In Fall 2024, JMU adopted the Okanagan Charter [1], joining other health-promoting universities and colleges that aim to “transform the health and sustainability of our current and future societies, strengthen communities, and contribute to the well-being of people, places and the planet.” The charter recognizes that the “health of people depends on the life supporting ecosystems of the planet made possible by biodiversity and the products and services derived such as oxygen, clean water, food, habitable climate, aesthetic and spiritual experience, livelihoods and recreation.” The JMU Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World, which coordinates the collaborative efforts of the university to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability, seeks to advance JMU’s progress toward the goals of the Charter by awarding stipends for faculty to incorporate Science On a Sphere (SOS) in EnGeo 2207 into courses and/or research with the objective of increasing students’ environmental stewardship knowledge and reasoning skills. Potential applicants are encouraged to review SOS background and materials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Previous use of SOS is not required, and those interested are welcome to schedule a 30-minute training/discussion prior to applying for a mini-grant. Applications for students and faculty to create original datasets and educational programs for SOS are encouraged. Faculty participants will have two opportunities to submit their completed projects for presentation to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Science on a Sphere Network: the late August 2026 Virtual Workshop and the 2027 in-person workshop, which are both under development.

Faculty participants must

• be full-time JMU instructional faculty members on a current 10-month contract who are scheduled to teach at JMU in 2026-2027 in any academic discipline.
• be available in person for a cohort workshop and individual work the week of June 1, 2026.
• obtain written confirmation from their departmental fiscal technician that the applicant is allowed by the university to earn the $1,200 stipend this fiscal year.
• obtain written approval from their academic unit head for 1. participation, 2. the transfer of funds to the department, and 3. distribution of the funds as a stipend from the department by the end of the current fiscal year.

• Faculty will apply by completing the online form by April 8, 2026. Proposed projects should address the following objective using Science On a Sphere with students in courses and/or research: Identify the interdependence of natural systems with the social, economic and ethical aspects of global and local issues.
• MOUs must be signed by the selected faculty participant and their department head confirming that the faculty member is eligible for the funds and will complete the project meeting all criteria. Funds will be transferred to departments in April, and departments will file ePARS for payment by mid-May.
• Faculty will attend the in-person workshop June 1 and work the first week of June.
• A deliverable summarizing the work done and providing accompanying images and content will be due Friday, June 5 at 12pm. Work products will be shared with cohort members and the broader community. Payment will only be made to those who fulfill all requirements.
• Faculty are expected to use SOS with students at least once in Fall 2026. They are welcome to schedule entire classes at SOS (capacity 36).

We hope to include all those who wish to participate. In the unlikely event that interest exceeds capacity, a selection process will be implemented.   

Contact: stewardship@jmu.edu

Apply for the 2026 Science On a Sphere Mini-Grant

[1] The President's Council on Health and Well-Being is charged with coordinating and provide campus-wide oversight of efforts for promoting health and well-being at JMU. The Council leads university efforts related to becoming a Health Promoting Campus, adopting the Okanagan Charter, joining as a JED University, and enhancing the overall well-being of faculty and staff through Balanced Dukes.