Established at Boston University’s Metropolitan College in December 2023, the Academic Program Development & Innovation Fund is used to provide support for curricular innovation and academic program development at BU’s Metropolitan College, including faculty grants for course development research and supplemental technology needs.

BU MET’s Academic Program Development & Innovation Fund is made possible by an initial gift from Mike McCabe (MET’87,’87) former chair and current member of Metropolitan College’s Dean Advisory Board, to “support faculty research [to develop innovative pedagogy solutions] and education.” The goal of this fund is to sustain and enhance Metropolitan College’s reputation as a laboratory and incubator for programs, pedagogy, and teaching technologies.

Call for Proposals

MET Academic Program Development & Innovation Fund awards provide up to $10,000 to support a faculty project for a period of one year.

Application Process

  1. Proposals are due to the selection committee by April 1, 2025.
  2. Proposals should include:
    1. A statement of interest (1–2 pages) explaining why you are applying for the award and a detailed description of the intended project or plan for the use of funds.
    2. A budget plan that includes each category of expense and approximate amount, with a grand total expense for your project.
    3. Any appropriate supplementary materials (documentation of costs or logistics).
    4. A statement of support and signature by your department chair.
  3. Please submit proposals via email to Assistant Director of Strategic Projects Maryan Sharif, maryan@bu.edu, who will coordinate with the Selection Committee overseen by the Dean.

We ask you consider proposals that

  1. promote interdisciplinary research;
  2. have the potential to produce tangible results that benefit Metropolitan College; and
  3. may serve as a starting point for a larger departmental project.

Selection Process:

  1. The Selection Committee will carefully review your proposal once received.
  2. Award decisions will be announced by June 1, 2025.
  3. Awardees will have one year to conduct their research project.
  4. A report detailing the results of the project will be expected at the culmination of the work. This report will be used to demonstrate to Mike McCabe how his generous gift is fulfilling his wish to further the innovative research of faculty at MET.
  5. It is appreciated that winners draft a thank you note to Mr. McCabe.
  6. Fellows agree to serve on the Selection Committee for the following year.