Oakley Sponsored Faculty Research Groups
The Center sponsors three types of faculty research groups: discussion groups, research seminars, and released-time seminars. Typically, the groups represent a semester-long commitment by all participants to meet regularly (about eight to twelve meetings in total). If the circumstances are appropriate, however, it is possible to organize a year-long seminar that meets as many times but at less frequent intervals. (Participants in year-long seminars, however, do not receive a double stipend.) In either case, at the conclusion of the seminar, the organizer submits a summary/evaluation to the Director. Seminar applicants should submit proposals to the Director. The deadline for receipt of seminar applications is mid-March of the prior academic year.
Released-Time Seminars
The Center funds one-quarter released-time for one faculty member per year who is committed to a major research project. The organizer, whose research is presumed to be ongoing during the semester, recruits up to four interested faculty who participate regularly and may make presentations during the course of the semester. Participants receive a stipend of $1000.
A proposal (4-5 pages) should include a description of the seminar, the research plan of the organizer, reasons why the seminar and released-time will make a difference to progress in the research, and a list of likely participants. A Center committee reviews proposals and makes a recommendation to the Committee on Appointments and Promotions (CAP). The CAP makes final decisions on granting released-time.
Shared Research Seminars
Shared research seminar consist of an organizer and up to six faculty members (and occasional visitors) who meet regularly to discuss a common theme. Each participant agrees to write an original paper specifically for the seminar that emerges from his or her research. Participants receive a stipend of $1250. The organizer receives the same stipend plus an additional $250 to plan and manage the seminar.
A proposal of 4-5 pages should describe the topic, explain its importance, and list the likely participants and the subjects of their papers.
Discussion Groups
Discussion groups are semester-long (minimum of eight meetings) discussions by groups of up to ten interested faculty. The Center pays a stipend of $1000 to the organizer and $750 to other participants. Discussion group proposals should be 2-3 pages in length and should describe the topic of the group, explain why it is important, and list some of the people who are most likely to attend.