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Bob Graham Center for Public Service College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Fall 2025 Course Development & Enhancement Grants

[This opportunity has closed.]

UF Gulf Scholars invites proposals from UF faculty for newly developed and revised courses focused on the Gulf and its communities.

The Gulf is a vital ecosystem, economic engine, and source of cultural and spiritual significance. However, many UF undergraduates, even those from nearby areas, have had little exposure to the diverse challenges and opportunities the Gulf presents. So far, UF Gulf Scholars has supported the development or revision of 15 courses related to the Gulf and the complex environmental, health, and social challenges facing the region. We are looking to fund several more to round out our curriculum.

Recipients will receive: 

  • $4,000 for developing new undergraduate courses related to the Gulf. 
  • $2,000 for enhancing existing undergraduate courses related to the Gulf. 

Please note: taxes and fringe will be deducted from these payments. 

Students can engage in UF Gulf Scholars any level—by taking individual courses, attending events, or participating fully in the program. Those who complete all components before graduation will earn a UF Gulf Scholars medallion. Courses funded through this grant will play a key role in fulfilling medallion requirements.  We are also excited to help integrate eligible new and existing courses into UF Quest 1 or Quest 2.

Visit the following link for more information: UF Quest Faculty Information 

To learn about our current funded courses, visit: Gulf Scholars Funded Courses

Background 

In 2023, UF was one of five universities selected as a host institution for the third cohort of the Gulf Scholars Program, a five-year, $12.7 million pilot program funded by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The program aims to prepare undergraduate students to address pressing environmental, social, health, energy, and infrastructure challenges in the Gulf region. Additionally, the program was awarded $414,000 in presidential strategic funds to supplement the initial $475,000 grant. 

The UF Gulf Scholars Program includes: 

  • Gulf-related courses
  • Experiential and place-based learning (research, internships, field excursions)
  • Faculty-mentored Gulf Impact Projects
  • Public programming and cohort meetings focused on Gulf issues

Focus Areas (Gulf Streams) 

We are particularly looking for courses, research opportunities, internships, and more related to our program pathways, or Gulf Streams: 

  • Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability  
  • Cultural Heritage, History, and Storytelling  
  • Resilient Built Environments and Economies  
  • Policy and Advocacy  
  • Public Health  

Note that we also have funding available to support student experiential learning opportunities (research, internships, field excursions, etc.). Read more. 

Student learning outcomes 

Aligned with the Gulf Research Program’s focus on community health, environmental protection, and energy safety, key learning outcomes include: 

  • Deepening knowledge of the Gulf region 
  • Fostering interdisciplinary learning 
  • Promoting intercultural competence 
  • Encouraging social responsibility and ethical reasoning 
  • Cultivating innovation and entrepreneurial thinking 

For more details, visit: UF Gulf Scholars Program Student Learning Outcomes

Eligibility 

We welcome applications from tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty with renewable appointments across all disciplines. Courses at any level are encouraged, though upper-level courses should remain accessible to students outside specific majors. Funded courses must be taught at least every two years.

For this program, the Gulf region includes a diverse range of communities, from Florida to Texas, each facing unique challenges. Our courses aim to help students explore the Gulf’s social and ecological connections beyond the coastline. 

Grant Requirements 

Grant recipients will submit a student roster at the beginning of the semester and anonymized evaluation data on student learning outcomes at the end. 

Application Requirements 

For new courses: 

A two-page course description, outlining Gulf-related themes and learning outcomes, potential audience, student learning outcomes, and any experiential learning components. 

For course enhancement: 

  • A brief course description 
  • Existing syllabus
  • Description of proposed changes 

To view the complete application, view the PDF. 

Timeline 

September 2, 2025: Applications open. 

November 2, 2025: Applications close. 

December 2025: Recipients notified of selection. 

Spring 2026: Recipients receive funds. 

Spring – Summer 2026: Recipients develop courses. 

Fall 2026-Spring 2027: Funded courses are taught for the first time. Courses must be taught at least once every two years as they will be an integral part of the UF Gulf Scholars medallion. 

Deadline 

Submit your application by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and recipients will be notified in Fall of 2025. Disbursements to recipients will be made in Spring 2026. 

To apply 

Submit your application at the following link: UF Gulf Scholars Course Development/Enhancement Grant Application 

Contact 

Rebecca Burton, UF Gulf Scholars Coordinator 
Bob Graham Center for Public Service 
rlburton@ufl.edu | (352) 846-4723