Read this section if you wish to apply for NSF EPSCoR co-funding for faculty teaching buyout.

One clear difference between the top research institutions and the Montana PhD campuses is the higher teaching load required by most UM/MSU science and engineering departments (UM/MSU teaching load is 2-4 classes per year; top research universities 1-2 classes per year), which limits the time spent on research. In this initiative, we propose to run a yearly competition, whereby individual faculty members/departments may request funds to support the hiring of highly qualified teaching faculty to partner with research productive faculty to cover institutional commitments. Proposals would be peer reviewed and be judged on the basis of likely success and sustainability of an expanded research effort. We expect an expansion of research programs oriented in competitive fields measured by increased publications and awarded grants.

• New EPSCoR faculty hires will not be eligible for the faculty teaching buyout program.
• This program is intended to provide salary enhancement for teaching faculty and not to supply the entire salary and benefits package. Department faculty and chair must arrange for the appropriate amount of 2:1 match.
• Proposals must clearly identify the qualified teaching faculty, and how he/she will partner with the research faculty to cover UM commitments.
• A two-page summary (report) with 3-5 photos is due 30 days after the buyout ends.
• Complete the NSF EPSCoR Faculty Teaching Buyout Application.