SoTL Mini-Grants

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Mini-Grants 2026-2027 Academic Year

Purpose

The 2026 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Mini-Grants support instructors in developing and studying the impact of generative AI on student learning, teaching practices, formative assessment, faculty workflows, and/or cross-disciplinary collaboration during the 2026–2027 academic year. The program is designed to advance well-developed, evidence-based explorations of how AI is shaping teaching and learning, with the goal of contributing to the broader canon of evidence-based practices. In addition to local impact, applicants are encouraged to consider how their work may contribute to broader scholarly conversations through SoTL dissemination.

Grants are available to individuals or small groups in the amount of $2000 per project. Collaborative proposals are encouraged where appropriate. An additional $1000 bonus will be awarded for peer-reviewed publication and/or conference presentation. 

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Suggested Categories of AI-Focused Teaching Innovation 

To support diverse faculty interests while encouraging publishable SoTL scholarship, mini-grant proposals may align with one or more of the following project themes:

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Application Process

Submit a proposal as a single PDF (maximum 6 pages) that includes the following sections: 

1. Experience with and interest in generative AI tools
2. Course context and enrollment
3. Description of the proposed project and AI integration
4. Alignment with a focus area
5. Expected impact on student learning or teaching practices
6. Anticipated challenges
7. Opportunities for supporting student learning, including scaffolding or practice
8. Project timeline
9. SoTL and Evidence of Impact 
   1. Student work or data used to assess learning
   2. Additional methods to measure impact
   3. Approach to supporting a potential manuscript or conference presentation
   4. At least one appropriate peer-reviewed outlet or conference. 
10. Disclosure of AI use in proposal development (limited to planning, ideation, and/or editing)

Special Considerations

• Alignment between goals, AI use, and outcomes
• Feasible evaluation approach
• Potential contribution to SoTL or discipline
• Clear implementation plan 

Participation and Dissemination

If selected, grant recipients must:

• Attend two Summer 2026 meetings and one Fall 2026 meeting
• Disseminate to the TTU community through a TLPDC workshop or Small Bytes blog post 

Submission Information

Submit proposals to Lisa Du Bois Low, Director of AI Pedagogy and Policy, no later than 11:59 p.m., May 26, 2026. 

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