Call for proposals: Learning about and incorporating intellectual property into a class project

Faculty and course instructors are invited to submit a proposal to participate in the summer 2026 course design cohort, Learning About and Incorporating Intellectual Property (IP) into a Class Project. This program is hosted by the Hagge Innovation Institute, the George R. and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, and the Center for Integrated Professional Development (CIPD). Applicants can submit proposals through April 12.

This project will engage course instructors in robust, hands-on experiences to learn how to embed intellectual property (IP) into their courses. In addition to receiving a $1,500 stipend, participants will spend the summer researching patents, trademarks, and copyright and designing an assignment to integrate into their chosen class for the 2026–27 school year. In spring 2027, participants will meet to reflect on their IP integration and plan forward for connecting students with IP resources across campus.

Dr. Peter Kaufman, director of the Hagge Innovation Institute, helps lead the cohort each year.

According to Kaufman, very few universities study IP, so Illinois State’s move to include it in course work sets the University apart. Kaufman explained why understanding IP matters.

“IP is a pillar that can help drive or support a culture of greater innovation,” he said.

Innovation is at the heart of this cohort, too. For Kaufman, the IP Project is the chance for instructors to not only expand their own teaching skill sets but also to make a direct impact on students.

“A lot of students have ideas,” Kaufman said. “They have dreams. They’ve got business ideas. They’ve got hobbies. They’ve got side hustles, and they really want to tap into what they’re good at and potentially create their own products, services, or whatever that might look like.

“Instructors can guide them into how they might really leverage their unique skills and experiences to reach their dreams. I think it’s about connection with students.”

This kind of connection is made possible by experiential learning, a core value of Illinois State’s Excellence by Design, 2024-2030. The redesign opportunity affords instructors the resources to create an innovative course project with real-world implications.

Afford course instructors the opportunity to learn about and integrate intellectual property (IP) into their class through the creation of a project (individual or team) that has IP components.

Act as a bridge to other resources on campus for students who wish to further explore IP during or after the class.

For more information about submitting a proposal or to request an accommodation to participate, contact Dana Karraker at dmkarra@IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-5110. More information about CIPD opportunities are available online.