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 FHSU Home >  Academics >  Sociology and Social Work

Department of Sociology and Social Work

University Grants Training and Certification Program

Dr. Keith Campbell has been teaching sociology at Fort Hays State University for over 32 years, writing successful grant proposals for over 28 years, and teaching grant proposal writing courses for over 20 years. As a reviewer of proposals submitted to agencies such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, Dr. Campbell understands the behind-the-scenes issues involved in the funding process.

Dr. Campbell finds proposal writing to be exhilarating because of the challenge of crafting convincing proposals and rewarding because of

the tremendous good done for people in need when projects are funded. Many of his students share the excitement for the proposal writing process, and they have brought literally millions of dollars to people in need.

You are invited to participate in this very successful study-at-home (or office) eight-week grant proposal writing course described below, which uses a training manual written by Dr. Campbell specifically for this type of course. A few of the positive comments from students are shared below.

Description of this Grants Training Program:

Fort Hays State University offers a two-month grant proposal writing course that involves no travel. Students 1) study a 100 page training manual, 2) watch a video of the teacher discussing the most important points in the manual, 3) answer study questions, 4) prepare parts of fictitious proposals, 5) interact with other students through the computer, 6) receive messages from the teacher through the computer, 7) ask the teacher questions by phone before taking a certification test, and 8) take the certification test through the computer. This course will be completed in students' homes and/or offices. The cost is $150 per person. The grant proposal writing training program is housed within the Department of Sociology and Social Work, where grant writing courses have been taught since 1986.

  "For both the novice and veteran proposal writer, this class offers a blueprint for success in writing grant proposals. Along with the DVD, the clear and concise course guide takes you step-by-step through the proposal writing process."
- Gloria H., Grant Proposal Writer for a rural hospital in Minnesota

Why this training was created...

This course was specifically created to serve busy people who don't have time to attend grant writing seminars or classes. There are many people who work one or more jobs and have many other responsibilities, such as families. These people do not have the luxury to physically attend seminars or classes. Yet, some of these busy people want to improve themselves professionally and make additional contributions to their communities. This training was created for busy, motivated people.

  "I loved having the flexibility this class offered. My family had a lot of company during the class, so it was a huge relief not to have homework deadlines. That combined with the very user friendly guide book (thank you very much!) helped me learn what I needed to learn by the end of the class."
- Terry M., Business Manager in a rural hospital in Colorado

There is no"fluff" in this training.

This course involves comprehensive basic training in grant proposal writing. This course represents the core principles for writing small and large proposals to both public and private funding sources.

  "The course sure helped me see how unorganized my grant proposals actually appeared to the reviewers. The information was exactly what I needed without a lot of fluff. I'm especially appreciative of the part on common mistakes."
- Richard P., MD, PhD, Physician on an Indian reservation in Kansas

Why you may be interested in this training...

With the increasing need for grant funding by many organizations, grant proposal writing is an increasingly important skill. By receiving systematic training in grant proposal writing, you can improve yourself professionally and possibly make yourself an extremely valuable member of your organization. In addition, when your proposals are funded, you will be helping your community and the people served by your organization. (Examples of organizations for which this training is designed are hospitals, schools, grass-roots community agencies, law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, religious organizations, and Native American Tribes.)

  "I have been to a number of classes on grant writing, and this one stands alone for 'how to' write grant proposals. Other classes have talked about where to find grants, creating research files, proper grammar, etc., but I have always left without the knowledge of where to begin writing a grant proposal."
- Naomi P., Grant Writer for a rural hospital in Minnesota

How our training is different from other training...

The training you are considering through Fort Hays State University is different from most other grant proposal writing training in the following ways. 1) Most of the grant writing training in the U.S. is not through a university, for most training is by individuals or small companies. A more than 100 year old university brings documented academic integrity. 2) Most grant writing training is for one or two days. Our university training lasts two months, which allows the time for students to more fully integrate information within themselves. 3) Most people who conduct grant writing training seminars hand out certificates at the end of the one or two day seminars. These certificates are usually given for simply being present, and there is no check on information learned. In our university training, students must score 70% or higher on a test to receive a certificate. Our certification is performance-based, and people who receive our certificate have demonstrated their grant proposal writing ability. 4) Some professions require receipt of Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and our university provides 10 CEUs for this training. CEUs are awarded even if a student scores below 70% on the test. 5) Most grant writing training is not taught by a PhD. Dr. Campbell has his PhD in sociology, which is the study of society and groups of people. His academic training combines with his success as a grant proposal writer, grant proposal writing consultant, grant proposal reviewer at the national level, and his more than 20 years of teaching proposal writing at the university level.

  "I am a novice grant writer and your course definitely gave me the information I need to produce quality proposals. The book was extremely helpful. I enjoyed the course and will recommend it to others."
- Jennifer C, Georgia

The type of students who can benefit from this training...

The training process in this course works very well for motivated people. If you try to just float through this training, this learning structure may not work for you. This learning module is based on self-study and requires commitment and some drive. You will be deciding when and for how long you study, and so if you are not good at making yourself study, this course may not be appropriate for you. One idea that helps students be diligent in their study is to have a study partner. Some students find that enrolling with a friend or acquaintance is helpful.

  "I had the opportunity to enroll in other proposal writing courses. However, the advantage of your program was to do the course online and be able to view your video as many times as necessary for reviews. This course is an excellent opportunity for any professional having a busy work and home life. Thank you!"
- Charlotte P, Community Relations Manager in a rural hospital in Kansas

What students receive...

Students will receive 1) a training manual, 2) a video of Dr. Campbell discussing important points in the manual, 3) a series of study questions students should answer to test their understanding before the certification test, 4) the opportunity to interact with other students through email, 5) the opportunity to ask Dr. Campbell questions by phone before taking the certification test, 6) the opportunity to test twice through the computer to score 70% or higher and receive a certificate, and 7) the opportunity to receive 10 CEUs regardless of what score one receives on the certification test.

  "I commend you on the book you created for the course. I was especially pleased with all the inside counsel you provided to help us avoid pitfalls. Thank you for taking the time to share with all of us your passion for proposal writing and your desire to help us."
- Iris. J., Director of a school for abused and abandoned girls in Puerto Rico

Outline of Student Actviities:

Weeks 1 and 2: 1) Read/skim the training manual (100 pages), 2) check messages from Dr. Campbell through Blackboard, and 3) interact with other students through Blackboard.
Week 3: 1) Carefully reread Sections I and II in the manual, 2) write your answers to the 49 questions at the end of Section II, 3) check for messages from Dr. Campbell through Blackboard, and 4) interact with other students through Blackboard.
Week 4: 1) Carefully reread Section III in the manual, 2) write your answers to the 17 questions at the end of Section III, 3) check for messages from Dr. Campbell through Blackboard, and 4) interact with other students through Blackboard.
Week 5: 1) Read Sections IV and V in the manual, 2) as a self-test of your skills, select a proposal topic of your choice and write the main parts of a proposal for that topic, 3) check for messages from Dr. Campbell through Blackboard, and 4) interact with other students through Blackboard.
Week 6: 1) Review everything, 2) especially study the areas with which you feel least comfortable, 3) interact with other students through Blackboard, and 4) speak with Dr. Campbell by phone to ask questions in preparation for the test.
Week 7: Take the certification test through the computer at a time convenient for you.
Week 8: Receive notification of your performance on the certification test. (Note: Students who score lower than 70% on the certification test will have one more opportunity to take and pass the test at no additional charge.)
Within three weeks from the end of week 8: Receive 1) your University Grants Training Certificate if you scored 70% or higher on the certification test, and 2) a certificate documenting your Continuing Education Units if you took the test.

  "The content of the course is eminently and immediately practical. Dr. Campbell did an excellent job of personalizing the course. This is no small accomplishment given that it is offered online to students in a variety of disciplines who are spread across the country."
- Luke L., Vice President of a rural hospital in Montana
  "I was extremely pleased by the quality of instruction and the excellent reference materials provided in this course. I am excited about my certification and look forward to assisting many people in need."
- Dennis S., Teacher in Virginia
  "This course exceeded my expectations. The book is a handbook we can refer to in future proposal writing. Dr. Campbell's ongoing emails were encouraging, and the personal phone appointment with him provided helpful information in his knowledgeable and caring manner."
- Karen S., Special Education Director in a rural hospital in Kansas

A final comment...

The world of grant proposal writing to help people in need is an exhilarating world. Whether you already write proposals but want to improve your skills or are just getting started, you are heartily invited to join us.

How to Enroll:

To enroll, please 1) email the Sociology and Social Work secretary, Ms. Marjorie Knoll, at sociology@fhsu.edu to confirm that there is still an opening in an upcoming course. Following her positive response, please 2) complete and send the following form with a check for $150. If you have any questions, please email or call Ms. Knoll at 785-628-5840.

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Next course starts: May 19, 2008
(Registrations will be processed no sooner than 4 weeks before the course begins.)

UNIVERSITY GRANTS TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION ENROLLMENT

(Please type or print the following.)

1. Name ____________________________________________

2. Primary email address _______________________________

3. Work phone ____________________________________

4. Work: Business Name ________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

5. Home phone ___________________________

6. Home address _______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

7. Preferred mailing address for materials: _____ Home _____ Work

8. Preferred video format: ___ DVD ___VHS

9. Date this form is completed: _______________________________

To enroll, please mail this completed form along with a $150 check (made out to Fort Hays State University) to:

Ms. Marjorie Knoll
Department of Sociology and Social Work
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601

Please call Ms. Knoll at 785-628-5840 if you have any questions. Thank you.

Department of Sociology and Social Work 785.628.5840


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