In an effort to promote new collaborative initiatives, Tri-College University announced the availability of one-time start-up grant funds for faculty, staff and students at NDSU, Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College. Tri-College has found that through sharing resources, a greater number of people can be positively impacted and efficiencies readily obtained. The program is intended to develop collaborative relationships between people in our campus community who share a common interest and vision.

“The grant program is in its fourth year and we have seen successful collaborations,” said Tim Flakoll, Tri-College provost. Projects funded in the past three years have included collaborations in providing cross-campus wireless Internet access via Eduroam, providing Tri-College vaccinology program support, design of an electronics lab manual for physics and engineering students, exploring emerging technologies for classroom instruction and the student-led formation of a women’s collegiate lacrosse club.

Interested faculty, staff and students from partnering campuses are encouraged to submit a grant application detailing their project, need that it fills, level of collaboration and participation between campuses, expected outcomes and level of funding they are seeking. Grants awarded will range from $250 to $2,000. Availability and level of awards are subject to the availability of funds at Tri-College University. Matching funds are not required for eligibility. “The realization of the impact of these grants, and through the generosity of community partners, we are doubling the maximum allowed,” Flakoll said.

To apply for the grant funds, the campus community may access an application from the Tri-College website at www.tri-college.org or by calling Sonia Hohnadel, Tri-College communications coordinator, at 701-231-8170. The application deadline is Oct. 15.