The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) has made funds available to support pre-program visits for the creation of new study abroad programming that engages historically marginalized students and/or underrepresented locations. Each project selected as part of the Fellowship receives up to $2,500 in funding to support the expansion of programming related to campus internationalization and global learning. 

OGA is especially interested in supporting proposals by staff and faculty who have not previously led study abroad programs, who identify as people of color and/or who are early in their career. 

Preference will be given to program proposals that: 

  • Combine on-campus coursework with a study abroad program (hybrid programs) 
  • Take place in underrepresented locations (outside of Western Europe) 
  • Are relevant to and honor the lived experiences, knowledge traditions, and assets of UW Tacoma students and of marginalized and Indigenous communities in the US and abroad 
  • Include coursework at the 200-300 level and/or are geared toward underclassmen
  • Are developed in partnership with two-year or four-year colleges and universities in the host-country
  • Include study of the host country's language (where applicable)

Please see the below FAQ for more information about these preferences. 

Eligibility:

The Global Initiatives Fellowship is open to all full-time faculty and staff at UW Tacoma who:

  • Have a demonstrated interest in global learning and campus internationalization 
  • Can commit to meeting all expectations as outlined below
  • Demonstrate a history of/ability to collaborate with colleagues across the campus and beyond  

Funding Period and Expectations:

The funding period will be the 2024 fiscal year (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025). During the funding period, participants are required to:

  • Identify a Project Lead to serve as primary contact (must be a UW Tacoma faculty or staff member)
  • Meet with an assigned OGA staff lead 
  • Submit a final report to OGA no later than December 2025

Awards are an allocation of State funds, and must follow ALL UW spending policies and procedures, including:

  • Funds cannot be used for course release(s)
  • Budgeted salaries or stipends must include benefits.  

Please note that summer 2024 travel is eligible for GIF funding, however, reimbursement for travel will not take place until the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2024 or after

Application Process: 

Applicants are asked to provide the following via our online proposal form:

FAQ

What locations are underrepresented in UW Tacoma study abroad programming?
  • East Asia-Pacific (with the exception of China)
  • Middle East & North Africa
  • South & Central Asia
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
  • South and Central America (with the exception of Brazil)
Which students are underrepresented in study abroad participation at UW Tacoma?

At UW Tacoma, the following student groups are underrepresented in study abroad participation, based on overall UW Tacoma student data:  

  • Students with financial need
  • First-generation students 
  • Students with majors in the School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, School of Education, School of Urban Studies, and School of Engineering and Technology  
  • Indigenous students 
  • Male students, especially male students of color
Can a project have co-leaders who share the lead role?

While a project may be structured in a way that multiple individuals co-lead its development, an individual faculty or staff member must be identified as the Project Lead. This Project Lead will serve as the primary point of contact and oversee compliance with budgetary rules. 

Can the award funds be used to pay individuals?

Compensation to individuals working on the project is allowed, but ability to pay faculty, staff, and students depends on a number of factors related to UW policy. Please contact the budget authority in your unit and/or OGA to discuss the details of any compensation before you submit your proposal. Justifications for compensation should be considered within the context of other budgetary needs, such as reimbursement for approved expenses (e.g., travel, materials, training, supplies, etc.).

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Please email Courtney Kroll, Associate Director of Study Abroad, at krollc@uw.edu.