International Course Support Fund

The university's Brock 2014 Academic Plan: Knowledge, Engagement and Transformation makes clear the importance of: “… new teaching and learning modes and strategies that must be developed and implemented in response to the needs of our students as citizens of an increasingly global and interactive world” (Page 2)

In the Teaching and Learning Section, it further emphasizes that “Brock’s programs will, more than ever before, develop students’ intellects, stimulate their imaginations, and provide them with broad-based knowledge and critical perspectives on global challenges.” (Page 9)

In keeping with the Brock 2014 Academic Plan stated purposes and objectives regarding teaching, learning and internationalization, the International Course Support Fund (see poster information 2011/12) is made available each year to aid academic units in the mounting of new Brock courses which feature international themes, perspectives, visiting instructors / professors, or are delivered abroad - such as new international field courses or full semester study abroad programs.

The International Course Support Fund is a cost-sharing program which provides additional resources to the Deans' part-time teaching budget. The goal is to use these funds on a matching basis to aid academic units in offering new courses that fulfill at least one of the following criteria:

* provide an explicitly international perspective in the course description and material;
* engage the services of a Visiting International Professor or Instructor (please consult http://www.brocku.ca/brock-international/visiting-international-profess/visiting-international-profess for further details);
* is delivered at a location (or multiple sites) outside of Canada (please consult http://edit.brocku.ca/node/6194 for further information).

A description of the Fund is provided below.

Terms of Reference

Objective: To encourage the internationalization of the curriculum at Brock University through the development of: a) new courses with an overtly international perspective, b) new study abroad courses , and c) new Visiting International Professor course opportunities. Funding support is coordinated by Brock International.

Eligibility: Open to all academic units in all Faculties at Brock University. Awarded competitively. Adjudicated by a committee including 2 members of the Internationalization Committee, the Director of International Services, and one faculty peer.

Terms: Matching funding will be provided by Brock International to cover one half of the course stipend for a new international course in any academic unit (i.e., a new Study Abroad course, a new course taught by a Visiting International Professor, or a new course taught at Brock with an expressly international focus). Funds paid to Deans for disbursement through their part-time budgets.

In addition: For study abroad courses , Brock International will also cover an additional administrative stipend for the course for related expenses (to a maximum of $1000). For courses taught by a Visiting International Professor, Brock International will provide an additional travel stipend to assist the VIP (to a maximum of $1000) beyond the amount covered by the single course stipend.

Value*:
For Half Courses - Maximum $ 4000 per half course ($3000 towards half-course stipend, plus maximum $1000 study-abroad administrative stipend or $1000 VIP additional expenses). To be matched by $3000 contribution from Dean's part-time budget.
For Full Courses - Maximum $ 7000 per full course ($6000 towards full-course stipend, plus maximum $1000 study-abroad administrative stipend or $1000 VIP additional expenses). To be matched by $6000 contribution from Dean's part-time budget.

*Subject to change due to negotiated university teaching stipend rate revisions every 2-3 years

Limitation: The Fund supports one offering of a new course. It is expected that the course will become a part of the regular academic course offerings in subsequent years. However, from time to time stipends may be awarded (on a competitive basis) for subsequent iterations of the same course.

Application Deadline: January 31

Application Process

Interested units should submit the following information to the Director, Brock International:
1. Course title; brief calendar-style "blurb" description; and a 2 - 4 page description of the course that is being proposed including course outline, topics that will be discussed, required text(s) and other relevant information. If the course will be taught by a VIP, include the candidate name, country of origin, academic profile, and c.v. or a description of the profile of a desirable candidate who has not yet been identified. See Brock International's VIP web pages for further details, at http://www.brocku.ca/brock-international/brock-faculty-and-staff/hosting-international-faculty.

In the case of a field course abroad or study abroad program, please provide 2 – 8 page description of the course including location(s), context, instructors, total course hours (on and/or off campus), a schedule of planned education and other activities for the course, and any other relevant course details. Please consult Protocols and Policies for Study Abroad Courses at: http://edit.brocku.ca/node/6194 as a useful resource in planning your course abroad.

2. A brief statement of the relevance of the course, particularly with regards to the internationalization objectives of your academic unit / department / faculty (these may be found in your Faculty Strategic Academic Plan);

3. For field courses or study abroad programs, please provide a detailed global budget to deliver the course or program. In addition, you must provide a cost estimate per student to participate, over and above the usual Brock course tuition fee.

4. Include Memos or Letters of Support from your Dean and Chair or Director of the relevant academic unit, indicating their commitment and support for the new course.

5. To ensure you have a complete application, print off your Checklist at:
http://edit.brocku.ca/webfm_send/14300