Intellectual Engagement Communities (IEC)
What is the Intellectual Engagement Community Program?
Intellectual Engagement Communities are thematically organized student-faculty collaborations that provide co-curricular learning opportunities designed to extend student learning via active engagement and discovery.
Each IEC may explore any topic of interest provided the project’s themes and activities related to race (racial identity, inter-racial dialogue, racism, racial justice) or other forms of structural injustice and align with The Center’s overall mission. The IEC program also has a public mission that asks its fellows to share community what they have learned with the community.
Each IEC is responsible for maintaining an active schedule of activities related to its proposed theme and must contribute to community dialogue by way of at least one public event per year.
Please continue reading for more information about the IEC Program and this year’s application cycle.
Program’s Objectives
Drawing upon the College’s strategic goals (PC 200) and IDEI Focus Areas, the IEC program claims the following purposes:
· Encourage curricular and co-curricular activities (e.g., research, teaching, course development, symposia, installations, performances, community engagements, etc.) that are innovative, disciplinary or interdisciplinary, educational, and highlight the role of the liberal arts and Dominican pedagogy in addressing contemporary issues of race, racism, and antiracism, and preparing students for a diverse, interconnected, and global society.
· Encourage high-impact and unique learning experiences, scholarship, and community-based projects that foster collaboration (particularly faculty/student collaborations, but also with community members/organizations, and campus-based Centers/programs), contribute to the mission of the Center at Moore Hall, and enrich the experience of its students.
· Create opportunities for frequent, meaningful interaction and dialogue among diverse constituents that promote learning discussion and understanding of race, racism, and racial justice (and related manifestations of structural inequality) that foster a caring campus community and embody Catholic teaching on diversity and inclusion.
· Expand College activities that enhance our reputation for and demonstrate commitment to building a more just, equitable, and inclusive society that honors the sacredness of every human life.
Program Operations
Student and Faculty Fellows
Each IEC is co-led by a student/faculty team, who hold the titles of Faculty Fellow and Student Fellow.
Fellows are expected to pursue projects/activities outlined in their initial proposal. These activities can include (but are not limited to) detailed work on new course proposals, original research projects, preparation and submission of grant proposals, art installations/exhibitions, performances, seminars, book/reading groups, conferences, service learning, community-based events (talks, film series. service), etc. A minimum number of activities per year is not expected, but each IEC must demonstrate responsible and good faith use of College resources.
Fellows can request the use of Center facilities for staging IEC events, activities, and meetings. Faculty Fellows will receive an annual stipend of up to $1500, and Student Fellows will receive an annual stipend of up to $1000. Stipends will be paid in semester installments. In addition, each IEC is eligible to receive a startup budget of up to $1500. Fellows will be responsible for managing these funds responsibly.
Fellows can include other learners and collaborators (students, faculty, staff, and/or community members) in their community, but only Fellows will receive a stipend. Near the close of the academic year, Fellows are expected to prepare and submit an annual report to the IEC Steering Committee that documents their activities, accomplishments, and how any money allocated to the community has been spent. Annual Reports are required
Re-appointment: Fellows (and their respective communities) may be re-appointed upon request and the successful evaluation of the Steering Committee. Criteria for reappointment will, at a minimum, include the submission of an annual report, successful completion of proposed activities, the responsible stewardship of financial resources, and program impact.
The IEC Steering Committee
The IEC Program Steering Committee has oversight responsibility for the IEC program and provides strategic vision and planning for the program. The Steering Committee is currently comprised of two students, one faculty member, and the Director of the Center at Moore Hall (The Moore Hall Faculty in Residence provides administrative support to and convenes the Steering). The Steering Committee has the following responsibilities:
· Sets annual timelines for recruitment, review, and selection of IEC proposals.
· Appoints IEC Fellows.
· Reviews IEC annual reports and re-appoints Fellows.
· Participates in the annual review, continuous improvement, and strategic planning for the IEC program.
Appointments to the Steering Committee are made annually as seats become available. Interested parties should contact the Moore Hall Faculty in Residence.
Faculty in Residence for Moore Hall
The Faculty in Residence (FIR), whose primary appointment through IDEI is with Moore Hall, coordinates the administrative work of the Steering Committee work and IEC Program. Their key responsibilities are:
· regular communication and support for Fellows and Communities,
· administering the annual application/reappointment process
· convening the Steering Committee
· coordinating the annual review process.
The Application Process
The Steering Committee invites applications for new and continuing Intellectual Engagement Communities each spring. Individuals interested in becoming a Fellow are asked to submit a letter of interest (LOI). LOIs are no longer than two (2) pages and must include the following elements:
1. Executive Summary – A one to two-paragraph overview of the proposed IEC that should answer the question: What will this IEC do? The summary should include a title/name for the IEC and its intended educational/intellectual focus.
2. Objectives – One to two paragraphs that answer the question, why is this IEC necessary? Please describe the stated purpose, the learning or experiential opportunity being provided/need being met, and how program funding will aid in achieving the proposed IEC’s stated purpose(s).
3. Goals – One to two paragraphs that will answer the question, what do you hope to accomplish? The narrative should identify the anticipated student, campus, and/or community impacts of the community and its activities.
4. Miscellaneous – If you hope to pursue collaborations with campus or off-campus units, organizations, and/or individuals, please identify these collaborations and the nature of the collaboration (additional funding sources, co-programming, service site, teaching/learning partnership, etc,). Confirmed commitments and details are not required at this time.
The Steering Committee will review and evaluate LOIs and invite selected applicants to submit full proposals. The criteria for full proposals will be communicated via that invitation.
Spring 2023 Timeline
APRIL 15, 2023 Letters of Interest due at 12 p.m. to diversity@providence.edu
APRIL 17, 2023 Letter of Interest replies mailed
APRIL 28, 2023 Full proposals due at 5 pm to diversity@providence.edu
MAY 5, 2023 Fellow appointment/IEC selection mailed
