OSU Engages January 2023 Newsletter

Dear Colleagues,

Each year as the calendar turns to a new year, I get excited for all that the next 12 months hold. This year is no exception! Over the course of 2023, we anticipate making great progress on the academic plan as well as further articulating how our community and public engagement work advances the university and more importantly helps individuals, organizations and communities be the very best they can be.

I'm pleased to welcome Jason Reece as the inaugural vice provost for urban research and community engagement to the Office of Outreach and Engagement. You'll be hearing more from him in coming newsletters as well as Nicole Nieto, assistant vice provost, as she leads our grants, awards and recognition efforts as part of her portfolio.

This year is full of opportunities as we continue to work toward further defining and prioritizing our work across External Engagement. Regional Campuses, the Arts, Sustainability Institute and International Affairs are all hard at work. We look forward to sharing more soon!

Sincerely,
Ryan Schmiesing
Senior Vice Provost, External Engagement

Submit a proposal for an Engagement Grant

The Office of Outreach and Engagement provides funding to faculty and/or faculty-led teams, and university staff that hold PI status with the annual Engagement Grants program. Grants are awarded at a maximum amount of $20,000 to support development of impact reports for programs, performances or exhibits; development of a public policy document or impact report; development or implementation of a program, performance, exhibition, or initiative based upon previous research, assessment, or public input; or enhance or expand a program that extends community access to the university, broadly defined. Proposals are due March 6.

Apply now for the University Outreach and Engagement Awards

Ohio State is seeking nominations of programs, scholars and practitioners for the 2023 University Outreach and Engagement Awards, which honor faculty, staff, students and community partners for outstanding achievement in producing engaged scholarship and community impact. Awards will be given in three categories: High Impact Program, Community Engaged Scholar and Community Engaged Practitioner (for staff). The deadline to apply is January 31.

Nominations sought for inaugural Ohio State Artist Laureate

The Office of Academic Affairs is seeking nominations for the inaugural Ohio State Artist Laureate. The program is designed to help the university achieve one of the main goals of its academic plan: to enhance impact through external engagement. The goal is to bring the arts to underserved communities across the state and to engage with those communities in shared experiences that will, ideally, enrich and inform audience and Laureate alike. Nominations are due March 6.

Applications open for the annual OSEP awards

In collaboration with Ohio State Energy Partners (OSEP), the Office of Academic Affairs has opened a call for grant proposals that align with the universitys sustainability goals; advance diversity, equity and inclusion goals; or provide research opportunities to students who have had limited exposure to undergraduate research and experiential learning opportunities. Submissions are due February 10. Faculty, staff and students are eligible to apply. Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000. There will be an information session on January 24 at 11 a.m.

Community Connector Q&A: Glennon Sweeney

Glennon Sweeney's research focus is at the intersection of land use and development policy and metropolitan segregation, with an emphasis on suburban spaces. As a native of Columbus and a local history enthusiast, much of Sweeney's work focuses on connecting historic and current policies to inequality and seeking policy remedies.

Next STEM Outreach Community of Practice meeting Jan. 26

The Office of Outreach and Engagement invites individuals to come together as a community of practice to share resources, ideas, impact and expertise related to STEM-based outreach and engagement programs, focused on youth, adult and community participants. The overall goal of the community of practice is to provide opportunities for individuals to come together to build collaborations and learn from each other. The next meeting will take place January 26 at 3 p.m. via Zoom.

Applications open for Columbus-Athens Schweitzer Fellows Program

Applications are being accepted for the 2023-24 class of the Columbus-Athens Schweitzer Fellows Program. The Schweitzer Fellows Program supports and trains health-focused graduate and professional students in creating and carrying out service projects to address unmet community needs. Fellows partner with an existing community agency in the Columbus or Athens area and have both an academic and a community-based mentor. Applications are due January 23.

Opportunities

Nominate a commencement speaker

The Commencement Speaker Advisory Committee seeks assistance in identifying future graduation speakers. Students, faculty and staff may nominate candidates via the nomination portal. Speaker criteria and nomination process information are available at the link below. All are encouraged to engage in this proud tradition and nominate speakers to inspire graduates, families, faculty and guests. Nominations must be submitted by January 31.

Community-Engaged/Service-Learning Course Development Grants

The Office of Service-Learning is pleased to announce the Community-Engaged/Service-Learning Course Development Grants program for the 2022-2023 academic year. These grants of up to $4,000 are available to any Ohio State instructor who would like to develop or improve a community-based course. Applications are due January 22.

Make connections with the Outreach and Engagement listserv

Did you know you can connect with colleagues through the Outreach and Engagement listserv? You can share your work and events, look for partnerships and much more by emailing the list at outreach@lists.osu.edu.