Help:Project proposal article

These instructions are for proposing NEW Collaboratory projects. Completing a Project Proposal enables you to seek approval of:

Orientation

Are you writing your first Collaboratory project proposal, or first in a while? BEFORE you write:
1. Read the FAQ page and the page of principles for sustainability.
2. Read this summary of responsibilities for advisors of approved projects.
To save time, read through ALL of the instructions once before writing your proposal.
1. Notice that some entries are REQUIRED while others need be completed only IF APPLICABLE.
2. Notice that goals and deliverables are listed separately, after the narrative.
Some headings on the form are self-explanatory, but you will need the instructions on this page to complete some parts of the application.
1. Use the on-line instructions to link to helpful resources not available off line.
2. Click on "printable version" to the left of this wiki page if you want to print a paper copy.
Make sure you understand the Project approval process before you apply.
If the project is approved, you will need to create a project article to make summary information available to others.
Although your proposal will be unique, you may find the following sample proposals useful.
1. A sample proposal from the Microeconomic Development group.
2. A sample proposal from the Education group.
3. A sample proposal from the Communications group.

PLEASE SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW BEFORE COMPLETING EITHER OF THE APPLICATIONS

On-line application - This is the PREFERRED wiki application template, useful for collaborative authoring and review.
Off-line application - This is an alternative MS Word application file.

A BUDGET WORKSHEET IS REQUIRED FOR BOTH APPLICATION FORMS. SEE BUDGET WORKSHEET SECTION BELOW

Sign the proposal! This is done by putting in four tildes "~~~~" after the name. This will leave a timestamp signature that looks like this: Wbellows 15:14, 5 August 2008 (UTC).
- The Team Advisor must sign the Project proposal article in the "Team Advisor" space in the proposal.

Email the materials - The Team Advisor should email both the proposal and budget worksheet to the Collaboratory Student Director for processing. If you used the wiki template, you may email just the link to the proposal location. Click here to learn more about decision making in the Collaboratory.

Remember, if the proposals are not signed they WILL NOT be approved!

Type (Required) - Enter the type of project: Exploratory, Research, or Application. See these definitions for help.

Abstract (Required) - Provide a 150 word (or less) summary of the project need, goals, and deliverables. The abstract is an important resource the the Director and Marketing Team for promoting your project. Many authors will write this section last.

Sponsors (Required) - See these definitions for help.
1. Group - Name the sponsoring Collaboratory Group. If you have no sponsoring Group, please contact the Director or Student Director of the Collaboratory for assistance.
2. Client - Name any sponsoring organization(s) and contact person(s). Required for application projects; optional for exploration and research projects.

Applicants (Required)
1. Know who may propose a project before completing this section.
2. Name the applicant(s) in each of the following categories, and provide a very brief statement about the expertise that each brings to the project.
  - Team Advisor - Faculty member or other advisor sponsoring a project. The lead (or sole) author of an exploration project goes here, even if the project has no student team members.
  - Team Leader - Student leader of the project team.
  - List the other student and non-student applicants.

Narrative - This is the body of the proposal. Organize your narrative under these headings. Provide a response for all sections listed as "required", and for others IF applicable.
1. Statement of need (Required) - Describe the need that this project aims to satisfy. Click here for help.
2. State of the art (If Applicable) - Discuss what others have done to address needs like this one. Cite relevant literature and/or related projects.
3. Related experience (If Applicable) - Name any past Collaboratory projects or other experience of the applicants that this project builds on.
4. Proposed work (Required) - Describe the work you want to do and how you propose to do it. This can often be done in a few paragraphs.
  - LATER you will be asked to summarize specific goals, deliverables, and a time line. Use this section to write a broad, narrative overview of the project.
  - Many application and ALL technology projects should identify which project phases the authors will address.
5. Partnerships (If Applicable) - Describe the responsibilities of any clients or other partners.
6. Mission fit (Required) - Describe how the project contributes to the purpose of the Collaboratory and fits with our core values and program strategies.

Goals List (Required) - Goals describe the results or difference the project will make for the clients served. These are statements about desired outcomes, not about how you will achieve those outcomes. Click here for help.

Specifications List (If Applicable) - Specifications tell how you will measure whether or not the project goals have been achieved. The are also known as performance metrics. Click here for help.

Deliverables List (Required) - Deliverables are the tangible products generated by your project. They are are the material effects or implementation of the project, and may include but are certainly not limited to written documentation. Click here for help.

Activity Time Line (Required) - Click here for help.
1. Provide a general sequence and timetable of activities you propose for achieving project goals and producing project deliverables. Click here for help.
2. Include with your timetable an expected project end date.
3. Authors familiar with Gantt charts are encouraged to create one, but a Gantt chart is not required. Here is an Excel-based Gantt chart tool. Microsoft Project is available in Frey computer labs.

Personnel and facilities (Required)
1. What academic disciplines and other skills are needed to complete the project?
2. How many students and advisors are needed in addition to those listed on this application?
3. What are the space needs of the project, and how do you plan to meet them?
4. What Collaboratory or other College equipment is needed to complete the project?
5. Are there any safety issues, and how will you address them?

Budget - Please include a link to an uploaded budget worksheet (the Student Director will take care of this once your planning article and budget are approved)