Week #1 Update

To: Dr. Holmevik
From: Diana Thrasher

Introduction

This project proposes to develop a set of guidelines for the new grant writer in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities to use in developing an idea that conforms to the larger overall goal of a funding agency. This project will not contain instructions on how to do research. This guide will focus on how to seek out funding opportunities and write a winning proposal. A new grant writer needs to be able to identify the needs of the targeted funding agency or approach an agency with an unsolicited request. This project will look at successful versus unsuccessful proposal submissions, and attempt to understand how the project fits into the philosophy and mission of the agency or organization targeted. This manual is designed as a new reference document that will be housed in the Office of Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. It will also be available on the AAH Research web site, and will be incorporated into the training cycle conducted by the research office.

Work Completed

At this point I have spoken with various faculty, students, and staff in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities regarding the content of the proposed project. Based on those conversations I have answered the four stasis question:

1. Is there a problem with proposal submission in AAH? Yes
2. What exactly is the problem? There are not adequate resources to assist our graduate students and new faculty in proposal preparation and submission.
3. How serious is the problem? With the growing expectation of the university on research is it a rapidly growing problem
4. What kind of proposal would solve the problem? A planning proposal

I have taken those questions and answers to the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and revised my executive summary based on the expectations relayed during that meeting. I have gathered several books from the Cooper Library related to the subject. I have also contacted other Grants Coordinators on campus and requested their input.

Next Steps

I feel at this point I need to address the elements of change that are behind the need for this project. I want to look at the project again from a cause and effect point of view and access what caused the problem. I want to be able to show that if we are unable to move forward on this opportunity the problem will only get worse for our college. I also want to compare the documentation reviewed to date with my strategic plan to make sure I am still on course. I feel it is critical the reader understand how the change in the research culture has presented this opportunity and if not addressed it will only get worse. I will start reviewing the research on the topic I have collected to make sure I have an adequate footing and will compare this to the reader’s expectation.

Conclusion

Currently I feel I am where I need to be with this proposal. If I stay focused on my next steps I believe over the weekend I can acquire more documents for my research and begin to focus on drafting the literature review that will establish my ethos on the project