Rising Star Grant

UCCS is committed to promoting research and creative excellence and fostering a community of learning, engagement, and inclusive belonging as a foundation for teaching and mentoring of students. The Office of Research, with support from the Provost Office, is recruiting new tenure track scholars whose research or creative works align with the UCCS strategic plan, and in particular Core Strategies 1 and 3. These funds are intended to be used as one-time salary-support and can take several forms (e.g., a one-time course reduction, summer salary, TA salary). The goal is to provide awardees more time to set up their research/creative program during their first couple of years at UCCS. The awardee is expected to show scholarly impact within two years of using the funding and must fill out a short “final report” survey.

Applications submitted under this funding program are evaluated by the Acting AVC-R on a rolling basis and participation is contingent on funding. Typically, two awardees will be supported in a given fiscal year. If awarded, the funds will be made available to awardees during the specified semester (within 2 years of their start date) that the candidate requests to use the funding. Departments may only receive one Rising Star Grant every-other fiscal year.

To receive a Rising Star Grant, applications must:

• Be submitted by the Search Committee Chair and the Department Chair
• Be limited to a maximum of $5,500 in salary plus benefits.
• Be for the recruitment of a Tenure Track candidate whose background or area of research / creative works is not well represented in the recruiting department and will enhance the inclusive research culture of the recruiting department.
• Explain how the department will support this scholar and create a supportive and welcoming environment that sets this person up for success.
• Must have an acknowledgment of the terms and conditions from the candidate.