Seton Hall Grants Fund Faculty Innovation Through 2027

Professors at Seton Hall University who dream of transforming their classrooms with new technology just got the green light to make it happen. The university's Teaching, Learning and Technology Center announced its 2026-27 Faculty Innovation Grants program, offering faculty members funding and support to experiment with emerging tech in ways that directly benefit students.

The program welcomes projects across seven focus areas, from responsible AI use in teaching to hands-on maker learning with 3D printers and robotics. Faculty can also explore virtual and augmented reality tools, create digital storytelling projects, or develop new assessment methods that emphasize creativity over traditional testing.

What makes this program special is its accessibility. Professors don't need to be tech experts to apply. The university provides training and consultation throughout the process, meaning an English professor curious about podcasting or a biology instructor interested in VR lab simulations can jump in without prior experience.

Individual faculty members and interdisciplinary teams can both apply for grants that cover stipends, materials, and professional development costs. Selected projects will run from October 2026 through April 2027, giving professors time to develop, test, and refine their innovations with real students in real classrooms.

The program emphasizes inclusive design too. Projects must consider accessibility, student privacy, and responsible technology use from the start. This ensures new tools work for all students, not just some.

The Ripple Effect

The real magic happens when successful projects spread beyond individual classrooms. A professor who develops an effective AI literacy module could share it across departments. A team that creates an accessible assessment tool might influence university-wide teaching practices. The program requires participants to assess their projects' effectiveness and share results at an April showcase event.

Faculty members will present their work through demonstrations, posters, student-created media, and interactive experiences. Those who complete the full cycle earn a digital badge recognizing their innovation work. More importantly, they contribute to a growing culture of experimentation and student-centered teaching at Seton Hall.

The initiative aligns with the university's 2025-30 strategic plan focused on purposeful, sustainable uses of emerging technology. Rather than chasing trends, the program asks faculty to think deeply about how new tools can create meaningful learning experiences and prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Applications are due September 18, 2026, with winners notified by October 12.