# Faculty Research Awards Committee # FRAC Awards Information and Requirements Through the Faculty Research Awards Committee, travel and research grants are available. Below is a list of each award and their proposal requirements. # Provost's Challenge Research Seed Grant Fund #### **Overview ** The **Provost's Challenge Research Seed Grant Award**, administered by the Faculty Research Awards Committee (FRAC), supports the growth of externally sponsored research at Arkansas State University. This competitive internal funding opportunity invests in faculty research with the goal of generating preliminary results that strengthen future proposals for external funding. Faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Collaborative projects involving investigators from multiple disciplines are especially encouraged. For answers to questions, contact Research and Technology Transfer (RTT) at [research@astate.edu](mailto:research@astate.edu) or 870-972-2694. #### **Program Purpose** The Provost's Challenge Research Seed Grant provides **two years of research support** to help **tenure-track faculty** initiate new research projects that will lead to competitive external grant proposals. Funding may be used to:
- Collect preliminary data - Conduct pilot studies - Perform literature or archival research - Develop creative or scholarly works - Generate proof-of-concept results needed to strengthen external funding proposals
Many external sponsors expect applicants to demonstrate feasibility, innovation, and preliminary evidence before funding larger projects. This program is designed to help faculty generate foundational results. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with their college's FRAC representative prior to submitting a proposal to ensure the project is clearly understood during the review process. Priority will be given to proposals that:
- Identify a specific external funding opportunity - Target **state or federal grant programs** - Have the potential to lead to external proposals requesting **$500,000 or more** - Include interdisciplinary collaborations
#### **Award Information **
**Category ** **Details **
Eligibility Tenure-track faculty
Award Period Two years
Funding Amount Up to **$60,000** total
Number of Awards Two awards annually
Project Start Date July 1 (following the award cycle)
Project Duration Two years
#### **Allowable Expenses** Funding may be used for:
- Faculty summer salary - Research personnel - Research supplies - Equipment - Professional travel - Other project-related research expenses
#### **Application Timeline**
- **Applications Open**: September 1 annually - **Application Deadline**: Third Friday of October (5:00 p.m. CDT) - **Award Notification**: Mid-December - **Project Start Date**: July 1
#### **Application Requirements** Applications must include the following components. **1. Cover Sheet**
- Complete the FRAC Cover Sheet using the required template (Template can be found on the InfoReady application page). - Select the **Provost's Challenge Research Seed Grant Award** as the funding program. - Include an abstract of **300 words or fewer** suitable for publication on the RTT website.
**2. Project Narrative (Maximum 6 Pages) ** The narrative may not exceed **six pages** (including tables and figures). References / Literature Cited do **not** count toward the page limit. The narrative should be written for a broad academic audience and should minimize highly technical language. Address the following: - Project scope, significance, and objectives - Background and related work - Research methodology or creative approach - Expected outcomes and potential challenges - Project timeline - Dissemination plan - Future external funding strategy, including the anticipated sponsor(s) and funding opportunity(ies)
**3. References ** Include all references cited in the proposal as a separate attachment. Note there is no page limit on references. **4. Budget and Budget Justification ** Submit:
- A completed A-State Budget Template (found on the Knowledge Base: **[https://kb.astate.edu/books/research-development/page/investigators-toolbox-542](https://kb.astate.edu/books/research-development/page/investigators-toolbox-542)** - A detailed budget justification (**maximum** **2 pages**)
The budget should clearly explain and justify all requested expenses. **5. Curriculum Vitae ** Provide an abbreviated curriculum vitae for the Principal Investigator using the required template (Template can be found on the InfoReady application page). **Maximum length**: 4 pages. **6. Research Compliance ** If applicable, projects involving human participants, animals, or transgenic organisms or biohazards must receive approval from the:
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) - Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) - Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
**Proposal Evaluation ** Eligible proposals are evaluated by the [FRAC rubrics](https://kb.astate.edu/books/faculty-research-awards-committee-642/page/frac-rubrics) **Final Report Requirements** Award recipients must submit a **Final Report** to RTT at [frac@astate.edu](mailto:frac@astate.edu) by **July 31** immediately following the close of the award period. The report must include:
- An abstract suitable for publication on the RTT website - A brief summary (approximately **2 pages**) describing: - The research, scholarly, or creative activities completed - Project outcomes and accomplishments - Plans for future research, scholarship, creative activities, or external funding
Failure to submit the Final Report by the deadline may result in the Principal Investigator being ineligible for future FRAC funding opportunities. # Faculty Research Award #### **Overview ** The **Faculty Research Award**, administered by the Faculty Research Awards Committee (FRAC), provides seed funding to support faculty research, scholarship, and creative activities at Arkansas State University. The program is intended to help faculty initiate pilot or feasibility studies, develop creative works, and generate preliminary results that strengthen future proposals for external funding. For answers to questions, contact Research and Technology Transfer (RTT) at **[research@astate.edu](mailto:research@astate.edu)** or **870-972-2694**. #### **Program Purpose ** The Faculty Research Award supports faculty efforts to:
- Conduct pilot or feasibility studies - Advance scholarly or creative activities including books for publication, art exhibitions, and music compositions - Generate preliminary data or proof of concept - Develop competitive proposals for external funding from state, federal, foundation, or other sponsors
Projects from all disciplines are encouraged. ##### **Award Administration ** Applications are submitted through the **InfoReady** portal and reviewed by the **Faculty Research Awards Committee (FRAC)**. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with their college's FRAC representative prior to submitting a proposal to ensure the project is clearly understood during the review process. The current FRAC membership is available on the RTT website (https://kb.astate.edu/books/faculty-research-awards-committee-642). ##### **Allowable Expenses** Funds may be used for research, scholarship, or creative activities directly related to the proposed project. General guidelines include: These guidelines are intended to assist applicants. FRAC reserves the right to consider all requests based on project merit. ##### **Application Timeline **
- **Applications Open**: September 1 annually - **Application Deadline**: Third Friday of October (5:00 p.m. CDT) - **Award Notification**: Mid-December - **Project Period**: July 1 – June 30 of the following fiscal year
##### **Submission Requirements ** Applications must be submitted through **InfoReady** by the published deadline. ##### **Application Requirements ** Applications must include the following components. **1. Cover Sheet ** Complete the required FRAC Cover Sheet template (Template can be found on the InfoReady application page) Include: - Complete the FRAC Cover Sheet using the required template. - Select the **Faculty Research Award** as the funding program. - Include an abstract of **300 words or fewer** suitable for publication on the RTT website. **2. Project Narrative (Maximum 4 Pages) ** The project narrative is limited to **four pages**, including tables and figures. References do **not** count toward the page limit. The narrative should be written for a broad academic audience and should minimize highly technical language. Address the following:
- Project scope, significance, and objectives - Background and related work - Research methodology or creative approach - Project timeline - Dissemination plan - Future external funding strategy, including anticipated sponsor(s) and funding opportunity(ies)
**3. References ** Include all references cited in the proposal as a separate attachment. Note there is no page limit on references. **4. Budget and Budget Justification** Submit:
- A completed A-State Budget Template (found on the Knowledge Base: **[https://kb.astate.edu/books/research-development/page/investigators-toolbox-542](https://kb.astate.edu/books/research-development/page/investigators-toolbox-542)** - A detailed budget justification (maximum **2 pages**)
The budget should clearly explain and justify all requested expenses. **5. Curriculum Vitae ** Provide an abbreviated curriculum vitae for the Principal Investigator using the required template. (Template can be found on the InfoReady application page) **Maximum length**: 4 pages. **6. Research Compliance ** If applicable, projects involving human participants, animals, or transgenic organisms or biohazards must receive approval from the:
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) - Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) - Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
**Proposal Evaluation** Eligible proposals are evaluated by FRAC based on [FRAC Rubrics](https://kb.astate.edu/books/faculty-research-awards-committee-642/page/frac-rubrics). **Final Report Requirements** Award recipients must submit a **Final Report** to RTT at [frac@astate.edu](mailto:frac@astate.edu) by **July 31** immediately following the close of the award period. The report must include:
- An abstract suitable for publication on the RTT website - A brief summary (approximately **2 pages**) describing: - The research, scholarly, or creative activities completed - Project outcomes and accomplishments - Plans for future research, scholarship, creative activities, or external funding
Failure to submit the Final Report by the deadline may result in the Principal Investigator being ineligible for future FRAC funding opportunities. # RTT Travel Fund ##### **Overview ** The **RTT Travel Fund**, administered by the Faculty Research Awards Committee (FRAC), provides financial support for faculty travel that advances research, scholarship, and professional development. Funding may be used to support **domestic and international travel** related to conference presentations, original research, collaborative activities, and other scholarly endeavors. This program is supported through the **Eleanor Lane Faculty Development Endowment**, **Nathan Deutsch Faculty Development Endowment**, and **Provost's Office Travel Funds**. For answers to questions, contact Research and Technology Transfer (RTT) at **[research@astate.edu](mailto:research@astate.edu)** or **870-972-2694**. ##### **Program Purpose ** The RTT Travel Fund supports faculty travel that contributes to scholarly productivity and professional development while enhancing Arkansas State University's research and academic mission. Supported activities may include:
- Presenting research or creative work at professional conferences - Conducting research or fieldwork - Developing research collaborations - Participating in specialized training or professional development - Other scholarly travel that advances research, scholarship, or creative activities
##### **Funding Information **
**Category** **Details **
**Maximum Award ** Up to **$3,000**
**Travel Type ** Domestic and International
**Funding Sources ** Eleanor Lane Faculty Development Endowment, Nathan Deutsch Faculty Development Endowment, and Provost's Office Travel Funds
Faculty should **submit only one application**. Applicants **should not submit separate applications** for each funding source. A single travel application will automatically be considered for all available travel funding opportunities. During the review process, FRAC will determine the most appropriate funding source based on applicant eligibility, funding availability, and the purpose of the proposed travel. ##### **Application Timeline **
- **Applications Open**: September 1 annually - **Application Deadline**: Third Friday of October (5:00 p.m. CDT) - **Award Notification**: Mid-December - **Project Period**: July 1 – June 30 of the following fiscal year
##### **Application Requirements ** Applications must be submitted through the **InfoReady** portal. Applications must include the following components. **1. Project Narrative (Maximum 2 Pages) ** Provide a narrative of no more than two single-spaced pages describing the proposed travel and its anticipated impact. Address the following:
- Scope and significance of the proposed activities - Contribution to the discipline or field - Benefits to Arkansas State University - Budget justification - Plan to disseminate or share the outcomes of the travel
**2. Curriculum Vitae ** Provide an abbreviated curriculum vitae for the applicant (Template can be found on the InfoReady application page) **Maximum length**: 4 pages. **3. Budget ** Provide a detailed budget outlining the requested travel expenses. (Template can be found on the InfoReady application page) ##### **Proposal Evaluation ** Eligible proposals are evaluated by FRAC based on the [FRAC Rubrics](https://kb.astate.edu/books/faculty-research-awards-committee-642/page/frac-rubrics). ##### **Final Report Requirements ** Award recipients must submit a **Final Report** to RTT at **[frac@astate.edu](mailto:frac@astate.edu)** by the **second Friday of the semester following the award**. The report must include:
- An abstract suitable for publication on the RTT website - A brief summary (approximately **1–2 pages**) describing: - Travel and scholarly activities completed - Outcomes and accomplishments - Future plans resulting from the travel
Failure to submit the Final Report by the deadline may result in the applicant being **ineligible for future FRAC funding opportunities**. # Off-Campus Duty Assignment (Compensated Leave or Sabbatical) ##### **Overview ** The **Off-Campus Duty Assignment (Compensated Leave or Sabbatical)** program provides eligible faculty members with the opportunity to engage in professional activities that enhance their research, scholarship, creative work, and professional development while continuing to receive salary in accordance with University policy. Off-campus duty assignment supports activities that strengthen both the faculty member's professional growth and Arkansas State University's teaching, research, scholarship, and creative mission. For answers to questions, contact the Office of Research and Technology Transfer (RTT) at **[research@astate.edu](mailto:research@astate.edu)** or **870-972-2694**. ##### **Program Purpose ** Off-campus duty assignment may be used to support activities such as:
- Research and scholarly activities - Creative activities - Writing and publication - Graduate study leading to an advanced degree - Research or study-related travel - Professional retraining - Program or curriculum development - Other professional development activities that benefit the faculty member and the University
Faculty are encouraged to apply to initiate, continue, or complete significant research, scholarly, or creative projects. ##### **Eligibility ** Faculty and academic administrators holding faculty status may apply under one of the following options. **Option I ** After **six academic years of service**, eligible faculty who have not previously used compensated leave may receive:
- One academic year at **50% salary**, or - One semester at **100% salary**
**Option II ** Faculty with **at least three years of service** who have been accepted into an accredited graduate program that supports their department's or academic unit's mission may receive compensated leave. Compensation is calculated at **10% of appointment salary for each year of service**, up to a maximum of **50% salary**. **Option III** Tenured faculty whose academic programs are being reduced or phased out may be granted compensated leave for professional retraining. Compensation is calculated at **10% of appointment salary for each year of service**, up to a maximum of **50% salary**. ##### **Salary During Leave ** Approved off-campus duty assignment is based on the faculty member's appointment salary during the leave period and the applicable eligibility option. The total compensation received from all sources during the leave period may **not exceed the faculty member's regular appointment salary**, except for stackable fellowships that allow for direct payment to the individual. ##### **Application Timeline **
- **Applications Open**: September 1 annually - **Application Deadline**: Third Friday of October (5:00 p.m. CST) - **Award Notification**: Mid-December to early January - **Start Date**: During the term requested for the following academic year
##### **Application Requirements ** Applications must be submitted through the **InfoReady** portal. Applicants must submit the following materials: **1. Application for Off-Campus Duty Assignment ** Complete the required Off-Campus Duty Assignment application, including all narrative attachments. **2. Letter of Support – Department Chair ** A letter from the Department Chair supporting the proposed leave. **3. Letter of Support – College Dean ** A letter from the College Dean supporting the request and including the estimated cost of replacing the applicant during the leave period. **4. Curriculum Vitae ** Provide a current curriculum vitae for the applicant. ##### **Proposal Evaluation ** Eligible proposals are evaluated by FRAC based on the [FRAC Rubrics](https://kb.astate.edu/books/faculty-research-awards-committee-642/page/frac-rubrics). ##### **Review Process ** Applications are reviewed by the **Faculty Research Awards Committee (FRAC)** based on the goals of the Off-Campus Duty Assignment program. FRAC evaluates and ranks proposals according to their scholarly merit and forwards its recommendations to the Office of the Provost. Final funding decisions are made by the Office of the Provost in consultation with the applicant's Department Chair and College Dean, subject to available funding and departmental staffing needs. Applicants will be notified in writing of the final decision before January 15. ##### **Recipient Responsibilities ** Faculty receiving Off-Campus Duty Assignment are expected to:
- Complete the proposed activities during the approved leave period. - Submit a final report to RTT summarizing the activities and outcomes of the leave. - Return to Arkansas State University for **at least one academic year** following the leave.
Failure to fulfill the required return obligation may require repayment of the salary received during the leave period in accordance with University policy. Award recipients must submit a **Final Report** to RTT at [frac@astate.edu](mailto:frac@astate.edu) by **July 31** immediately following the close of the award period. RTT will distribute final reports to the Provost and the recipient's College Dean. The report must include:
- An abstract suitable for publication on the RTT website - A brief summary (approximately 2 pages) describing: - The research, scholarly, or creative activities completed - Project outcomes and accomplishments - Plans for future research, scholarship, creative activities, or external funding
##### **Additional Information **
- The number of compensated leaves granted during any academic semester may not exceed **10% of the faculty**. - A summary of compensated leave awards is reported annually to the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees.
# FRAC Funding Policy
**Policy** **Guidelines**
Application Process For FRAC funding opportunities, applicants do not need to complete the A-State Proposal Notice Form. Applications may be submitted directly through InfoReady before the deadline.
Eligibility **Only tenure track faculty** may apply for the Provost’s Challenge Research Seed Fund Award. **All other faculty** are eligible to apply for the Faculty Research Fund Award, the RTT Travel Fund, and an Off Campus Duty Assignment
Multiple applications Applicants may apply to more than one internal funding program during the same cycle.
Separate proposals The same project, activity, or expense may not be submitted to or funded by more than one program.
One award at a time An applicant may receive and hold only one internal award at a time. If selected for multiple awards, the applicant must choose one.
Provost’s Challenge Research Seed Fund Award reapplication Provost’s Challenge Research Seed Fund awardee may not apply to the same program again for **five years** following the award year.
Faculty Research Fund Award reapplication Faculty Research Fund awardee may not apply to the same program again for **three years** following the award year.
RTT Travel Fund reapplication RTT Travel Fund awardee may not apply to the same program again for **three years** following the award year.
Off-Campus Duty Assignment Off-Campus Duty Assignment (Compensated Leave or Sabbatical) awardee may not apply to the same program again for three years following the award year.
Applications to other programs The waiting period applies only to the program from which the applicant received an award. The applicant may apply to another program if they do not have an active internal award.
Previous award requirements All required reports, documentation, and financial obligations must be completed before an applicant may receive another internal award.
Other funding disclosure Applicants must disclose all active and pending internal or external funding related to the proposed work.
Use of funds Award funds must be used only for approved activities and expenses during the designated award period.
Changes or extensions Changes to the project, budget, or award period require prior written approval.
University compliance All activities and expenses must follow applicable university policies and compliance requirements.
Funding availability Awards are competitive and subject to the availability of funds. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
# Faculty Research Awards Committee (FRAC) ## New Policy Update, August 2026 [Standard Operating Procedure for Combined Fellowship and Off-Campus Duty Assignment Support](https://kb.astate.edu/books/research-development-handbooks-policies/page/standard-operating-procedures-for-combined-fellowship-and-off-campus-duty-assignment-support) ## Program Applications & Deadlines **FRAC Applications will only be electronically administered through InfoReady**. InfoReady is found in the [ PackPortal](https://my.astate.edu/) and requires Duo sign-in. Login for InfoReady is through Single Sign On (SSO) Banner, which is your network ID and password. When applying to FRAC through [InfoReady](https://astate.infoready4.com/), which is located within the Tools menu in the [PackPortal,](https://pack.astate.edu/dashboard) you have four options for applying:
- Provost’s Challenge Research Seed Fund - Faculty Research Fund - RTT Travel Funds - Off-Campus Duty Assignment (also known as Sabbatical or Compensated Leave)
Applications for all four FRAC funding programs open annually on September 1. Completed proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. (Central Time) on the third Friday of October.
##### 2026-2027 Committee Members
- Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics: Pending - College of Agriculture: Dr. Jianfeng "Jay" Xu - College of Education & Behavioral Science: Dr. Ibrahim Duyar - College of Engineering & Computer Science: Dr. Robert “Drew” Fleming - College of Liberal Arts & Communication: Pending - College of Nursing & Health Professions: Dr. Binol Balachandar - College of Veterinary Medicine: Vacant until Fall 2027 - Neil Griffin College of Business: Dr. Pankaj Nagpal
Ex officio: Travis Marsico, Ph.D. [*tmarsico@astate.edu* ](mailto:tmarsico@astate.edu) Vice Provost for Research, Innovation, and Discovery # FRAC Rubrics ##### **Provost's Challenge Research Seed Fund **
**Review Criterion **
**1. Significance**: Is the proposed research, scholarly, or creative activity significant and likely to make an important contribution to the field?
**2. Research Need**: Does the proposal address a clearly defined research question, scholarly objective, or important research need?
**3. Research Approach**: Are the proposed methods, approach, or creative activities appropriate to achieve the stated objectives?
**4. Feasibility**: Is the proposed work feasible within the proposed timeline and available resources?
**5. Dissemination**: Is there a clear and appropriate plan for disseminating the project outcomes (e.g., publications, presentations, performances, exhibitions, patents)?
**6. Future Funding Potential**: Does the proposed work demonstrate strong potential to lead to future external funding or substantially strengthen future funding competitiveness, where appropriate?
**7. Budget**: Is the proposed budget reasonable and appropriate for accomplishing the project objectives?
**8. Budget Justification**: Does the budget justification adequately explain and support the requested expenses?
**9. Investigator Readiness**: Does the applicant demonstrate the expertise, qualifications, and resources necessary to successfully complete the proposed work?
**10. Overall Merit**: Is the proposal of sufficient overall quality to warrant FRAC Seed Fund support?
##### ##### **Faculty Research Fund Rubric **
**Review Criterion **
**1. Significance**: Is the proposed research, scholarly, or creative activity significant and likely to make an important contribution to the field?
**2. Research Need**: Does the proposal address a clearly defined research question, scholarly objective, or important research need?
**3. Research Approach**: Are the proposed methods, approach, or creative activities appropriate to achieve the stated objectives?
**4. Feasibility**: Is the proposed work feasible within the proposed timeline and available resources?
**5. Dissemination**: Is there a clear and appropriate plan for disseminating the project outcomes (e.g., publications, presentations, performances, exhibitions, patents)?
**6. Future Funding Potential**: Does the proposed work demonstrate strong potential to lead to future external funding or substantially strengthen future funding competitiveness, where appropriate?
**7. Budget**: Is the proposed budget reasonable and appropriate for accomplishing the project objectives?
**8. Budget Justification**: Does the budget justification adequately explain and support the requested expenses?
**9. Investigator Readiness**: Does the applicant demonstrate the expertise, qualifications, and resources necessary to successfully complete the proposed work?
**10. Overall Merit**: Is the proposal of sufficient overall quality to warrant FRAC Seed Fund support?
##### **RTT Travel Fund Rubric **
**Review Criterion **
**1. ****Significance**: Is the proposed research significant and likely to advance knowledge or scholarly activity?
**2. Research Design**: Are the proposed methods appropriate and sufficient to achieve the stated objectives?
**3. ****Feasibility**: Is the proposed work feasible given the timeline, budget, and available resources?
**4. Travel Justification**: Is the requested travel essential to accomplishing the research objectives (e.g., fieldwork, collaboration, specialized training, archives, or conference presentation)?
**5. Investigator Readiness**: Does the applicant demonstrate the expertise and preparedness to successfully complete the proposed work?
**6. ****Dissemination**: Is there a clear plan to disseminate the research findings (e.g., publications, presentations, outreach)?
**7. Future Funding Potential**: Is the project likely to strengthen the applicant's competitiveness for future external funding?
**8. Institutional Impact**: Will the proposed work enhance Arkansas State University's research profile, collaborations, or strategic priorities?
**9. Overall Merit**: Is the proposal of sufficient overall quality to merit FRAC Travel Fund support?
##### **Off-Campus Duty Assignment (Compensated Leave) Rubric **
**Review Criterion **
**1. ****Significance**: Is the proposed research, scholarly, or creative activity significant and likely to make an important contribution to the field?
**2. ****Objectives**: Does the proposal articulate clear and well-defined research or scholarly objectives?
**3. ****Approach**: Are the proposed methods, approach, or creative activities appropriate to achieve the stated objectives?
**4. ****Feasibility**: Is the proposed scope of work realistic and achievable during the Off-Campus Duty Assignment period?
**5. ****Investigator Readiness**: Does the applicant demonstrate the expertise, qualifications, and available resources necessary to successfully complete the proposed work?
**6. ****Productivity**: Is there a high likelihood that the Off-Campus Duty Assignment will substantially advance the proposed project?
**7. ****Scholarly Outcomes**: Is there a clear plan for scholarly outcomes (e.g., publications, presentations, performances, exhibitions, patents, or other creative works)?
**8. ****Future Research Competitiveness**: Does the proposal demonstrate potential to enhance future research productivity or competitiveness for external funding, where appropriate?
**9. ****Institutional Impact**: Will the proposed work contribute to Arkansas State University's research, scholarly, or creative mission?
**10. ****Overall Merit**: Is the proposal of sufficient overall quality to warrant FRAC Compensated Leave support?
# Advance Fund Requests Form For faculty who have been awarded FRAC funds during the most recent cycle, funds are made available at the start of the following fiscal year on July 1. However, if your funded-project/research requires funds to be made available in advance of the new fiscal year to support travel or research expenses, the Sponsored Programs Accounting Office will require the PI complete and return an [Advance Fund Request Form](https://kb.astate.edu/attachments/1896). For faculty who have been awarded funds from the Nathan Deutsch Endowment or the Eleanor Lane Endowment, this Advance Fund Request form is not required. Please contact RTT () if you need to start spending Endowment funds prior to July 1.