Creative Scholarship Award

The Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences is pleased to announce the Scholarship and Creative Activities Award—a new initiative supporting faculty across all disciplines in their scholarly, creative, and professional endeavors. This award is designed to advance knowledge, enrich our curriculum, inspire students, and further the mission of the College. The program provides financial support to full-time faculty for a wide range of activities, including:

  • Publication of articles, books, or creative works, 
  • Artistic performances, exhibitions, or design projects,
  • Conference presentations, keynote lectures, and workshops, and 
  • Curriculum innovation or substantial professional development

Throughout the award period, the Radow College’s Office of Research will offer mentorship and guidance to assist with project planning, budget development, implementation, and program evaluation. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in scholarship and creative works.

    • Eligibility: Radow College full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty
    • Funding: Up to $7,500.00 over a one-year period
    • Application: Proposals accepted from September 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025. Submit applications via the InfoReady@KSU portal
  • The purpose of the Scholarship and Creative Activities Award is to empower faculty in the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences to pursue innovative scholarship, creative projects, and professional development. By offering financial support and dedicated mentorship, this program encourages the creation and dissemination of new knowledge and artistic expression, enriches the college’s curriculum, inspires students, and supports both academic and creative communities within and beyond the College.

  • Applicants must be full-time faculty members of the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Kennesaw State University.

    Tenured and tenure-track Radow College faculty are eligible to apply.

    Faculty must be in good standing with the College and the University at the time of application and for the duration of the award period.

    Proposals may be submitted individually or collaboratively; however, the lead applicant must hold a primary appointment in the Radow College.

    Projects must propose activities that align with the purpose and goals of the Creative Scholarship Funding Award.

  • The Scholarship and Creative Activities Award is using the InfoReady@KSU portal for all submissions. 

    The application should be composed in an MS-Word compatible format using 12-point fonts and 1” margins. Text shall be double-spaced. Each Roman-numerated section should begin on a new page. Proposals that do not meet the formatting expectations are subject to being returned unreviewed.

    1. Cover Page: Project title, name(s) of project director(s), department/school(s), contact information.
    2. Abstract (1 page max): Describe (1) primary objectives of the project (2) the significance of the project/activity (3) and key deliverables.
    3. Project Narrative (3 pages max): The narrative should include the following in clearly identifiable sections
      1. Background and Significance Section: 
        • Briefly describe the scholarly, creative, or professional context for the proposed project. Summarize relevant literature or prior work to establish what is already known or has been done. Clearly identify the gap in knowledge, artistic practice, or educational approach that your project addresses. Explain why this issue or opportunity is important within your discipline or field.
        • Discuss the potential impact of the project on advancing knowledge, artistic expression, curriculum development, or professional practice. Articulate how your work will contribute to your field, the college, the university, and/or broader audiences.
        • Highlight any innovative aspects or creative approaches that set your project apart. Explain how your project builds on (or diverges from) existing work.
        • Explain how the project aligns with the goals of the Scholarship and Creative Activities Award and the mission of the Radow College. Demonstrate how the project advances the college’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and student enrichment.
        • Statement of Objectives: What do you plan to achieve through your proposed project? Explain the objective(s) of your project.
    4. Budget with Justification. Explain how funds will be used. List major equipment and materials to be purchased and describe how they are necessary to conduct the proposed project. Explain how travel funds are necessary to meet project objectives and will be used to support the conduct of the project. (see Application Template)
    5. Future Plans: How do you intend to build on the outcomes of this project in the next phase of your scholarship or creative activity? Please outline your timeline and key milestones for continuing or expanding this work after the award period. What steps will you take to translate the findings or results into broader impact or application?

  • Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of: 

    Project Feasibility; Intellectual Merit; Clarity of Objectives and Significance, Methods, Anticipated Results; Reasonableness of Costs; Qualifications of Key Personnel, including familiarity with the relevant literature, data, and methods to be used. 

  • Criterion Description Score (1=Exceptional, 9=Poor)
    Significance Addresses a significant problem or gap. Potential to meaningfully advance the field or have broad impact. 1-9
    Innovation Incorporates novel ideas, concepts, or techniques. Demonstrates originality and creativity in approach. 1-9
    Approach & Feasibility Methods are appropriate and well-developed. Project is feasible, clearly described, and realistic in scope and timeline. 1-9
    Investigator(s) & Expertise Applicant (and team, if applicable) has the expertise and experience required to succeed. Prior accomplishments and relevant skills considered. 1-9
    Environment & Resources The institutional and departmental environment, mentorship, and available resources support the project's success. 1-9
    Alignment with Program Goals Project aligns strongly with the objectives of this award, especially in preparing for external funding. 1-9
    Potential for External Funding Clear and compelling plan for pursuing subsequent external grant applications. Strong likelihood of generating a competitive submission. 1-9
    Budget & Justfication Budget is reasonable, well-justified, and appropriate for project activities. 1-9
    Mentorship and Researcher Development Well-developed plan for active mentorship and/or professional development. Activities support advancement and skills growth toward independence. 1-9

    1-9 Scale Scoring Guide:

    • 1: Exceptional
    • 2: Outstanding
    • 3: Excellent
    • 4: Very Good
    • 5: Good
    • 6: Satisfactory
    • 7: Fair
    • 8: Marginal
    • 9: Poor

  • Awardees must submit a written plan for encumbering/spending funds to RCHSSresearch@kennesaw.edu within 14 days of receiving the award. Failure to submit a spending calendar within the 14-day window risks having the funds reclaimed by the college.  

    • Funds can be used for equipment, materials, and technology purchases essential to the project.
    • Funds can be used for travel to undertake project-related research, including flights, mileage, lodging, per diems, or other eligible costs.   Funds can be used to attend conferences or other destinations not directly related to project research. All USG/KSU Travel rules apply (https://www.kennesaw.edu/fiscal-services/procurement-payment-services/travel/frequently-asked-questions.php).
    • Funds cannot be used for faculty salaries, summer, or to secure course reassignments during fall or spring semesters.

    NOTE: All award funds must be expensed during the 2025 – 2026 fiscal year and must observe Radow College year-end purchasing deadlines (many of which are May 1, 2026).

    • An “End of Year” report is due by June 30, 2026. 
    • The report should be completed using the Year-End-Report Template distributed through InfoReady.
    • The report shall include proof of proposal submission to an extramural funding agency.  If the investigator has not submitted a grant proposal by the report date, the investigator should provide a clear timeline for submission. 
    • A project cannot be “closed” until the report has been received.  An investigator with an “open” project is not eligible for additional Radow College research funding.

  • Template for Proposal, Budget and Justification, and Sample Deliverables

    Award Application Template