Call for Applications: Data Nexus Scholars

Data Nexus invites applications from Elon teaching faculty for the 2024-2026 Data Nexus Scholars Program to enhance the capacity of Data Nexus and Elon’s Data Competency QEP initiatives. The Data Nexus Scholar will serve June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2026. Eligible applicants must be permanent, full-time faculty at Elon. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024 for 2024-2026 Data Scholars Program.

Purpose

The Data Nexus Scholars Program is intended to provide teaching faculty the opportunity to undertake activities and initiatives that focus on data competency, and support to the campus-wide Data Competency QEP initiative. The three overarching themes of the Data Competency QEP include (1) campus-wise computer and technology proficiency, (2) campus-wide foundational statistical proficiency, and (3) advanced data competency. Data Nexus Scholars will be expected to partake in work that deepens and extends the capacity and impact of Data Nexus. Applicants will propose a project that will achieve campus-wide data competency objectives that align with the Data Competency QEP. These projects might include, but are not limited to:

  • Innovative practices related to assessment of data competencies.
  • The creation of computer technology modules that focus on foundational data competencies.
  • The organization of conferences, seminars, workshops, consultations, data camps, or symposia of interest to the applicant.
  • The organization of campus-wide data challenges, microcredentials, or other advanced data competency initiative of interest to the applicant.
  • Grant writing to support and enhance the work of Data Nexus.

In their work, the Data Nexus Scholar will meet regularly with the Director of Data Nexus to discuss their ongoing work and their contribution to Data Nexus undertakings. Data Nexus Scholars will also submit a brief yearly report on the project results, impact, collaborations with other Data Nexus Scholars, and future directions, which may be shared on the Data Nexus website. Data Nexus Scholars will also be expected to serve as a resource for faculty, staff, and students in the campus-wide data competency initiative.

Each Data Nexus Scholar is awarded a two-year fellowship that includes:

  • compensation for one course teaching reassignments per year, or an equivalent amount of funding to be applied to the Scholar’s project or toward a summer stipend, and
  • a $1000 faculty development fund per year to be used to pay for expenses relating to the Data Nexus Scholars’ project.

Project funding can be used to support start-up and one-time expenses such as the following:

  • Retreats, workshops, or planning sessions
  • Focus groups, surveys, and written materials
  • Consultant honoraria for project-related work or data analysis
  • Undergraduate student stipends for project-related work
  • Materials and supplies or professional development opportunities related to the project
  • Materials and supplies related to campus-wide workshops or events
  • Project-related travel

Grant funding cannot be used to support:

  • Ongoing operational costs
  • Registration or travel fees for conferences, workshops, seminars, and meetings that are NOT directly related to the Data Nexus project.

All interested potential candidates should contact Crista Arangala, Director of Data Nexus to discuss their interests in the position in advance of submitting an application (ccoles@elon.edu; 278-6249).

Application Process

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024 for 2024-2026 Data Scholars Program.
Applications will be reviewed by the Data Nexus Faculty Advisory Committee. To apply, send electronic copies (as a Word or PDF file) of the following to DataNexus@elon.edu:

  1. Current CV
  2. Letter of application that 1) proposes a project that will achieve campus-wide data competency objectives that align with the Data Competency QEP, 2) indicates how the project will deepen and extend the capacity and impact of Data Nexus, and 3) indicates how the work they undertake as the Data Nexus Scholar might extend beyond their term.
  3. Please be sure to have a conversation with your department chair about your application submission and include their signature of approval in your letter of application.

Criteria for assessment will include:

  • Alignment of the applicant’s project with the campus-wide Data Competency QEP initiative
  • Capacity of applicant to deepen and extend the work of Data Nexus

If you have questions about the application or selection process, please contact Crista Arangala (ccoles@elon.edu).