What is the purpose of the Big Ideas proposal process?
The Big Ideas initiative is an opportunity to source visionary ideas from faculty, staff and students that might not otherwise be considered as we prepare for JMU’s next strategic plan and comprehensive campaign.
Why should I submit a Big Idea proposal?
Big Ideas will shape the future of James Madison University. If your idea is selected, you will be helping to shape the future of JMU — along with that of your discipline, our students and faculty, higher education and society at large.
How will Big Ideas be used?
Selected Big Ideas will help to inform JMU’s next strategic plan and comprehensive campaign goals.
Will all priorities in the future JMU strategic plan and comprehensive campaign be determined by the Big Ideas proposal process?
No. Both our strategic plan and comprehensive campaign will continue to be informed by a variety of factors including existing projects and priorities, new opportunities and needs identified by university leadership, and the evolving needs of the Commonwealth. The Big Ideas Initiative is a way to ensure we cast the widest possible net across campus and capture the most visionary ideas for the future of James Madison University.
How developed does a Big Idea need to be?
To help ensure a high-quality proposal, we recommend you review the scoring rubric and address all criteria found in the proposal template to the best of your ability. Ideas that you are still developing are very much encouraged.
Who can submit a Big Idea proposal?
Current JMU faculty and staff members and students can submit a proposal.
How do I submit a Big Idea proposal?
The submission link can be found here. To view the proposal questions please go here.
Is the Big Ideas process a grant opportunity?
No. The JMU Big Ideas initiative is a way for the university to identify visionary ideas to inform the university’s next strategic plan and campaign fundraising priorities.
Does submitting my Big Idea guarantee it will be funded?
There is no guarantee that ideas will receive funding, even if selected as part of the final round. However, by submitting a Big Idea, you will raise awareness for it across campus. In addition, University Advancement will compile submissions that meet the criteria found in the proposal template into a catalog of potential funding opportunities that could be adopted over the life of the next comprehensive fundraising campaign.
What is the deadline to submit a big idea?
March 8, 2024
When should I expect to hear back regarding the status of my Big Idea submission?
The scoring and review process will conclude by the end of July 2024.
If my Big Idea is selected, what happens next?
All selected Big Ideas will be included as key initiatives in the university’s next strategic plan. Additionally, University Advancement will include the idea in a prospectus that will be presented during feasibility interviews, as part of the campaign planning study, to determine viability for our next comprehensive campaign.
Can I submit more than one big idea?
Yes.
What is the Big Ideas selection process and who will review the proposals?
Submitted proposals will be evaluated by the Big Ideas Working Group based on established criteria found in the proposal template. All submitted Big Idea summaries and scores will be shared with the president and vice presidents who will make the final selection. The highest scored proposals will not necessarily be the ones selected for implementation.
What’s the difference between the university’s strategic plan and big ideas?
Big Ideas are part of the university’s strategic plan. They represent the strategies the university will use to achieve its long-range vision, which is focused on five emerging future themes.
Does my supervisor/department head need to be aware of my Big Idea?
The names of project leadership and project summaries for all submitted proposals will be shared with vice presidents and President Alger regardless of the score received. Thus, we encourage you to let your supervisor know about your Big Idea prior to submitting the proposal.
Do you have an example of a Big Idea Proposal?
No. We encourage submissions of Big Ideas in all levels of development. Workshops are being offered to provide opportunities to work with members of the working group to further flesh out your idea.
Who do I contact with questions?
Questions can be directed to bigideas@jmu.edu
