Critical Support for Foreign Language Instruction at Binghamton University

FAIN: AH-276448-20

SUNY Research Foundation, Binghamton (Binghamton, NY 13902-4400)
Nancy Ajung Um (Project Director: May 2020 to July 2023)

 Funding for 14 summer salaries, four full-time positions, and technology resource support for language instruction via distance learning.

Binghamton University is deeply committed to providing high-quality instruction in fifteen different foreign languages, which is central to our mission to foster thoughtful, culturally literate citizens who can engage and communicate with the global community. As a public university in New York state, the coronavirus crisis has brought serious educational and financial challenges for our campus, especially for foreign language programs. Distance learning poses significant obstacles for language instruction, and these programs rely on contingent faculty who are vulnerable to budget cuts. We propose a three-pronged initiative that will address immediate curricular needs for the Fall 2020 semester while also working to support instructional positions across our language departments. Requested funds would provide bridge funding for four critical hires plus summer salary to support course redesign and a modest technology resource fund for language teaching needs.