Six projects aimed at strengthening undergraduate engagement and academic success at U of G have received support from the University’s Learning Enhancement Fund (LEF).

Created in 2006, the fund supports initiatives arising from the integrated planning process and the curriculum renewal process. About $150,000 is available to be allocated each year.

LEF grant proposals can come from faculty or staff in any college, department or academic support unit that reports to the provost. Projects must strengthen undergraduate teaching and learning in demonstrable ways. They must also support learning experiences that cross departmental and college boundaries and pursue systemic innovation, renewal and experimentation.

LEF projects for 2011/2012 are:

• Prof. Art Hill, Department of Food Science, $25,000 to develop an interdisciplinary product-development program and an annual product show;
• Prof. Bruce McAdams, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, $15,000 to use the student-run PJ’s restaurant as a vehicle for student learning and research in sustainability;
• Prof. Irene Moore, Ridgetown Campus, $10,000 to provide complimentary audiovisual materials to supplement learning in the veterinary technology program;
• Prof. Claud Naud, Kemptville Campus, and Prof. Art Schaafsma, Ridgetown Campus, (funding amount TBA) to synchronize the delivery of highly specialized diploma courses between multiple regional campuses;
• Prof. John Phillips, School of Engineering, $5,000 to engage students across disciplines in a newly-created computer-aided design club that will access new and existing facilities in engineering and fine arts; and
• Prof. Ann Wilson, $35,000 to support a collaboration between the College of Arts and Teaching Support Services to develop models for the use of e-portfolios as a student learning tool.