Faculty Grants for Curricular Enhancement for the Exploration of Vocation

Introduction

The Lilly Project for the Theological, Spiritual and Ethical Exploration of Vocation is a university-wide program dedicated to helping students to engage the larger questions of meaning and purpose, and to discern their vocation -- their calling in life. Funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Lilly Project is embedded in the intellectual and residential life of the university, offering opportunities for members of the community to consider issues of vocation, service, meaning-making and life choices through a variety of academic and co-curricular programs.

Vocation, as we are using it in the context of the Lilly Project at Willamette, does not mean strictly religious vocations; neither does it refer to building a skilled workforce. Rather, it means the way in which we live out our passions in the world, the way in which our values, our commitments and our beliefs are embodied in our choices about work, about family, about our political and social lives. Exploring vocation means talking about engaging the larger questions of meaning and purpose, questions that, we hope, inform students’ decisions and shape their lives, both during their time here and after graduation. We are talking about vocation in the context of a liberal arts education, one that opens up choices and options, one that teaches students how to think critically, inquire freely, lead wisely, serve generously and live with integrity.

Faculty Grants for Curricular Enhancement

The Lilly Project provides grants for Willamette University faculty to develop new courses related to vocation or to significantly enhance already existing courses to explore the themes of vocation, calling and lived purpose. Summer grants of $2000 are available each year of the Lilly Project.

Application Process for Grants

The Lilly Advisory Board accepts proposals for curriculum enhancement projects on an on-going basis.

Proposal Format and Procedures

To apply, please complete the requirements outlined on the Curriculum Enhancement Grant Application Form* and obtain necessary signatures*.

Evaluation Criteria

Depth of engagement with the themes of theological, ethical and/or spiritual exploration of vocation.
Anticipated number of students affected (priority will be given to lower division courses and those linked to General Education).
Connectivity/Integration with departmental and CLA offerings.
We encourage interdisciplinary and team-taught courses.

Expectations of Grantees

Accounting of expenses.
Participation in reading/discussion group on vocation to meet late spring.
Intention to offer the course twice within the next 5 years.
Approval of the course proposal by the Department and the Programs Committee.

*Forms necessary to this application require Microsoft Word. If you do not have access to Microsoft Word, please contact the Lilly Project office to have a copy of the forms sent to you.