HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCU) MASTER S DEGREE STEM PROGRAM Proposal - (P382G090012-14 Year 6 of 2009- Grant Cycle) NARRATIVE: The HBCU Master s degree program will strengthen and improve graduate education at Fayetteville State University by providing financial assistance, academic and non-academic assistance and support to African American and low income students in STEM disciplines to increase their enrollment, persistence, progression and graduation; providing research and development opportunities for both faculty and students in STEM disciplines; and maintaining a support office to ensure program implementation and the achievement of the aforementioned goals and objectives. FSU s program is specifically designed to accomplish the following objectives: 1. Increase the number of African American and low income students who earn degrees in STEM by providing scholarships and stipends; and to provide opportunities for students to engage in research and internships in their respective degree programs. 2. Improve the preparation of public school teachers in the STEM disciplines by offering opportunities for graduate education. 3. Attract, retain and support graduate faculty members by providing support for research, publications, and professional development opportunities and activities. 1
4. Provide academic and non-academic support, professional development, career development, and counseling resources to assist students to achieve success in STEM disciplines. Despite the discontinuation of the Master s Degree Programs in biology and mathematics, the overarching goals and plans remain the same as do the objectives of the grant. In addition to student support, the grant will provide support primarily to programs and faculty in the MAT and M.Ed. programs with concentrations in biology, science, and mathematics. All activities from 2013- will continue to be implemented in - as approved. NEED FOR FUNDING: Program objectives include improving the preparation of public school teachers in the STEM disciplines by offering opportunities for graduate education; providing professional development opportunities for faculty; providing opportunities for students to engage in research; and increasing the number of African Americans and low income students who earn degrees in STEM programs. The current and new activities will help us respond to the shortage of math and science teachers, strengthen our current STEM programs, provide professional development and research opportunities for faculty and students, and increase the number of African American and low income graduate students in STEM disciplines at FSU. The University continues to experience severe budget reductions. Without this grant, students and faculty would not receive the research and professional development support outlined above. Many prospective students are prevented from pursuing a graduate degree because of their limited financial resources. 2
Without scholarships provided through this grant, these individuals would not be able to pursue graduate degrees. Additionally, any graduate students require both academic and non-academic support and counseling to help them achieve success in the STEM disciplines. Most faculty members have heavy teaching responsibilities; the grant provides research mini-grants, travel grants, research and laboratory supplies, and other resources to support faculty research productivity both independently and with students, instruction, and professional development. This grant supports our efforts to attract and retain quality faculty who contribute to the success of our students. MAJOR ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES: These activities will assist the University in meeting the shortage of public school teachers in STEM disciplines, increase the number of African American and low income students in enrolled STEM graduate disciplines and strengthen and update graduate programs in education with concentrations in STEM at FSU. Fayetteville State currently offers the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree with concentrations in biology and mathematics and the Master of Education degree with concentrations in biology, mathematics, and middle grade mathematics. Our anticipated outcomes include an increase in student and faculty research, placement and advancement of public school teachers, employment in STEM-related disciplines, graduation within a timely manner, and number of students pursuing doctoral and professional degrees in STEM-related disciplines. 3
RELATIONSHIP TO UNIVERSITY S STRATEGIC PRIORITES: One of Fayetteville State University s strategic priorities is to increase retention and graduation rates and be a university of choice for students in North Carolina and the nation through innovation and excellence in teaching; a highly qualified faculty and staff; enhanced degree programs in teacher education, science, technology, business, humanities, and the social sciences; improved student services; and excellent facilities and advanced technology. These activities address this strategic priority. MAJOR GRANT PERIOD ACCOMPLISHMENTS, TO DATE: The grant is enabling institutional improvements not formerly available. With the funding the graduate school has been able to focus on areas of student need, support for faculty to conduct research and improve their teaching. Funding has supported workshops geared towards helping students persist and progress through their programs with less difficulty. Writing workshops, publication workshops, portfolio development, student research conferences, and a summer statistics and research methodology institute are some of the major activities that have been achieved by the grant. Faculty and students have been supported to participate in workshops and conferences directly related to their areas of research, and mini grants have helped faculty further their research interests while involving graduate students in their research. This has provided applied experiences for students. The mere fact that the graduate school can offer scheduled meetings, mentoring and advisement through a staff dedicated to graduate student success is support that was not previously available for students studying at the graduate level in STEM programs at 4
the university. Providing scholarships to graduate students has helped the institution to attract and retain students to programs they were not formerly able to afford. All students in the Program are in good academic standing and are on track to graduate in a timely manner. All students attend at least one research or professional conference each year, and at least 50% of the students give either a poster or oral presentation of their research at a conference each year. All students also participate in the summer statistics and research methodology institute which expands upon what they learn in their courses and provides them with support in designing their research projects. The Program purchased a poster printer for research posters and provides opportunities for students to have trial presentation sessions prior to their conference presentations. Additionally, the Program continues to implement a laptop and calculator loaner program for students who are unable to purchase them items for use in their classes and research; the Eleven public school teachers have received direct support through this grant; and additional two students are pursuing their degrees to become public school teachers all in STEM subject areas. Three of our scholarship recipients currently are in doctoral programs; four additional students are applying for admission for next academic year. Forty-eight (48) research mini-grants and 23 travel grants have been awarded to faculty. This support enables faculty conduct research, present their findings at conference and receive feedback that helps them in preparing their manuscripts for publication. This activities support our efforts to retain quality faculty and faculty members pursuit of reappointment, tenure, and promotion. Faculty have involved students in their research and provided them with mentoring and supervision. 5
KEY PERSONNEL NEEDED TO ACCOMPLISH PROGRAMMATIC OUTCOMES: Graduate STEM Program Graduate Advisor Graduate STEM Administrative Support Assistant STEM Program Activity Director 6
ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES AND ANTICIPATED RESULTS 1. Name of Applicant Institution: FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY Objective 1 Increase the number of African Americans and low income students who earn degrees in STEM and related programs by providing scholarships to at least two (3) new students each year and by providing stipends and opportunities for students to engage in research and internships. Objective 2 Improve the preparation of public school teachers in the STEM disciplines by offering opportunities for graduate education each year to at least one (1) new current public school teacher or student pursuing an education degree to become a teacher. Objective 3 Attract, retain, and support graduate faculty by providing support for research, publications, and professional development opportunities and activities to 8 faculty each year. A maximum 5 faculty travel grants will be awarded. Objective 4 Provide academic and non-academic support, professional development, career development, and counseling resources to assist students to achieve success in STEM disciplines 2. Activity Title: HBCU MASTER S PROGRAM Anticipated results: All scholarship recipients will progress in their programs in good academic standing and be on track to graduate and will graduate in a timely manner. At least 6 students will participate in research or an internship. Anticipated results: At least one public school teacher or student preparing to become a public school teacher will receive a scholarship to pursue the graduate degree in a STEM discipline, thus responding to the shortage of STEM teachers in public schools. Anticipated results: Five faculty will receive travel grants and a 8 faculty will receive research mini-grants and will work with students on research, prepare manuscripts for publication, and engage in professional development activities, thus contributing to their pursuit of reappointment, tenure, and promotion. Anticipated results: Students will participate in monthly programs and seminars, meeting with their mentors and academic advisors, develop career portfolios, participate in networking activities, and meet with Program advisor. All scholarship recipients will attend at least one conference/ participate in at least one professional development activity each year. 7
1. Name of Applicant Institution: FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY 3. Specific Tasks To Be 4. Primary Completed Participants Award scholarships to at least three (3) new STEM students, bringing the total Graduate Advisor of scholarships awarded for Administrative the academic year to a Assistant minimum of 16. Students will attend conferences. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY/TIMETABLE FORM Graduate Advisor Administrative Assistant 2. Activity Title: STUDENT SUPPORT 5. Methodologies Involved 6. Tangible Results 7. Timeline(s) From To Graduate advisor will solicit 3 new scholarships (a August scholarship applications through total of 16) will be faculty, undergraduate STEM awarded for the programs and departments. She academic year. All will then review applications and students will be in make recommendations to good academic. standing with a Students will be notified of their minimum grade point award status by letter, which the average of 3.0 and administrative assistant will will be on track to prepare. Students will sign a graduate. memorandum of understanding outlining program requirements. Graduate advisor will share conference information with students and solicit from them conferences they are interested in attending and participating their research. Administrative assistant will make travel arrangements. Minimum of 16 students will attend at least one conference during the year, and a minimum of 8 will present their research. Students will submit a report on summarizing impact of their conference attendance. August September 8
Offer programs (e.g., Statistics and Research Methodology Institute; APA Writing Workshop; Writing Personal Statements) to supplement course offering and enhance graduate school experience to at least 30 students. Provide at least 6 students with research experience Provide monthly professional development seminars and workshops to scholarship recipients. 5 Instructors/Facilitators Graduate Advisor 5-10 faculty Graduate Advisor Graduate Advisor 4-5 consultants Institute and Workshops will be announced via email, program coordinators, graduate advisor, posters, daily announcements, campus tv monitors. Faculty will identify students to mentor and include in their research projects. Graduate advisor will assist scholarship recipients in identifying prospective faculty with whom to work with on research. Graduate advisor will survey scholarship recipients to determine topics of interest for monthly seminars and workshops. Graduate counselor will develop schedule of topics and invite consultants as needed. Graduate advisor will develop and facilitate seminars. 1 Statistics and Research Methodology Institute, 2 APA Writing Workshops, and 1 Writing for Publication Workshop will be offered to a minimum of 30 students. A minimum of 6 scholarship recipients will work with faculty on research. All scholarship recipients will participate in monthly workshops and seminars. Each semester, all scholarship recipients will write a brief report on how the monthly meetings have impacted them. Septemb er August September 9
1. Name of Applicant Institution: FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY 3. Specific Tasks To Be Completed Eight (8) faculty research mini-grants Award a minimum of 5 faculty travel grants to attend conferences IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY/TIMETABLE FORM 2. Activity Title: FACULTY DEVELOPMENT 4. Primary Participants 5. Methodologies Involved Research Funding Advisory Council Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant Call for proposals will be announced via email to academic departments and faculty and will be posted on Program website. Research Funding Advisory Council will review proposals and recommend those to be awarded to the Program Director. Awardees will be notified via letter with detailed guidelines. Faculty will submit interim and final reports. Travel grant applications will be posted on Program website. Applications will be reviewed by Program Director and awards will be determined and make. Administrative Assistant will make travel arrangements. 6. Tangible Results 7. Timeline(s) From Eight faculty research mini-grants will be awarded. Research reports will be submitted to and posted in Digital Commons. Faculty will present results of their studies at conferences and submit manuscripts for publications. Faculty will submit report of their trip and their plans for using sharing/using information and resources form conference. September September To 10
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY/TIMETABLE FORM 1. Name of Applicant Institution: FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY 2. Activity Title: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT 3. Specific Tasks To Be Completed 4. Primary Participants 5. Methodologies Involved 6. Tangible Results Conduct surveys of all services provided Graduate Advisor Conduct external program evaluations Select scholarship recipients External consultants Graduate Advisor Administrative Assistant Conduct satisfaction survey of all services provided. Conduct needs assessments to assist in planning services. Title III office will arrange and supervise external consulting agency used for Title III programs and HBCU Master s Program. Graduate advisor will solicit scholarship applications through faculty, undergraduate STEM programs and departments. She will then review applications and make recommendations to. Students will be notified of their award status by letter, which the administrative assistant will prepare. Students will sign a memorandum of understanding outlining program requirements. Feedback will be used to improve services and to plan new services Formative and summative evaluations will be conducted and results will be used for program improvement Minimum of 2 new scholarships (total of 15) will be awarded for the academic year. 7. Timeline(s) From To September September August 11
Select faculty for research mini-grants Revise program as needed based upon program outcomes, student feedback, and recommendations for external evaluators Research Funding Advisory Council Administrative Assistant Graduate Advisor Administrative Assistant Call for proposals will be announced via email to academic departments. Research Funding Advisory Council will review proposals and recommend those to be awarded to the. Awardees will be notified via letter with detailed guidelines. Faculty will submit interim and final reports. Eight faculty research minigrants will be awarded. September September 12
SECTION A INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY BUDGET 1. Name of Institution: FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY - 2. Activity Title: HBCU Masters-STEM 3. Activity Number: 4. Roster of Personnel and Salaries a. List of personnel (use position titles) b. Salary amount for each position 1. Graduate STEM Program Graduate Counselor 2. Graduate STEM Admin Support Assistant 3. STEM Program Activity Director (100% for 3 months) 47,500 31,327 36,000 4. Fringe Benefits 36,222 Total for Compensation for Personnel 151,049 8 Equipment 0 9. Supplies 5,000 10. Contractual 10,000 11. Construction/Renovation 0 12. Other 13. Training Stipends 297,951 Faculty research mini-grants 20,000 Faculty Travel Grants 5,000 Student and Staff Travel 17,951 Student Scholarships 160,000 Statistics and Research 15,000 Methodology Institute Instructors Statistics and Research 80,000 Methodology Institute Student Stipends Total $464,000 13
SECTION B INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY BUDGET NARRATIVE 1. Name Of Institution: FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY - 2. Activity Title: HBCU Masters-STEM 3. Activity Number: 4. Provide Narrative Personnel $114,827 1. Graduate STEM Program Graduate Advisor 47,500 2. Graduate STEM Administrative Support Assistant 31,327 3. STEM Program Activity Director (100% for 3 months) 36,000 Fringe Benefits 36,222 Social Security 16,868 Medical Insurance 10,570 Supplies 5,000 Office supplies including books, handbooks, handouts, and related materials will be purchased for use in workshops (e.g., APA writing, thesis development, resume/cv development, etc.). Contractual 10,000 External formative and summative evaluations. The grant program will be evaluated once each semester by external evaluators. Faculty research mini-grants (8 @ $2,500) 20,000 These mini-grants are designed to support faculty research that will enhance teaching and strengthen programs. Each mini-grant recipient will include at least one student in his/her research project. Faculty Travel Grants 5@$1,000 5,000 These grants will support faculty to attend conferences. Faculty will commit to sharing information and resources with students and other faculty. Travel (Students and Staff) 17,951 Opportunities for students to attend conferences, seminars, and workshops will be supported. Students will be encouraged and supported to present papers at conferences. Examples of conferences include Toxicology Conference, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, Helping Mathematics Teachers Become Culturally Relevant Educators, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, STD Prevention Conference, and CDC sponsored meetings. Expected cost per person is approximately $1,500 which includes travel, lodging, and registration. Student Scholarships/Stipends 160,000 Sixteen (16) students will receive $5,000 scholarships each semester and a $5,000 stipend for participating in the statistics and research methodology institute. Students can be awarded scholarships only if they are enrolled for courses. Stipends will enable students to participate 14
in research projects and gain valuable experiences designed to assist them in persisting in their programs and graduating in a timely manner. Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of six (6) semester hours each semester. Additionally, they will be required to attend monthly program meetings and workshops, have regular individual meetings with the graduate advisor, and meet with their research advisors and mentors each month. Summer Statistics and Research Methodology Institute Instructors 15,000 Three (3) instructors for statistical analysis, research design and methodology, and computer usage will be paid $5,000 each. The Institute will be taught by professors in statistics, research methodology, and computer science. Summer Statistics and Research Methodology Institute Student Stipends 80,000 Students will participate in a 6-week institute. The Institute will focus on research design and methodology, data analysis, and using computer programs for analysis. The Institute will be especially beneficial to students completing a thesis. Participants in the Institute will receive a stipend. Sixteen (16) students each will receive a $5,000 stipend. The conference will provide opportunities for students to present their research via oral and posters presentations and to learn about research conducted by other students. Total $464,000 15