Resources

The Institute for Faculty Development (IFD) Office allocates funding for faculty who will participate in faculty development opportunities in either an active or passive role.  Funds are available for significant conferences, meetings, events, and for other related professional activities.  Funds may also be requested for materials directly related to professional activities (books, equipment, etc.). Applications for Professional Development are reviewed and voted on by Vanguard’s Faculty Development Committee.

Types of funding

A maximum of $1,500 per applicant per year may be awarded.  This cap is budget-driven and may change. If available funds exceed the total funds requested, the Faculty Development Committee may, at its discretion, award more than the maximum.  If more funds become available, the maximum may be raised and those changes will be communicated at that time.

Types of participation

Active participation will be defined as a presentation of original scholarly or creative work, support of student presentations or scholarly work (e.g. student posters), active administration of a conference or event, panelists, workshop facilitators, and select continuing educational activities directly related to enhancing the teaching effectiveness of the faculty member in the relevant discipline. Active participation is eligible to receive up to 100% of the amount requested (not to exceed cap).

Passive participation will be defined as attendance at conferences, symposiums, or other related events. Requests for materials related to professional activities will also be classed as passive participation. Passive participation is eligible to receive up to 80% of the amount requested (not to exceed the $1,500 cap).

These percentages may be lowered if there are insufficient funds available.

Eligibility Criteria

All full-time tenured, tenure-track, administrative faculty and full-time term faculty* are eligible for this award. If the faculty member’s position falls outside these parameters, a recommendation can be requested from the relevant department chair for consideration for funding.

*Term contract faculty are eligible beginning in year three of a full-time contract.

Criteria and Review Process

Applicants should clearly define the outcome of the proposed professional development activity: What will be achieved from the project? How will the project advance knowledge, teaching, student learning, and/or individual professional development?

A portion of the faculty development budget may in any given year be reserved for focused topics at the discretion of the committee and the Institute for Faculty Development. Examples of a focused topic would be supporting applications that involve interdisciplinary collaboration, student research, early career faculty, etc.

Proposals will be submitted for approval prior to incurring expenses by the deadlines set.* Proposals will be reviewed and approved by the faculty members’ department chair/director before submission to the Faculty Development Committee.

*Some expenses may be incurred before approval, such as early bird registration and flights.

The Faculty Development Committee, in collaboration with the Institute for Faculty Development, will make decisions based on the following criteria:

1. 1. The professional activity has a high probability of making a strong, lasting impact on the scholarly life of the applicant, the field, and/or the university in teaching, research, and service;
2. 2. The degree of participation (active or passive); and
3. 3. The benefits to Vanguard University in terms of improving positive exposure and awareness within the broader community.

Funds may not be awarded due to insufficient funds or if the proposal does not meet the criteria.

Extending the Learning

Benefits of professional development activities should be shared within the faculty community and may be shared with the broader community to promote the scholarly pursuits of the Vanguard faculty.

Fund recipients may extend their learning either by contributing a blog post to the IFD website, or by giving a presentation to the faculty.  Blogs are to be completed no later than three weeks of the trip completion. Presentations should be completed no later than the end of the semester in which the professional activity took place. Limited opportunities are available for presentations, so please contact IFD to make arrangements prior to participating in your professional development activity.

Failure to comply with the accountability requirement could negatively impact the faculty member’s next application for funds.

Allocation of Monetary Award

Payment is made on a reimbursement basis. Original receipts must be submitted to IFD upon completion of your project with the itemized expense report. It will then be sent to the Accounts Payable Office for finalization of reimbursement. If, after approval of funding, reimbursement is needed before the project is completed (e.g. for air travel), a request should be made to the IFD Administrative Assistant.

All receipts must be turned in within ten (10) business days after travel or approved professional activity is complete.

Please be aware per IRS rules, any expenditures (e.g. early conference registration, early booking of flights) that are submitted beyond 60 days of the purchase date will be deemed taxable income upon reimbursement. You can submit travel reconciliation forms/receipts to the IFD, even if you’ve not yet attended the conference.

Reviewed by Faculty Senate 4/20/2018