October 22, 2008

Dear Colleagues,

The University’s 2008-2009 (Fiscal Year 2009) budget includes funds for the fourth year of the Graduate Investment Initiative The Queens College portion of this funding is about $640,000. Due to the need to fund ongoing commitments under this initiative, about $400,000 is available this year. Please note that these funds are meant for initiatives benefiting our Queens College graduate (masters and advanced certificate) programs, not for undergraduate programs or PhD programs.

Departments are now invited to submit proposals for these funds. Proposals should describe the spending and indicate how the spending would improve student learning in an active graduate program. It is expected that most of the spending will be for equipment and facilities (other than instructional computers, which would normally be funded through the Tech Fee), particularly facilities shared by two or more departments. Funds may also be requested to increase opportunities for graduate students to assist with college teaching, for example by working with senior faculty in large sections, perhaps by attending lectures and assisting with proctoring and reading of class assignments, if this would improve a graduate program. Library monographs directly needed for a graduate program could also be requested. Keep in mind the guidelines issued by the University, which state that the GII should focus on:

Strengthening full-time faculty
Improving student services
Expanding library services
Enhancing college teaching opportunities for graduate students
Investment in instructional equipment and lab facilities

The University guidelines provide further that we must present our plan’s objectives and expected outcomes, including target enrollments for graduate areas which would benefit from the investment. Accordingly, in your proposals, please include current enrollment in the program and estimates of projected growth, and explain how the proposed investment would improve enrollment and student learning.

While there are no fixed rules about the proposal format, please keep in mind that all proposals will have to be read by all the members of the Graduate Investment Committee and it is composed of busy people with many other obligations. Accordingly, please confine the proposal narrative to the information needed to enable readers to understand and make a judgment about the request; this would typically involve a few pages, including the budget

Please submit proposals, electronically if possible, to Steve Schwarz (Steven.Schwarz@qc.cuny.edu) by Friday, November 7, 2008. Shortly thereafter the Graduate Investment Committee will meet to consider the proposals and make recommendations. The college’s full application can then be prepared for submission to the University. This request will also be posted on the provost's website under Curriculum and Student Issues.

Thank you,

Evangelos Gizis