PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
INFORMATION AND ELIGIBILITY:
Description
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.
Eligibility
You must be part of the UVM Staff United bargaining unit at UVM to apply. Please plan on a minimum of 15 business days for UVMSU to process this request - the sooner you apply before an opportunity, the more likely you are to secure the funding in time. Starting on July 1, 2025, individuals will be limited to a maximum total award amount of $7,500 every 2 fiscal years (July 1 through June 30). The number of applications is not limited if the total remains below the $7,500 maximum. Maximum funding is based on when the professional development opportunity occurs, not when the application is submitted.
Application Process
Determine you are eligible by being a UVMSU bargaining unit employee.
Application Options (through October 2025):
Staff may choose to submit either a paper application or use the new digital application system.
Paper Application: If opting for a paper submission, please follow steps 3–7 outlined below.
Digital Application: If using the new digital system, submit your application here. Steps 6 and 7 still apply.
Once the digital application is submitted, your supervisor will receive an email notification to review and approve or deny the request. If approved, the application is automatically forwarded to the PDF Committee for review. Upon their approval, UVM HR will review and approve or deny. Once fully approved, an automated award email is sent to you, your supervisor, and your business administrator. The digital system is designed to streamline the process. If your professional development activity is approaching soon, we strongly encourage using the digital option. Starting in November all applications will need to be submitted digitally.
Complete the EMPLOYEE section of the application.
Have your supervisor complete the FOR THE APPLICANT’S SUPERVISOR section of the application. This includes a required signature from your supervisor confirming approval for you to:
a. Apply for UVMSU PDF funds
b. Take release time required to attend the activity with the understanding that release time requires the activity to be relevant to your job duties
Submit your application to UVMSU.PDFC@uvm.edu
The Professional Development Fund Committee (composed of 3 Union representatives and 3 UVM administrative representatives) will review your request within 30 business days. If a PD opportunity is sooner, please email UVMSU.PDFC@uvm.edu to request an expedited review.
Award Notification and Reimbursement:
If awarded funds via the new digital system, you will receive an award email, with a copy sent to your supervisor and department business administrator. If awarded funds via the paper application, please ensure your business manager receives a copy of the award letter. All funds must be used in accordance with UVM policies. Any unused funds will be returned to the Staff United Professional Development Fund. Please note: your department and/or you will initially incur the expenses related to the activity. Be sure to retain all receipts. After the activity concludes, UVM Staff United will process a departmental reimbursement at the end of the month, provided your business administrator submits the departmental reimbursement spreadsheet within 60 days from the end of the development activity.
Notes for Opportunities Requiring Travel
You must follow UVM policies regarding travel authorization and expense reimbursement if your activity requires travel. We recommend reviewing requirements as you estimate your expenses. (For example: Mileage reimbursement for personal car versus rental car difference.)
For Staff who do not complete the professional development activity, the department is responsible for any costs incurred. We highly recommend refundable travel arrangements be purchased, i.e. air fare, hotels, car rental. This is especially important for grant funded staff.