OSI Faculty Development Grants

see www.soros.org/scholar

Fact Sheet


In 1997, the Open Society Institute (OSI) introduced an innovative faculty
exchange program designed to encourage the pursuit of academic careers;
generate new approaches to curricular and pedagogical reform; and support
the development of regional and international institutional partnerships and
collaborative projects, thereby improving the quality of social
science/humanities education in the countries served. Each year for up to
three years, fellows spend one semester at a US university and one semester
teaching at their home universities. The first group of grantees designed
new courses, presented conference papers, completed several articles and
books, expanded research topics, and developed new teaching materials.

Over the course of two years, fellows will alternate semesters between a US
university and their home university. Participants may apply for a third
year once they have successfully completed the first two years.
Approximately 20 awards will be granted to professors teaching humanities or
social sciences. Now in its third program year, the Faculty Development
Fellowship is being offered to faculty in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakstan,
Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan to begin their first semester in January 2001.

Participant Responsibilities:

US Component: The program is focused on learning alternative approaches to
teaching and developing appropriate curricula for the home institution.
Grantees will be assigned faculty mentors and will be expected to
participate in the classroom as well as assist with class-related tasks.
Ideally, grantees will also absorb other aspects of US higher education such
as administrative structures and student-related services which may be
applicable to the home institution. It is expected that by the second
semester in the United States, some mechanism for on-line connectivity
between home/host departments will be in place. It is also expected that by
the end of two years grantees will have developed course plans and related
materials for new courses.

Minimum expectations:
Audit two to four courses, complete assignments, participate in discussion,
etc
New course development for home institution
Give lectures at host institution and/or teach a full course (during second
or third semester)
Visit classes to observe teaching methods, review syllabi and reading lists
of host faculty
Attend departmental and university faculty meetings
Introduce home country higher ed. system to faculty and grad students

Examples of other activities conducted by grantees:
Co-publish and participate in research projects
Consult with students who have project related to grantee's field
Participate in academic conferences - as attendee and/or panelist
Develop new courses for host institution
Attend seminars offered by local organizations
Establish exchange link between home and host institution
Create resource-oriented web site for students
Active in university outreach efforts (eg, presentations at local schools,
email correspondent for incoming international students)
Take courses on US higher education history and/or administration


Home country component: During the home semester and summer, grantees will
be expected to maintain contact with their US mentor and develop plans for
sustaining that relationship. They will be expected to test teaching methods
and course material developed while in the United States. Grantees should
share information and resources with colleagues and home institution
administrators. OSI staff will work with grantees to ensure that grantees
are fully cognizant of other initiatives in higher education reform to which
they can contribute and use to further their professional goals.

Fields of Study Offered:

Social Sciences and Humanities.

Host University Responsibilities:

US universities are asked to provide J-1 sponsorship, work space, faculty
supervision, access to university research facilities, and on-campus
logistical support. Assistance with securing housing will also be necessary
for the first semester.

Participating Universities:

Host universities for the Program have included Appalachian State
University, Cornell University, George Mason University, Harvard University,
Ithaca College, Indiana University, The John Marshall Law School, New School
for Social Research, New York University, Rutgers University, Tulane Law
School, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of
California - Berkeley, University of Maine, University of Pennsylvania,
University of Richmond, University of Texas - Austin, University of
Wisconsin -Eau Claire, Wake Forest School of Law, and Yale University.

University Links Project

OSI provides funding to develop institutional links between host and home
institutions participating in FDF. US host institutions may apply for funds
to enhance institutional or departmental activities in conjunction with the
home institution of the host's FDF grantee.

Proposed projects should support the overall goals of the Faculty
Development Program:

encourage the pursuit of academic careers
generate new approaches to curricular and pedagogical reform
support the development of regional and international institutional
partnerships and collaborative projects, thereby improving the quality of
social science/humanities education in the countries served.

Additional Details

Eligibility:

Applicants must be a faculty member at an accredited institution of higher
education in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Uzbekistan. In
addition, applicant's institutional TOEFL score should be 500 or higher.

Criteria for selection:

Selection is based on academic and professional merit, professional
aptitude, leadership potential, commitment to improving the teaching of
social sciences and humanities, long-term commitment to a career in higher
education in home country, and English language ability.

Financial Terms:

Fellowships will cover the following cost: living stipend, travel, accident
and sickness insurance, and professional development fees. The Program does
not offer any financial support or special provisions for dependent family
members.

Application Deadline:

April 19, 2003

Overseas Contacts:

AZERBAIJAN GEORGIA
KAZAKHSTAN KYRGYZSTAN
TAJIKISTAN UZBEKISTAN

Program Administration Contacts