On-Ramps 2022 Program Description:
UMBC recognizes the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research careers of many of our Assistant and Associate Professors. We also recognize the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on caregivers, and individuals from underrepresented groups.
UMBC has adapted our original On-Ramps program to address the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the research career trajectories of our Assistant and Associate Professors. The new On-Ramps for Research Career Acceleration program will accept applications in Fall 2022 to provide a cohort of UMBC Assistant and Associate professor faculty with 2-years of targeted research support (no-extension), beginning in the Spring 2023 semester.
Application Form Chair Support Form
Eligible Faculty:
- Assistant Professors: Post Third-Year Contract Renewal
- Associate Professors: Promoted between AY 20-21 and AY 22-23.
Award Support(s):
Faculty should request the type of support needed to accelerate their research. Examples, might include, but are not limited to:
- Course release
- GA/RA support
- Grant Writing Support
- Research Writing Support
Application Requirements:
Eligible faculty members must complete and submit a Research Acceleration Plan form. On this form, applicants are asked to provide the following information:
- Current CV
- 1-2-page Self-Assessment of their career trajectory toward associate professor that includes a detailed description of how the COVID-19 pandemic is/has impacting their research career.
- A Resource Request that specifies which type of research support(s) they are requesting.
- A research plan for Spring 2023-Fall 2023 that includes:
- A list of clearly articulated objectives/goals that are directly connected to requested supports.
- Defined activities to achieve goals/activities
- Calendar/timeline with benchmarks at intervals to assess progress
- A Letter of Support from department Chair/Program Director submitted to the Chair Google Form. On this form, Chairs/Directors are asked to provide the following information:
- Confirm review and indicate support of the research acceleration plan
- Delineate how the proposed research acceleration plan supports the participant’s research development.
Application Evaluation and Funding Timeline:
Submitted plans will be reviewed and approved by each Dean in consultation with the Provost’s Office.
Plans will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Severity of COVID-19 disruption on the research career of the faculty member.
- Likelihood that the goals, objectives, and activities outlined in the plan will increase the research career of the faculty member.
- Readiness of faculty member to implement their plan.
- Chair/Director commitment to support the faculty member to implement their plan.
Deadline and Award Announcements:
The deadline for submitting application materials is Friday, December 2, 2022. Applications should be submitted through the Research Acceleration Plan form. Awards will be announced at the beginning of the Spring 2023 Semester. This announcement will notify awardees and the department chair/director. The Dean’s Office with provide information about the financial processes.
Award Reporting Requirements:
Participants will submit a progress assessment report at the end of each award year. (Templates provided)
Chairs will be required to submit a progress assessment report for their faculty member at the end of each award year. (Templates provided)
Please direct questions to Dr. Autumn Reed (autumn2@umbc.edu)