May 31st 2028
  • Project Final Report due August 31st 2029

• University of Guelph Dissemination:A presentation of your project at the annual Teaching and Learning Innovations Conference

• Unspent Funds: Any remaining unspent LEF funds must be returned at the completion of the project

We encourage all LEF applicants to complete the Principles of Belonging module from the Diversity and Human Rights office.

QUESTIONS?

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

PREVIOUSLY FUNDED PROJECTS

Recently funded LEF and AVPA SoTL Grant projects are linked below. Historical LEF projects archived on the AVPA LEF website are included for awareness, but current selection criteria are different in many respects.