Distance Course Development Grant 

One way to design and review your course is to work with a UMA Learning Experience Designer (LXD) and other campus resources as part of the Distance Course Development Grant. You have the option to apply for the grant to support your work with a stipend (full or part-time faculty) or release time (full-time faculty only) or to work with an LXD without the grant. Either way ~ Just Ask. We'll help!

By applying to the grant you commit to working with an LXD during the design process with a minimum of 3 meetings. The process typically takes 14 weeks from the approval of your application, with the final 2 weeks being committed to reviews. LXD support and other support resources are provided. Completion of the process includes self-evaluation and LXD Review of the completely developed course. The LXD may make suggestions for revisions. Please review the commitments identified below and click the link to the website for additional information and the application.

Applying and the Process

The Home page of the Distance Course Development Grant website includes application instructions and a link to the online application (bottom right of the Home page). The Process, Documents & Resources page includes details of the course development process, support documents, and resources. The grant process includes:

• initial application and approval. The application is completed online and forwarded to the coordinator, dean, and provost for approval. 
• course development process which includes several collaborative meetings with a UMA Learning Experience Designer (LXD). A minimum of 3 meetings is required with the option for additional meetings as needed. 
• the course review based on the UMA Distance Course Development & Review Rubric. Instructors will conduct a self-review, the LXD will review the course, then the instructor and LXD will meet to discuss the rubric and the course. 

Application Deadlines - annual

• Fall courses - May 14th
• Spring courses - October 10th
• Summer courses - January 25th

Exceptions to these deadlines are sometimes justified and can be requested with this application. Consideration for an exception will be given when urgent student and program needs are evident, and not granting the exception would negatively impact students or the program. If this application requires an exception, please provide the justification in the application. Your college dean will make the final determination. 

Commitments if Awarded the Grant

1. The course being developed is hybrid/blended, distance synchronous, or online modality. The development must be of a new course or a course with substantial revisions which can include transitioning from a face to face course to one with a significant online component.

2. Course must be fully developed and reviewed within approximately 14 weeks (12 weeks design time with 2 weeks for final review, for a total of 14 weeks). This timeline might be a little longer or shorter depending on the date the course development process begins.

3. Full-time faculty must complete the UMA Learning, Experience, and Design (LEAD) course through the FDC prior to their application if hired after September 2022. Full-time faculty who have taught in the current LMS for UMA prior to September 2022 are encouraged but not required to complete the LEAD certificate course. Part-time faculty are encouraged to complete the LEAD certification course. Contact the LXDs for more information.

4. Collaboration between the faculty and LXD with a minimum of 3 live or Zoom meetings during the design process. The meetings include an initial, midpoint, and review meeting. Additional meetings are welcomed and encouraged.

5. Your dean will be added to the course during the design process and removed when the process is completed.