FACULTY SUPPORT
The Institute for Freedom and Community seeks to support events and activities that amplify the St. Olaf community’s passion for public affairs, commitment to free inquiry, and the ability to engage with diverse perspectives about politics, markets, and society.
The IFC is eager to support a wide range of faculty proposals, including but not limited to (a) supporting scholarship on contentious public affairs issues, (b) supporting student development through curricular innovation and mentorship, and (c) supporting work that promotes civil dialogue and discourse on this campus and beyond. Below you will find a few prompts (pulled directly from our mission) to help work through whether it is appropriate to allocate IFC funds for a particular project.
Please note that a given project need not meet all the criteria listed below in order to receive IFC support. Strongly aligning with one of these criteria is sufficient to receive IFC support.
- The IFC endeavors to “to challenge presuppositions, question easy answers, and foster constructive dialogue.” To what extent does this proposal advance this objective, either through teaching, mentoring students, or scholarship?
- The IFC endeavors to “improve the quality of civil and political discourse, often on contentious issues in public affairs.” To what extent does this proposal advance this objective, either through teaching, mentoring students, or scholarship?
- One goal of the IFC is to help students “develop a passion for public affairs.” To what extent will this proposal advance this objective?
Applicants should apply through the Faculty Life Committee Professional Development website.