The Office of the Chancellor has taken one of the first steps in a foundation for a community-driven response to address sexual misconduct on campus.
Pitt Seed Special Cycle: Prevention of Sexual Misconduct Projects, launched today, is a special funding cycle initiated by the Chancellor’s Office and devoted to supporting innovative solutions for preventing sexual misconduct. Applicants can request up to $50,000 for a project; up to $250,000 for five projects is allocated for the first cycle to ensure that selected projects are funded in January 2020.
This funding stream was announced alongside other community-driven efforts in Chancellor Patrick Gallagher’s Oct. 15 community message.
Proposed Pitt Seed Special Cycle projects can include a range of activities such as projects focused on prevention education, integrating prevention education with academic programs, improvement to relevant processes and communications, community partnership development, and increasing awareness of sexual misconduct issues within the University campus community.
This rapid-fire funding cycle is open to faculty and staff. Grants administered by student government boards and earmarked for student groups focused on promoting a positive culture change and preventing sexual misconduct on campus are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
In conjunction with the Pitt Seed Special Cycle funding, the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor of Research announced that it will add up to $100,000 to the Momentum Fund grants program to fund research associated with the prevention of sexual misconduct. This fund is the suite of enhanced and streamlined multiyear grants that promote interdisciplinary, high-quality research, scholarship and creative endeavors. Applications for Momentum Fund grants are open through the end of day Monday, Nov. 25.
“As a University, we have the perfect opportunity to leverage our best thoughts to lead important work that will address one of the most significant and pressing issues, not only on college campuses but in broader society,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann E. Cudd. “I look forward to seeing the transformative efforts and ideas that will emerge.”
“In much the same way that the Momentum Funds are meant to encourage creative approaches to research at Pitt, this program is designed to promote meaningful innovative solutions to help prevent sexual misconduct. This research has the potential to directly and positively impact our campuses,” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Research Rob Rutenbar.
Applications for the Pitt Seed Special Cycle: Prevention of Sexual Misconduct Projects must be submitted online by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Full details and eligibility criteria are available on the Pitt Seed Special Cycle Competition Space.
Learn more about upcoming events, trainings and ways to join the conversation.
Important dates
Oct. 30, 2019 – Competition space launches, call for proposals begins
Nov. 6, 2019, 10 a.m., 121 Alumni Hall – Informational session; RSVP online
Nov. 14, 2019, 10 a.m., 817 Cathedral of Learning – Informational session; RSVP online
Nov. 27, 2019, noon – Application deadline
Early December 2019 – Review process begins and is conducted by the Chancellor’s Advisory Council on the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct
Late December 2019 – Advisory Council submits recommendations to Chancellor Gallagher for review and approval
Early January 2020 – Awardees notified and funding released