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.  

To apply:  UVM Staff United Professional Development Application
Departmental Reimbursement Request

Professional Development could include:

  • Training Conferences

  • Membership in professional organizations

  • Self-directed learning

  • UVM tuition beyond the 15 credits of tuition remission

  • And more!

1. Identify an opportunity

  • Build your budget.

  • Talk to your supervisor, including asking if departmental funds available.

2. Submit the digital application

3. Approval decision

  • Look for an email notification approving or denying your request.

  • Contact your business manager to charge your expenses to a chartstring or Purcard.

  • Attend your opportunity.

4. Complete reimbursement

    • 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 $7,500 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 and 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.

    • ‍ 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.