Dear UNO Colleagues,
I am pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative to spark innovation and creativity within our university community. The Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund seeks to inspire faculty and staff to develop and implement new ideas that will propel the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) from good to great.
All faculty and staff are eligible to submit applications through NuRamp. A campus advisory committee will evaluate proposals and consider how well the proposal addresses the priorities, whether intercampus or interdisciplinary connections strengthen the proposal, the nature of the needs the proposal addresses, and the likelihood of success.
Strategic Priorities for the 2025 proposal cycle are three of the pillars of the UNO Core:
- Pillar 1: Educating All Learners
- Pillar 3: Community Engagement, Development, and Partnerships
- Pillar 4: Workforce and Economic Development
I will work closely with the Chancellor to review recommendations, and to finalize awards and funding levels. For the first round of funding, proposals will need to be submitted by September 1, 2024.
Please refer to our Academic Affairs Initiatives website for more information on the proposal process and timelines. In addition to the FAQ section of the website, Academic Affairs will be hosting two Town Halls to listen to and clarify questions on both the intent of the funding and the requirements for submitting a proposal. Please consider joining us on either Monday, April 29, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in MBSC 306 or Monday, May 13, 2024, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM in Mammel Hall 117.
We encourage all members of the UNO community to submit proposals that have the potential to make a significant impact on our university. Let us work together to drive positive change and elevate UNO to new heights.
Thank you for your continued dedication to excellence.
Warmly,
Phil He
Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
