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Scholarly activity animates a university community of learners. Faculty frequently best exemplify creativity, innovation and excellence through their scholarly achievements. Eastern Mennonite University, while first and foremost an institution dedicated to superior teaching and learning, recognizes the vital contribution scholarly pursuits make to its educational mission. For this reason, EMU provides opportunities to tenure-track faculty for the purposes of encouraging original scholarship. Two options are available for undergraduate tenure-track faculty: Release-time and Mini Grants-grants. For graduate and seminary faculty time for scholarship is included in the workload.
Release-time funds are made available through the academic dean’s office operating budget and an endowment. The operating budget supports 24 semester hours annually, and the endowment supports 9 semester hours annually; the latter hours are intended to rotate among the undergraduate departments. Teaching faculty and professional librarians on long-term contracts are eligible to apply for up to six semester hours of release-time from normal teaching assignments for the purposes of pursuing original scholarship (research and publication, performance or creative production). To apply, complete the Faculty Release Time for Scholarship Grant proposal.
Mini Grants-grants are awarded to tenure-track undergraduate faculty for scholarly work in a discipline that extends beyond the normal scope of teaching responsibilities. Course revisions, curriculum development, and normal faculty development such as a workshop or conference attendance are excluded. Faculty applying for Mini Grants for Mini-grants are asked to address the significance of the project to the profession, the institution, the church and the community/public. To apply, complete the Mini Grant -grant Application.
Summer Teaching and Summer Research Grants are available to any faculty member or professional educator. EMU encourages faculty to continually refresh their pedagogy and course content, whether the purpose is to include more diversity, use new technology, reach student populations more effectively or develop new courses (just to name some examples.) Faculty and students alike benefit from fresh ideas and approaches. To apply, complete the Summer Teaching Grant Application or Summer Research Grant Application.
The Faculty Scholarship Committee awards undergraduate Release-time, Mini Grants-grants, and Summer Teaching and Research Grants. For more information contact the provost's office.