Sean Corp, Associate Director of Communications
Faculty and academic leaders with ideas for expanding access to a University of Michigan education can now apply for funding and expert support to bring those ideas to life.
The Center for Academic Innovation is seeking proposals for new online learning initiatives that expand access to a Michigan education and help learners build the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
The center’s 2026 Call for Proposals includes two funding opportunities provided by the university’s Academic Innovation Fund: one supporting new non-credit online courses, course series, or cohort-based certificate programs through Michigan Online and another supporting the development of new or optimization of existing for-credit online and hybrid degree and certificate programs.
Selected projects are eligible to receive financial support and extensive in-kind services through the center, including instructional design, project management, media production, marketing, and other implementation support.
“As the needs of learners and employers continue to evolve, universities have an opportunity to rethink how they expand access to high-quality education,” said James DeVaney, founding executive director of the center and associate vice provost for academic innovation. “We are inviting faculty and academic leaders to create innovative learning experiences that prepare learners for what’s next while opening new pathways to a Michigan education.”
Faculty and academic unit leaders are strongly encouraged to consult with the center before submitting a proposal. Consultation sessions are designed to help applicants refine ideas, understand proposal requirements, and strengthen submissions.
Non-Credit Programs: Skills to Meet the Moment
The non-credit call for proposals, centered on the theme Skills to Meet the Moment, supports online learning experiences that help people build practical skills for work and life. Faculty from the Ann Arbor campus are invited to propose self-paced courses, course series, or cohort-based certificate programs that prepare learners to navigate change, develop professionally, and thrive in evolving industries.
Priority areas include leadership and organizational effectiveness, healthcare management and innovation, applied data and decision-making, durable human and workforce skills, and advanced technologies for industry. Proposals that thoughtfully incorporate applied artificial intelligence concepts into the curriculum are encouraged, although AI does not need to be the primary focus.
Approved projects receive comprehensive development support along with financial stipends based on the scope of the learning experience. Programs may also generate shared revenue through learner enrollments.
The deadline for non-credit proposals is Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.
For-Credit Online and Hybrid Programs
Academic units on the Ann Arbor campus are invited to submit proposals for new online or hybrid degree programs, graduate certificates, and other for-credit pathways, or to partner with the center to optimize existing online and hybrid programs.
The center is particularly interested in proposals that broaden access through flexible online learning portfolios that connect non-credit learning experiences with for-credit pathways. These portfolios may include short-form online learning, open online courses, certificate programs, and fully online or hybrid degree programs that create new opportunities for lifelong learners.
Academic units may also propose initiatives that improve existing online programs by strengthening operations, enhancing learner experiences, using data-informed decision-making, and increasing accessibility, quality, and long-term sustainability. All proposals need to have a designated faculty or program director and be endorsed by the academic unit’s dean’s office. Consultation with the center is strongly encouraged.
Selected projects may receive funding and in-kind support for program exploration, development, and ongoing operations to help launch or strengthen high-quality online programs.
The deadline for for-credit proposals is Friday, Dec. 18, 2026.
Additional information about both calls for proposals, including eligibility requirements, consultation opportunities, proposal criteria, funding details, timelines, and frequently asked questions, is available on the Academic Innovation Fund webpage.
