Dean’s Strategic Fund In 2010, along with the new budget allocation model, we launched the Dean’s Strategic Fund, in which 5 per cent of net revenues are directed to support strategic initiatives that will have a broad impact within the Faculty. The funding encourages the implementation of ideas that would not happen without startup assistance. Particular emphasis is placed on projects that meet Academic Plan objectives such as fostering collaborative initiatives and enhancing the student experience. In the inaugural call for proposals, we provided financial support to 19 projects ranging from program development and infrastructure to student experience and research collaboration. For example, in 2010–2011, MSE received funding to support the development of a new teaching delivery system for undergraduates involving portable laboratory kits. This approach allows the instructor to teach a complete lab to small groups in nearly any space with all the necessary equipment contained within a small rolling case. Over the last year, MSE tested and piloted the system and is now working to refine it with possible extension to other academic areas within the Faculty. The Strategic Fund has also supported research collaboration and the development of graduate students through a joint initiative between ECE and UTIAS. The funds received in 2010–2011 are being used to facilitate the theses of four graduate students in an effort to create important research links in the area of space robotics control. Professors from ECE and UTIAS jointly supervise each participating graduate student. In 2011–2012, the second competition for projects to be funded by the Strategic Fund resulted in 10 successful submissions. The projects will begin in 2012–2013 and be carried out in a time frame of up to three years.
Figure 11.7 Dean’s Strategic Fund Competition Results, 2011–2012 Name of Proposal
Lead Unit
Project Allocation
Academic Scheduling Software
Registrar's Office
A Teaching Robotics Laboratory: Strengthening Robotics and Mechatronics Studies
IRM
TBD
Centre for Financial Engineering
MIE
TBD
Centre for Research in Sustainable Aviation
UTIAS (with MSE, ChemE, MIE, CivE & ECE)
$248,000
MEng Program in Advanced Water Technologies and Process Design
ChemE (with CivE, MSE)
$140,000
Multidisciplinary design facilities
MIE
Skule Alumni Network
EngSci (with Advancement)
Surface Interface Ontario & Advanced Materials Characterization Initiatives
ChemE (with MSE)
$135,000
The Engineering Leadership Project: Best Practice in Leadership Education
ILead
$200,000
Water-Jet Cutter for Student Design Projects
MIE
$152,000
TBD $29,250
TBD
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering | Annual Report 2012 | Chapter 11: Finance | 93