Get Involved with the Big Ideas Initiative

October 8, 2018

Dear Colleagues,

The University of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Foundation have introduced the Big Ideas Initiative. This initiative employs a faculty-driven approach in helping to plan the University of Nebraska Foundation’s University-wide funding priorities over the next few years. I would like to share a little more about the Big Ideas Initiative, and to ask all faculty to think about how you can transform NU through your own Big Idea.

Building on Our Strengths
The Big Ideas Initiative engages faculty to identify programmatic opportunities that, with additional funding from private gifts, could help the University of Nebraska solidify its position as a great university. These transformational ideas should build upon the University’s strengths and can draw from all disciplines represented on its campuses.

A Range of Outcomes
All faculty are invited to submit bold, interdisciplinary ideas that require University-wide collaboration and will likely require an investment of up to $25 million—or more. The proposals can cover a range of outcomes and impacts, varying from student-oriented to research-oriented to community-oriented. The submitted proposals will be reviewed within a donor-interest framework, with select proposals being used by the Foundation to attract and inspire private giving in the years ahead.

Attend Our Webinar to Learn More
This Wednesday, October 10, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., the University of Nebraska’s Office of the Provost and the University of Nebraska Foundation will hold an online Big Ideas webinar. The webinar will overview the Big Ideas Initiative, talk about the process, proposals and timeline, and answer faculty questions.

Vice Provost David Jackson and I will serve as the University of Nebraska hosts. Lori Byrne, Executive Vice President of Advancement and Campaign Director, will serve as the University of Nebraska Foundation host.

For webinar details, and to join the webinar on 10.10.18, go here. If you would like more information on proposal parameters and requirements prior to attending the webinar, see the Big Ideas RFP or visit the Big Ideas site.

Big Ideas Webinar

I am excited about the possibilities this initiative creates—this is an important opportunity for our faculty to have a key voice in moving our University forward. Thank you for all you do to create excellence at the University of Nebraska. I am honored to work among such talented colleagues.

Sincerely,

Susan M. Fritz, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost
University of Nebraska

P.S. Please note that you will have an opportunity to learn more about the Big Ideas Initiative at the Collaboration Initiative Retreat, held at Nebraska Innovation Campus on Friday, November 9. NU and Foundation leaders will present more information about the Big Ideas Initiative and answer questions.

Faculty will have an opportunity to discuss potential Big Ideas with their colleagues in conjunction with the Collaboration Initiative themes and/or work on any Big Ideas unrelated to research themes.

Register for Retreat

Join the conversation with President Bounds: