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СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø the Alumnae Award for Curriculum Innovation

The Alumnae of СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø University Award for Curriculum Innovation was established in 2014 to champion faculty innovations that enhance the undergraduate curriculum. As a result of this investment, faculty have developed and implemented original courses, creative course materials, novel approaches to instruction, and more. 

With an expansive view of curriculum innovation, we welcome any proposals that clearly demonstrate a measurable positive impact upon the education of СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø’s undergraduate students. 

Looking for inspiration? Explore the innovative projects of past recipients. 

Award Amount

Each award provides total support in the amount of $12,500: 

  • $7,000 for development of the curriculum innovation; see the application for commonly requested expense categories 
  • $5,000 faculty stipend
  • $500 to the faculty member’s home department

Restrictions: The award is not intended to fund regular instructional or administrative salaries, standard faculty leaves or faculty research—except in cases where the research directly supports the proposed curriculum innovation or enhances undergraduate teaching. 

Eligibility

All non-tenure and tenure-line faculty who anticipate teaching at СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø during the award period—the current and subsequent academic year—are eligible to apply. If faculty roles change during this period, departments/programs would ideally explore ways to sustain the curriculum innovation to embody the spirit in which the award is given. 

Timeline

The chart below provides a timeline of the activities during the award period.

Table showing activities associated with the award
Date Activities 
Fall Quarter 2025 
  • Selection committee chosen in consultation with the Faculty Senate
November 14, 2025 
  •  Deadline for submitting application
Late Fall Quarter 2025
  • Nominations reviewed by the Office of the Provost and applicants notified
  • Provost announces Curriculum Innovation Award recipients on its website and other channels
Winter Quarter 2026 
  • Award funds distributed and award period begins
  • Recipients paired with an educational developer at the , who can provide thought partnership at any stage of project
  • Recipients invited to join the Alumnae Award Community of Practice
Spring Quarter 2027 
  • Recipients invited to address a meeting of the Board of Directors of
  • Recipients recognized by Provost at annual luncheon 
  • Recipients encouraged to present the outcomes of their curriculum innovation at (optional)
Summer 2027 
  • Award period ends
  • Recipients asked to submit a one-page narrative to the that captures the most significant outcomes of the curriculum innovation  

Application

Submit materials using the . Application will open October 17.

Application Materials Needed for Submission

  1. Personal information/proposal title 
  2. Description of the proposed curricular innovation, including the following information (350-word maximum): 
    • The expected level and format of the class incorporating the innovation (e.g., large introductory class, small seminar) 
    • An explanation of how it relates to the existing curriculum
    • An explanation of why the proposal is innovative in nature
  3. Description of the learning outcomes and expected impact of the innovation on undergraduate students as well as the sustainability of the innovation (350-word maximum)  
  4. Discussion of the feasibility of completing the innovation, including any special circumstances or considerations that need to be addressed to successfully implement the proposal. For example, if the proposed innovation involves a new course, does it require approval from multiple departments or space that is not typically available or is it dependent on collaboration with entities outside of СÖíÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø? If so, please attach the relevant documentation (350-word maximum).  
  5. Endorsement of Chair and Dean (note: the application contains a template you can use to request the endorsement)  
  6. List of anticipated expenses (note: the application contains more details about how to itemize this list)

Deadline

November 14, 2025

Questions

Questions can be directed to curriculumaward@northwestern.edu.