[Okgrantsmanship] Incentive Ideas

[Mason, Linda]

Here is a mid-summer set of ideas to consider for your faculty members as incentives during a time when there are few raises and costs are not covered completely!


RECOGNITION FOR FACULTY EXTERNAL FUNDING AWARDS



From: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE



We have done an annual PI recognition event here for many years. Our event was also a wine/beer/hors d'oeuvres event and last year was held at the President's house. It has always been well attended.



What makes ours successful is that it is a fun event.



We give awards some examples of which have been:

1.       Longest proposal title (Sesquipedalian Propensity): we have given yard sticks, tape measures, swimming pool noodles.

2.       Shortest proposal title (Brevity): Short book of short stories

3.       Most proposals submitted (Productivity): pail and shovel

4.       Most awards (Prosperity): $1 million bills, $100,000 candy bars

5.       Collaboration (plays well with others): board games

6.       Farthest traveled: globe (a.k.a. GPS device), travel kit (toothpaste, comb, etc.)

7.       First proposal submission (Initiates): framed wall certificate signed by myself (OSP director) and the AVP for Research First award: framed dollar bill, signed as above



We also do a few serious awards:

1.       Hall of Fame for 10 Years of continuous funding: a plaque which hangs in the President's Office.

2.       We have done lifetime achievement awards



Generally, I speak, the President, Provost, and we have a keynote. Speeches are limited to 5-ish minutes so that we can focus on socialization and the fun awards ceremony.



From: UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

Faculty here didn't talk about money issues, even though the state hasn't given raises in about 7 years.  It was the help and recognition they wanted.  That and genuine release time to get the work done as opposed to just fitting it in to an already aggressive teaching, service, research schedule.



The frequent complaint that I've heard from faculty is lack of recognition and feeling that the "leaders" value research, consider it a priority or even know who they are and what they're doing.



1.       Letter of congratulations upon receipt of a new award.

2.       Annual reception with President/Chancellor recognizing the "Top 25" (or whatever number) for their achievements.  While it is not very time consuming or expensive, it was well attended and received.  Computer printed invites (RSVP requested) would be sent from the President's office to all their Deans, Dept. Chairs and to the members of supporting units such as Sponsored Programs. The 2-hour reception was planned at the president's home in May so that it could be held outdoors under a tent.  It included beer, wine, soft drink, fruit/cheese/cracker trays and a few passed hors d'oeuvres.  The president would say a few brief words, but mostly just work the room, congratulating each faculty member.  It wasn't an expensive event, but it was appreciated.  It could easily be done by a Dean for his college.

3.       A recognition item - I gave small, clear acrylic "star" engraved paperweights as a gift. They cost less than $5 each.  I suggested that each milestone would be designated by a different color or size star.  Milestones might include:  first federal grant, first center/program project grant, first $1M grant, reaching $10M in funding...whatever.  The stars can be displayed by the PI and they'll soon become recognizable by size/color and symbolize a certain stature.  They could be distributed at an end of year faculty meeting or whatever.  The point is that they'd get tangible recognition in front of their peers.

4.       F&A returns are supposed to be an incentive, but I don't know that faculty get enough back to be incentivizing.  I think the availability of bridge funding for those that have a funding gap is helpful.

5.       As times have changed an "older" PIs are now finding their research programs unfunded, these folks need help readjusting to the new funding environment.  Perhaps getting them some technical writing help.





Linda Mason, Ed.D.
Coordinator of Grant Writing
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
655 Research Parkway, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
405-225-9486 desk
405-706-8757 cell
405-225-9230 FAX
lmason at osrhe.edu<mailto:lmason at osrhe.edu>
www.okhighered.org/grant-opps/<http://www.okhighered.org/grant-opps/>

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