In collaboration with the Samberg Institute, the Dean’s Office invites faculty to apply for the Empowering Learning Through EdTech: Faculty Innovation RFP. This process provides a structured pathway to secure funding, receive pre-approval for educational technology (Ed Tech) purchasing, and implementation support for approved Ed Tech projects that enhance student learning at CBS.
Eligibility: Full-time and adjunct faculty
Faculty may apply for:
- Funding for new educational technology initiatives
- Pre-approval for educational technology purchases made through your division’s chartstring.
- Expedited approval to fast-track pilot tools.
- Other: If your request does not fit the categories above, please describe your project scope and the type of support you are seeking.
For all proposals, Samberg offers in-kind support through consultation, guidance, and project coordination. We collaborate closely with faculty to refine their ideas, provide strategic insights, and guide proposals smoothly through the process.
Deadlines:
To ensure timely review and implementation, faculty should submit applications as early as possible. Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and faculty are encouraged to submit requests before the following hard deadlines:
- Spring 2026 Courses: September 30, 2025
- Fall 2026 Courses: March 30, 2026
Technology Review & Approval Process
All educational technology projects, whether seeking funding or pre-approval for Ed Tech purchases, must undergo the University’s required approval process to ensure compliance, security, and successful implementation. However, projects that support faculty experimentation to pilot innovative teaching technologies may be eligible for a fast-track compliance and security process and receive approval in 2-3 weeks.
This process includes:
- Aligning technology with course learning objectives
- Exploring University-approved tools and alternatives
- Conducting research, comparison, and analysis of potential tools
- Planning for budget, procurement, licensing, and scope of work
- Completing CUIT’s risk assessment process (required for all technology implementations)
- Testing and implementation in coordination with relevant teams
The Samberg Institute will work with faculty throughout this process to ensure a smooth experience from proposal to implementation.
Proposal requirements:
Faculty are required to submit a detailed project proposal that includes:
- Faculty & Course Information (faculty name, UNI, division, course name, number, expected enrollment, semester, and term)
- Project Description
- Learning Outcomes: How the proposed technology aligns with and enhances course learning goals
- Learning Experience: A sample activity illustrating how students and instructors will engage with the technology
- Requested Tool: Description of the hardware/software (brands/models not required at this stage)
- Budget (if applicable): A detailed breakdown and justification for requested funds
- Supporting Documentation
- Course syllabus
- Stakeholder Consultation: Insights from key stakeholders (Divisional Chair, Course Coordinator, co-instructors, etc.)
- Scalability & Broader Impact: Potential for adoption across other CBS courses or departments
How to apply: Upload a PDF answering the above questions via the application form (below). For your convenience, we created a Google Docs template for the project description (below).
Review Process: Proposals will be reviewed by the Dean’s Office, Samberg, and ITG staff.