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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Finlo 2024
We would like to inform all valued colleagues, stakeholders, and partners that the Fund for Innovation and Research in Learning and Teaching (Finlo) will not be accepting project proposals for the year 2024.
Instead, an evaluation of the impact of the fund in relation to its own objectives and SU’s game changers in the teaching and learning core function will be undertaken.
Recipients of Finlo funding over the years will receive email communication requesting their assistance with submitting information for all projects as a first phase of the evaluation study.
We value your understanding and ongoing support as we work together to enhance TLA across our institution and thank you for your cooperation in this regard.
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All Information and documentation are updated twice a year before every round of funding
*** Finlo 2023 call for proposals is available here. (closing date: 17 November 2023)***
The Fund for Innovation and Research in Learning and Teaching (Finlo) funds TLA projects that are either innovative or research-focused. The purpose of Finlo is to provide financial support to:
- Demonstrate the value of TLA to the institution
- Encourage a research-based approach towards TLA
- Support SoTL at SU
- Support academics to enhance and/or change their TLA
- Assist academics to effectively innovate or research their TLA
Who may apply?
Any lecturer, team of lecturers, or centre responsible for TLA is invited to submit proposals for funding of research and/or innovation projects that aim to enhance TLA SU. The focus of proposals may include the review, re-design, and renewal of the academic offerings which encourages reflection and focus on transforming and improving curriculum, teaching, learning, and assessment.
Funding:
Finlo is awarded twice a year by a subcommittee of the Committee for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CTLA). Proposals are funded up to a maximum of R60 000.
Application process:
- To apply, complete the 2023 application form electronically here. Only applications made on this electronic form will be considered. You can view an inactive version of the application form here.
- Should your application be successful, you will be required to provide an interim (due 6 months after the project has commenced) and a final report (upon completion of the project) on the progress of the project.
- You are required to present the findings of your Finlo-funded project at the SoTL conference.
- Any publications linked to your Finlo-funded project must be reported to Finlo.
- Lastly, any unspent Finlo funds must be returned to Finlo together with your final report submission.
Support for Finlo project:
In support of Finlo projects, the university offers writing retreats. Writing retreats offer dedicated time, away from the office, for Finlo-related writing of proposals or publications. These retreats usually take place during May and November for both new and experienced teaching, learning, and assessment researchers. For more information about Writing retreats, see below.
Once you have developed your idea, and spoken to colleagues you are also encouraged to consult with the CTL advisor in your faculty.
Supporting documentation:
- The application guidelines and criteria are available here.
- The regulations for the management of Finlo funds are detailed here.
- Use the following template to report on your Finlo project
***Finlo writing retreat 2023 call for proposal is available here.***
The CTL hosts writing retreats where Finlo grant holders and staff engaged in TLA research or innovation can take time off-campus to be part of a writing community.
Applicants can use the time to work on their Finlo proposals as well as other Finlo-related publications for journals or book chapters. The writing retreat programme includes goal-setting and goal-achievement, input and discussion sessions, consultations with the facilitator and/or CTL advisors, and small group check-in discussions.
The purpose of the writing retreats is the:
- development of Finlo proposals;
- engagement in productive research writing related to Finlo projects;
- provision of support through facilitators and/or CTL advisors in an atmosphere of trust and safety;
- forming a multidisciplinary community of practice where peer support is provided;
- exploration of the key links between teaching, learning, assessment, research, writing, and scholarship.
***The application form to attend the next writing retreat is available here.***
