Miami University Libraries (MUL) is making waves with its Inclusive Excellence Grants Program, designed to spark fresh, belonging-driven ideas across its community. This opportunity invites creative minds to craft projects celebrating inclusivity, reinforcing MUL’s mission to cultivate a welcoming and equitable space for all.
Administered by the MUL Inclusive Excellence Committee, which supports efforts not typically covered by departmental budgets, this funding prioritizes initiatives that embody creativity, collaboration, and meaningful impact, encouraging participants to take calculated risks and explore novel solutions. Since its inception, more than two dozen Inclusive Excellence Grants have been awarded, totaling over $25,000.
Preference is given to proposals connected to MUL’s mission, staff, collections, and ongoing efforts. Past opportunities have spanned a variety of areas, including student engagement, employee training, and external partnerships. All staff members of MUL, including those from regional campuses, are eligible to apply.
Applicants may request up to $1,500 per project, and awards must be utilized within the fiscal year. Proposals involving external partnerships or speakers are welcomed, provided they align with funding guidelines and demonstrate a clear collaborative benefit. The program’s transparent evaluation process includes a three-criteria review by the Inclusive Excellence Committee: alignment with MUL’s values, adherence to grant purposes, and feasibility within the financial parameters.
A number of notable activities have been funded by the program. One such effort was the creation of a Leisure Reading Collection, which curated an array of e-books and audiobooks focusing on diversity and inclusion made accessible through Axis 360—a digital media platform that gives users access to thousands of published works. Another project, Asian LGBT Movie Nights, featured weekly film screenings during Pride Month. These events celebrated and raised awareness of Asian LGBT narratives, fostering greater understanding and visibility on campus.
A grant was also awarded to support the Digitization of Mississippi Freedom Summer Audio Collection, which converted reel-to-reel tapes into digital formats, making this valuable historical resource widely accessible. The Libraries Are for Everyone Art Project received funding to empower student creation of temporary artworks reflecting inclusivity, displayed prominently outside of King Café to engage and inspire the community.
The Training for Freedom Workshop—an innovative initiative focused on empowering participants with knowledge and skills rooted in social justice and activism—included expert-led sessions and interactive discussions about historical and contemporary civil rights challenges. Additionally, funding for the Professional Development on Open Education initiative brought in a guest speaker to provide actionable insights on making education more accessible and equitable.
Accessible checkout stations for King Library received support to introduce cutting-edge technology designed to accommodate patrons with disabilities. These stations feature adjustable touch screens for ease of use, voice-guided navigation, and compatibility with assistive devices like screen readers and Braille displays. By addressing barriers to access, these changes significantly enhanced the user experience, making library resources more inclusive and universally accessible.
Inclusive Excellence Grants serve to exemplify MUL’s dedication to fostering an inclusive academic community. By supporting innovative projects and empowering staff to bring their ideas to life, the awards ensure that MUL continues to be a hub for learning, collaboration, and progress.
