University of Wisconsin‐Madison SoE Academic Staff
Professional Development Grant Program
GRANT OBJECTIVES
Funding for Academic Staff Professional Development Grants is intended to assist academic staff members in participating in meaningful professional development activities for which funding might not be otherwise available. Stated objectives, by SoE Dean and the SoE Professional Staff Development Recognition Committee, which provided the funding, are:
- Improved SoE Effectiveness: The program should provide an opportunity for academic staff to enhance their effectiveness in meeting changing needs and roles in higher education and consider strategic priorities of the SoE and the university.
- Improved SoE Program Quality: Staff development opportunities should contribute to improving program vitality during a period of anticipated resource constraints and rapidly changing administrative and educational needs.
- Individual Professional Development: A staff development program should specifically enhance and refine those abilities most directly related to the mission and goals of personal and professional development in current SoE positions and new developing position description objectives.
The primary focus of the professional development proposals should be on training and/or development to improve the effectiveness of the academic staff member in their current roles. Proposals that focus on training a group of academic staff members performing similar roles are encouraged.
GRANT CRITERIA
The members of the SoE Professional Staff Development Recognition Committee will determine whether the academic staff grant proposal fulfills the following primary criteria:
- Clear and convincing narrative about the value of the professional development experience to the individual, the unit and the university. Reflects how this opportunity will improve or enhance the effectiveness of the individual.
- Addresses the changing needs and roles in higher education and has a positive effect on campus and units.
- Supports or enhances the mission and goals of UW‐Madison, SoE, the department or unit and the individual.
- Facilities and training locations are justified (i.e., sole provider of training/retraining only available at single locations; no locally known scientist, consultant, academician, etc.)
- Reflects appropriate request for fund, i.e., travel expenses, conference fees, registration, food and lodging are within UW travel policies (see http://www.uwsa.edu/fadmin/travel.htm).
- Submission of joint proposals is encouraged. If travel is involved, an Itemization for each individual is required.
- The funded grant range is between $500 and $1000. Applications below or above this range will receive consideration. (If request is over $1000, detailed explanation required.)
- ·Individuals may not receive more than one grant per academic year and will be asked to serve on the grant committee within the next year. Award recipients are eligible to re-apply after one year.
The review committee will not approve:
- Training that is a fundamental requirement of the current position, including training on equipment purchased by the department. (Needs CASI discussion)
- Purchase of hardware, software (unless training software), certification/license fees, capital equipment
- Salary of any kind (including student positions) except for limited request for salary replacement needed to ensure essential services.
- Tuition for formal study (i.e., academic semester) leading to a degree. Limited budgets only allow for the funding of ONE event, course, or seminar. For details about the tuition reimbursement program, see Unclassified Personnel Policies & Procedures Chapter 12.07 at website address: http://www.ohr.wisc.edu/polproced/UPPP/UpppTableofContents.htm.
- Multiple applications for per individual.
- Incomplete applications or those not having properly followed the application procedures.
The review committee will take into consideration these factors:
- Clear and convincing narrative about the value of the professional development experience to the individual, the unit and the university.
- Significance & integrity of the proposed activity within the academic staff member’s field.
- Grant proposal reflects academic staff member’s intention to share information, new skill or knowledge with other academic staff on campus.
- Advancement of career in a current SoE position and the SoE community
- Individual justification for training for personal or professional development
- SoE Departments can list their general department training needs at: so that the committee can assist the Dean in identifying and accomplishing school wide training needs.
- Training or retraining that does not require travel outside of Madison will receive higher priority along with opportunities that benefit multiple UW‐Madison staff, students, and faculty.
- Active participation in a conference encouraged and will receive priority.
GRANT SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
1. Complete the following:
a. Read and understand of the objectives and SoE criteria for the SoE Professional Development Grant program
b. Complete the Proposal Cover Page, including the UDDS number for funding (Melissa)
c. Use the two‐page proposal form provided and include:
i. Your name, title, department, unit and campus address
ii. A description of the nature of the training/retraining (include current or past brochure, if available)
iii. The location and time of training/retraining, which must occur within 1 year (Are there any legal issues with this, what about cancelled training funds, etc.)
iv. A brief explanation of why this activity is important and how it will improve your effectiveness in your current role
v. A description of how your proposed activity relates to the needs of your personal goals, department/unit, other staff, students, and the university
vi. A description of how you intend to share your knowledge
d. Printed documentation is required for conference or training expenses. Provide a copy of relevant document, including the name and location of the activity, the provider or host, and the schedule and expenses.
e. Acceptable documentation includes the proposed or previous conference brochure, print‐out of web page describing event, promotional material on class or workshop, letter or e‐mail from outside expert, or other printed material that shows the relevance, quality and expenses of the activity.
f. If current material about your professional development activity material is not yet available, outdated material from the same source is acceptable, along with a verifying email from the sponsors/coordinators of the activity.
g. Complete the Budget Worksheet provided. Please follow university travel reimbursement guidelines in estimating these expenses (see http://www.uwsa.edu/fadmin/travel.htm). Provide evidence of cost‐saving measures where possible.
h. Prepare a current, concise resume, as it relates to the proposal. The resume is used by the committee to determine how well the PD activity relates to the duties and responsibilities of the applicant. Limit the resume to 2‐4 pages. If the proposal is to bring an outside expert to campus, include that person’s resume or other supporting credentials.
j. Provide at least one letter of support, preferably from your chair or supervisor, indicating any additional departmental support for this training. Matching or additional departmental funding is encouraged and considered in proposals.
2. Process/Deadlines
a. Submit grant proposal application packet “online” to the SoE Professional Staff Development Recognition Committee.
b. The SoE Professional Development Recognition Committee reviews proposals based on criteria, budgetary flexibility and programmatic concerns. Each submission is given a suggested grant allocation. Recommendations for funding proposals are then presented to the Dean for final approval.
c. Funds allocated “are transmitted to the unit and the unit is notified of grant amount” (Should this be one funded account that is drawn from by dept. or a transfer to each awarded unit?)
3. Summary Report
An “online” summary report of the professional development award activities and accomplishments is required & necessary to be eligible for future grant consideration. This summary report is to assist with evaluation of the professional development grant program and shared relevant training information across SoE.
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Still Under Development/Discussion
1.) Adding a submission timeline
SoE Professional Staff Development Recognition Committee Grant Award Outline:
ROUND 1: ROUND 2: ROUND 3: ROUND 4:
Application Due: February 1 May 1 August 1 November 1
Notification Date:
Summary Due: 30 days upon activity completion, submitted to SoE News once received
2.) Specific & Equitable Guidelines for the Committee when reviewing all applications: