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, 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 $6,000 maximum. Maximum funding is based on when the professional development opportunity occurs, not when the application is submitted.

Application Process 

  1. Determine you are eligible by being a UVMSU bargaining unit employee. 

  2. For a short test period (Aug-Sept 2025) staff can choose to complete a paper application or submit a new automated application.

    a. If choosing to submit a paper application please follow steps outlined below.
    b. If choosing to submit an application via the automated system, use this link.

  3. Complete the EMPLOYEE section of the application. 

  4. 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 

  5. Submit your application to UVMSU.PDFC@uvm.edu

  6. 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.

  7. If awarded money, you will receive an award letter via email that will include instructions regarding the distribution of funds, the proper use of funds, and what to do with excess or unused funds. Please ensure your department business administrator receives a copy of the award letter. This will include information about keeping your receipts, so any excess funds make it back to the UVMSU Professional Development Fund for your colleagues rather than being absorbed into department accounts.

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.