Letter

To the Cornell community:

This is to remind you that the committee for the Hatfield Fund to Enhance Undergraduate Economics Education is seeking proposals in support of faculty members who propose innovative ways of strengthening the teaching of economics to undergraduate students.

The guidelines for projects are intentionally broad to encourage innovative proposals that would enhance traditional classroom instruction in economics for undergraduate students. We are inviting proposals that will (1) encourage the use of technology (including distance learning) in the classroom, (2) promote change in the pedagogy of economics education, (3) create case studies for examination of the major issues facing our economic system, (4) bring real world authorities as classroom speakers and seminar leaders (either directly or indirectly using distance learning methods) and/or (5) offer actual field experiences, including research projects, designed to expose participating students and faculty to the complexities of economic decision-making.

This year we have approximately $60,000 to distribute to faculty-initiated projects. We are particularly interested in proposals that stretch across the university, creating connections among the many avenues through which economics education is offered. Typical proposals in the past have been funded at the $5,000 to $10,000 level for one year. The committee is prepared to consider, and wishes to encourage, larger innovative projects that might include multi-year funding requests.

Proposals need not be longer than three or four pages and should include a detailed projection of expenses. If you have any questions about a potential project, please feel free to call me or one of the committee members -- John Abowd, Steven Carvell, David Easley, Don Kenkel and William Lesser. Proposals are due in my office no later than March 15, 1998. The committee will award grants by the end of April.

-- Ronald G. Ehrenberg,
vice president for academic programs, planning and budgeting