PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND

Per Article 38 of UVMSU CBA, the UVM Staff United Professional Development Fund (UVMSU PDF) was created for the purposes of supporting UVM Staff United bargaining unit employees seeking to participate in training, conferences, professional organizations, self-directed learning, or other professional development opportunities. UVMSU aims to support employees in their career growth and in service in their professional fields. 

Staff eligible to join UVMSU are encouraged to ask their department for partial funding.

Apply for Professional Development Funds*

*Allow 30 days for applications to be reviewed

Departmental Reimbursement Request

  • ‍Applications will be accepted between the 1st and 15th of each month. The application system will close at midnight on the 15th and reopen on the 1st of the following month.

  • Once submitted by the applicant, the application is automatically routed to the supervisor for review. Supervisors will have until the 22nd of the month to complete their review. Staff are encouraged to work with their supervisors to ensure timely review. If a supervisor is unavailable, please contact uvmsu.pdfc@uvm.edu to request an alternate approver.

  • The PDF Committee will meet shortly after the 22nd to review applications and finalize recommendations. Applications are then forwarded to UVM HR for final review and processing.

  • Applicants will receive a decision email from UVM HR by the last business day of the month. A copy of the decision email will also be sent to the supervisor and business manager listed in the application.

  • Requests to expedite applications are rarely granted. Staff are encouraged to plan accordingly. For time-sensitive opportunities, staff may wish to ask for departmental funding options.

  • Annual award cap: $2,500 per eligible staff member.

  • Two-year funding cap of $5,000, reduced from the current $7,500 limit. The cap is based on fiscal years (ie: FY26 and FY27). 

  • The committee will approve up to $25,000 in awards per month. Applications exceeding the monthly allotment may be deferred for one additional monthly review cycle. If funding remains limited, applications will be closed. Staff are eligible to reapply for future opportunities.

  • Priority consideration may be given to first-time applicants and requests for $750 or less.

  • Some applications may receive partial funding.

  • All expenses related to the professional development activity are initially incurred by the department. Once the activity has been completed, the department business manager may submit a reimbursement request to uvmsu.pdfc@uvm.edu within 60 days of completing the activity. Awards not reimbursed within 90 days will be marked as expired.

  • All University policies and procedures must be followed, including travel and expense reimbursement requirements. 
    Refer to: Travel Arrangements and Travel & Expense Reimbursement

  • Questions may be directed to uvmsu.pdfc@uvm.edu

    • Clerical, specialized, technical, and professional staff at UVM are eligible to apply.  Administrative supervisors are not eligible to join but Functional supervisors are eligible to join. 

    • There is no limit to the number of awards you receive.

    • The maximum amount awarded per employee is $5,000 every two fiscal years; the new fiscal year begins on July 1st.

    • Howard Center Spring Conference

    • Restorative Practices trainings

    • Subscription to Coursera Plus

    • Membership in the National Association of Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment

    • International Internship Conference

    • eduWeb Summit 2025

    • Registration & fees

    • Travel: Lodging, Transportation

    • Meals that are not provided ($70/day)

    • Membership dues which provide training to enhance professional development.

    We recommend refundable options, especially if your position is grant-funded.  If non-refundable airfare and other non-refundable expenses are purchased in advance and the staff member is unable to attend, the department will be responsible for the expenses.  UVM SU will not reimburse UVM. 

    • Applications are reviewed by the PDF Committee on a biweekly basis. They require the approval of three members.

    • Applications are then reviewed by UVM Human Resources, Talent Development, for final approval.

    • Once approved, an award email will be sent to staff, supervisor, and business manager.

    • Keep all itemized receipts.

    • Submit receipts to your business manager.

    • Business Manager prepares and submits departmental reimbursement request within 60 days from when the professional development activity ended. 

    • The business manager and employee’s supervisor will be copied on the award notification email.

    • Please help the employee pay for travel, registration, and other included costs using departmental funds (Purcard or chartstring). Then, submit for the reimbursement request form within 60 days of the employee completing the opportunity.

    • Please ensure the total reimbursement request does not exceed the amount of the professional development award.

    • ‍ Job Aid

    • “Remember that the fund exists for you, so don’t hesitate to apply. Too often, we assume these opportunities are meant for someone else, but investing in your own growth is precisely why the fund exists. Think of it as permitting yourself to stretch, to explore new ideas, and to strengthen the skills that matter most to you.”

    • “Yes! If you're attending a conference, apply well ahead of the deadline, especially if there's a date on which the price will go up. Also, be sure to take into account parking, hospitality tips, etc. when creating your budget proposal.”

    • “There are always opportunities to grow and expand our knowledge, this includes attending conferences that may seem beyond your original scope of work, but it is important to have staff voices in these areas and to take advantage of the chances to use them. The PD funding is there to support this endeavor and knock down one of the many barriers to advancing staff development as top talent - so use it.”

    • “Do it!”

    • You must follow all UVM policies during your PD activity, including travel authorization and expense reimbursement if your activity requires travel.

    • Your supervisor and business manager will be copied on your award letter.

    • You are expected to ask your supervisor for funding before submitting your application.

    • I have questions or need an expedited review. Who do I contact?
      UVMSU.PDFC@uvm.edu

    • My business manager is asking for my award letter. What do I give them?
      Forward them the approval notification email you received.