UMA Research Learning Experiences (RLE) Grant Program
The goal of the RLE is to engage students in discovery, knowledge creation, and authentic professional practices—regardless of their area of study—starting in their first or second year at our university. The format of RLEs combines a suite of best practices for first- and second- year retention to give our students a mindset that will both help them get the most out of their degree and put them on a path to long-term success.
This grant has been made possible through a generous donation from the Harold Alfond Foundation. Faculty are welcome to apply for an RLE grant to either create a new course, or reimagine an existing one, through collaboration with the Faculty Development Center (FDC). These courses can take place in any fall, summer, or spring semester.
Application Deadlines
- For a Fall Bridge Experience & RLE – Application deadline is May 20th
- For a Spring Bridge Experience & RLE – Application deadline is October 10th
- For a Summer Bridge Experience & RLE – Application deadline is January 25th
To apply, please fill out the following Google form, and attach the budget template.
For more information, please read the RLE RFP, or reach out to one of the RLE Committee members.
RLE Committee Members
Jonathan M. Bowen
Associate Professor of Mental Health and Human Services
Pamela MacRae
Associate Provost, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Recent Awards
Fall 2025 RLE Award
- Dr. Rebecca White, Assistant Professor of History, HTY 104 US History II
- Dr. Jennifer Long, Assistant Professor of Biology, BIO 230e Field Research in Ecology
- Dr. Jonathan Bowen, Associate Professor of Mental Health and Human Services, HUS 212 Case Management
Spring 2025 RLE Award
- Dr. Ann Kennedy, Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies, WGS 101 Introduction to
- Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- Dr. Amy Rahn, Assistant Professor of Art History, ARH/ENG 214w Writing About Art
- Dr. Jennie Woodard, Assistant Professor, HTY 105 World Civilization: Prehistory to 1500
Fall 2024 RLE Award
- Dr. Lindsey Wiehl, Assistant Professor of Music, MUS 221 Arranging I
Fall 2023 RLE Award
- Dr. Jennifer Long, Assistant Professor of Biology, BIO 110 General Biology I Laboratory
- Dr. Christine Letcher, Assistant Professor of Music, MUS 111 Aural Skills I
- Dr. Anita Jerosch, Associate Professor of Music, MUS 100 Recital Lab
Fall 2022 RLE Award
- Dr. Jennifer Long, Assistant Professor of Biology, BIO 110 General Biology I Laboratory