UCSB Summer Sessions supports Senate Faculty and Continuing Lecturers in developing online courses. We welcome proposals to create online versions of impacted or in-demand courses, courses that utilize innovative pedagogical approaches that meet UCSB summer student’s interests, and courses that increase access to topics that may not be available during our Fall, Winter, or Spring quarters. Special consideration will be given to courses with historical enrollments of over 40 students and the in-demand courses listed here.
Through these development grants we seek to:
- Enable UC Santa Barbara students to take courses in the summer, no matter where they are residing, no matter their schedule for work, study, or travel;
- Enable UC Santa Barbara faculty to teach courses in the summer, no matter their location;
- Facilitate the development of online courses suited particularly to the UC Santa Barbara curriculum, vetted by the UC Santa Barbara Academic Senate, and assessed by faculty and staff;
- Encourage continued development of campus policy and practice regarding online education;
- Explore Summer Online course offerings that assist colleges and departments in meeting course demands and the needs of students, faculty, departments, and colleges.
Proposal Process
Step One:
Submit a brief concept proposal using this form. The form requires the following information:
- Your name and department
- Course name and course number
- Your experience teaching the proposed course (count and frequency)
- A brief narrative overview of the online course, including a description of content, engagement strategies, and assessments (300 words max)
- A brief analysis, including a summary of relevant data that supports the curricular, pedagogical, and/or student need for this online course (500 words max)
- A brief explanation of the funds requested
- Acknowledgement that your department chair is aware and supportive of your proposal
Step Two:
The review committee will analyze your concept proposal and may invite you to submit a full proposal to Summer Sessions and the appropriate UCSB Academic Senate committee(s). Complete details for the full proposal will be included in your invitation. If invited, Summer Sessions and CITRAL/OTL staff will be available to support you in developing your full proposal. You will also receive your conditional financial award letter with the invitation.
Step Three:
Upon successful Summer Sessions and Senate approval, you will fully develop your online course. You will receive the financial support stated in your conditional award letter.
Funding Information:
- Up to $8,000 faculty stipend (the stipend is separate from your teaching salary)
- Up to $10,000 in development support funds (may be used for faculty, graduate, or undergraduate support, video services, or similar.)
Departmental Revenue Share Information:
Separate communication will be sent to Deans and Department Chairs soon regarding revenue share planning for Summer 2027 and beyond.
For funding, curricular, data, or general summer sessions questions, please contact James Ford at jamesford@ucsb.edu.
Click here to access this information in a google doc to download or print.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the due date to submit a concept proposal?
Monday, June 19th, 2026
If invited to submit a full proposal, what is the due date?
Monday, September 28th, 2026.
When will I receive a response to my proposal?
The review committee will meet regularly and respond to your proposal as soon as possible.
What is the difference between a concept proposal and the full proposal?
The concept proposal provides the basic information to Summer Sessions to conditionally award development funds. The full proposal is required for UCSB Academic Senate review.
Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
Senate faculty and continuing lecturers who teach during the academic year. Graduate students may teach online courses, but are not eligible to submit a proposal
Upon successful approval from the Academic Senate, when will my course be offered?
Your course will be offered for a minimum of two summers: 2027 and 2028. You, your department chair, and Summer Sessions will discuss which session during the summer term makes the most sense to offer your course. After the two required offerings, if the course has strong enrollment and you are available to teach, the course will continue to be offered.
If my course is approved by Summer Sessions and receives Academic Senate approval, does this mean I may offer my online course during Fall, Winter, or Spring
Senate approved summer online courses may be offered during summer terms; separate senate approval may be required in order to offer the course during the Fall, Winter, or Spring quarters.