Faculty Excellence Initiative (FEI)

1a. FEI Cluster Enhancements and 1b. CoEE Enhancements

This year, for the first time, the FEI RFP specifically addresses adding new positions to previously funded FEI clusters and new and existing CoEE programs. As stated earlier, eligible FEI clusters are those which awarded positions to be filled in the fall semesters of 2005, 2006 and 2007. All CoEE programs are eligible. FEI clusters and CoEE programs, which, in the collective opinion of the lead dean and all participating deans and directors, need additional FEI faculty to form a robust cluster or CoEE program, may request additional FEI positions. The Provost's Office will commit to no more than two additional faculty for existing clusters or new and existing CoEE programs, although approval of one additional faculty member is more likely. These requests must have the endorsement of the lead dean and all participating deans and directors to be considered. The Endorsement Form (Word) can be downloaded here.

2. Cluster Hires

A typical cluster will involve hiring two or more faculty members, will span multiple departments, schools or colleges, and will reflect the opportunity to leverage existing university resources and programs to establish the University of South Carolina as a nationally rising or recognized leader in the identified area. For each approved cluster hire, the Provost's Office will commit FEI funds for three or fewer individuals in that cluster. If a cluster involves more than three individuals, the hiring deans supporting the cluster must agree to fund the additional hires with school/college funds.

3. Innovative Additions to Faculty

A limited number of positions will be focused on those cases where adding one new faculty member to a program will truly transform the teaching and scholarship in the program. Proposals to leverage an FEI hire with center, institute, school or college resources for additional hires to significantly advance programs are encouraged.

4. Endowed Chairs Program

In order to facilitate the Research Centers of Economic Excellence (CoEE) Endowed Chairs Program truly transforming USC, the FEI program will contribute up to $100,000 toward the base salary and associated fringe-benefits of a faculty member hired as a chair holder under the CoEE program.