Call for Applications: USM Faculty Mini-Grant to Boost Course Accessibility

The USM Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation is pleased to announce a call for applications for the Boosting Course Accessibility Faculty Fellows program. This initiative will support up to 12 USM faculty members in engaging in digital accessibility-related course redesign to reduce barriers and support access for all students, including students with disabilities. Each selected faculty member will receive a $1,500 stipend and participate in a collaborative professional development program, culminating in a redesigned course for Spring 2027. 

Program Goals

This program aims to:

1. Promote inclusive teaching practices by equipping faculty with tools, strategies, and frameworks grounded in accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
2. Support the redesign of existing courses to reduce digital barriers for students with disabilities and increase access for all learners.
3. Build a faculty-led culture of access and accountability across the USM through shared learning, peer exchange, and cross-campus collaboration.
4. Establish models of accessible course design that can be shared, celebrated, and potentially scaled across departments, disciplines, and institutions. 

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Updated: USM faculty of any rank whose primary role on their campus is faculty. 

• Available to participate fully in all synchronous and asynchronous program components. 

• Applicants should propose a course they are scheduled or likely to teach in Spring 2027. 

Applicants should submit all required materials by Friday, September 11, 2026.  

NOTE: All institutional and faculty grants awarded to UMBC must be routed to the Office of Sponsored Programs prior to submission. Contact your unit's business manager or proposal development staff to discuss your application. CAHSS faculty can request assistance from CARAT (Creative Achievement and Research Administration Team).   

Timeline 

• August 1, 2026 – Call for applications opens 

• September 11, 2026 – Application deadline 

• September 17, 2026 – Notification of selected fellows 

• October 1, 2026–December 10, 2026 – Program participation 

• January 15, 2027 –Virtual Launch of Participants’ Projects 

Download a Word doc of this announcement. For more information, please contact Dr. Jennifer Potter, Associate Director, Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation, at jpotter@usmd.edu.