University Staff Professional Development Grant

The University Staff Council (USC) has designed this grant program to offer funding to an individual university staff member to attend a professional development opportunity or be the primary contact in bringing a professional development opportunity to campus that would reach many university staff.

USC initially piloted this program from January 2018 through June 2019 to determine the feasibility and level of interest. Based on the response and obtaining a future base budget, it has been determined to continue offering this program with a few modifications. Awards will be dependent upon monies available and number of eligible applicants.

Application deadlines

Deadline: February 1 (Events between March 1–June 30)

Deadline: June 1 (Events between July 1–October 31)

Deadline: October 1 (Events between November 1-February 28)

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must:

• Be currently employed at UW-La Crosse in an on-going University Staff position
• Have completed at least one continuous year of employment at UWL

Professional development

The professional development grants awarded by this program are intended solely for non-credit conferences, seminars and workshops and speakers (hereinafter referred to as an event). The applicant must apply for the grant with a specific event in mind, meeting the following qualifications:

• The event must be related to the applicant’s position and duties at UW-La Crosse and must, in some way, provide them with experience/education that will be a benefit to both them and the university.
• The applicant’s department/unit must be willing to pay for their hours worked while in attendance at the event and while travelling to/from the event. Potential attendance at the event must be approved in advance by the applicant’s supervisor.
• Applicants are encouraged to seek additional sources of funding for proposed professional development activity.
• Funds awarded do not carry over to the next fiscal year. If awardee is not able to use the funds within the fiscal year, they must contact the person who sent notification of the award.
• Past grant awards have ranged from $250–$1800.
• Grants of any amount will be considered.

Determination of recipient

The Programs, Grants, and Fundraising committee of the USC will designate a professional development grant sub-committee who will review grant applications and determine the grant recipient(s). The sub-committee will take into consideration the number of individuals the grant will reach when making their determination. The sub-committee reserves the right to decline to offer the grant to any of the applicants for any reason.

Travel and event expenses

The grant application must include the dollar amount requested, the event fee and all estimated travel expenses for the event (e.g. transportation costs, meals, lodging, etc.). Business services has tools to determine actual costs for travel expenses.

Application process

Please use the University Staff Council Professional Development Grant Qualtrics survey to apply for the grant- link is located in the green tab on the right-hand side of this page. Keep a copy of your application for your records. Sample of application.

Questions about the University Staff Professional Development Grant Program and the application process may be directed to chair of the sub-committee.

Nicole Novak, nnovak@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8409

Event summary by grant recipient

The grant recipient is expected to provide a summary or review of the event to the council within 30 days after attendance.