The State of Faculty Development Funding in 2024

Emerging Trends in Higher Education Digital Humanities Advancement Grants Program: Grants for Higher Education and HEERF Funding Impacts on Higher Ed Grants The Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program is a significant funding opportunity for higher education institutions looking to innovate and experiment with digital projects that enhance scholarly research, teaching, and public programming in the humanities. One concrete regulation that applies to this sector is the Higher Education Act (HEA), which governs various aspects of higher education, including grant programs like the Digital Humanities Advancement Grants. As the higher education landscape evolves, trends in digital humanities are becoming increasingly important, particularly in the context of emergency relief funding and the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The program's focus on computationally challenging digital projects aligns with the growing need for institutions to adapt to technological advancements and changing student needs, especially in light of the impacts of the Emergency CARES Act on higher education. A key trend in the higher education sector is the prioritization of digital literacy and the integration of technology into humanities curricula. This shift is driven by the recognition that digital skills are essential for students to succeed in an increasingly digital world. As a result, institutions are seeking funding opportunities like the Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program to support innovative projects that combine humanities scholarship with digital methodologies. The TEACH Grant program, which provides funding for students pursuing teaching careers, is another example of how the federal government is supporting the development of educators who can effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices. The intersection of digital humanities and teacher education is a critical area of focus, as it has the potential to enhance the quality of education and improve student outcomes. ## Operational Challenges and Capacity Requirements for Higher Education Institutions One verifiable delivery challenge unique to the higher education sector is the need to balance the demands of digital project development with the existing workload of faculty and staff. Institutions must have the capacity to support the development of complex digital projects, which often requires specialized expertise in areas like digital pedagogy, project management, and technical infrastructure. To address this challenge, institutions may need to invest in professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, as well as infrastructure upgrades to support digital project development. The HEERF grant program has provided critical funding for institutions to address these capacity needs, particularly in the context of emergency relief funding. In terms of staffing, institutions may need to consider hiring additional personnel with expertise in digital humanities, or providing training and support for existing staff to develop the necessary skills. ## Risk and Compliance Considerations for Higher Education Institutions Eligibility barriers for the Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program include the requirement that applicants demonstrate a clear understanding of the project's potential impact on scholarly research, teaching, and public programming in the humanities. Institutions must also comply with the program's reporting requirements, which include regular progress reports and a final report detailing the project's outcomes. One compliance trap to avoid is failing to adequately document the project's methodology and results, which can make it difficult to demonstrate the project's impact and effectiveness. To mitigate this risk, institutions should ensure that they have robust project management and reporting systems in place. It's also essential to understand what is NOT funded under the program, such as projects that do not have a clear humanities focus or do not demonstrate a clear potential for impact. ## Measuring Success: Required Outcomes and KPIs for the Digital Humanities Advancement Grants Program The Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program requires awardees to report on specific outcomes and KPIs, including the project's impact on scholarly research, teaching, and public programming in the humanities. Institutions must also demonstrate the project's potential for scalability and sustainability. To measure success, institutions can track metrics such as the number of students and faculty impacted by the project, the project's visibility and reach within the academic community, and the project's contribution to the development of new knowledge and methodologies in the humanities. By focusing on these outcomes and KPIs, institutions can ensure that their projects are meeting the program's requirements and making a meaningful impact in the field. Q: How does the Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program differ from other grant programs supporting digital projects in higher education? A: The Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program is distinct from other grant programs in its focus on computationally challenging digital projects that enhance scholarly research, teaching, and public programming in the humanities. While other programs may support digital projects more broadly, this program is specifically designed to support innovative and experimental projects that push the boundaries of digital humanities. Q: Can institutions that are not HEA-eligible still apply for the Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program? A: No, the Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program is only open to institutions that are eligible under the Higher Education Act (HEA). This means that applicants must be accredited institutions that are recognized by the US Department of Education. Q: How will the HEERF grant program's emergency relief funding impact the Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program? A: The HEERF grant program's emergency relief funding has provided critical support to higher education institutions during the pandemic, enabling them to invest in digital infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives. While the Digital Humanities Advancement Grants program is a separate funding opportunity, institutions that have received HEERF funding may be well-positioned to apply for and implement digital humanities projects that align with the program's goals.