Professional Development Update and Review
September 29, 2011 by Dale Robinson
The deadline for the next round of professional development funding is November 1st, 2011 and covers the period from November 28th, 2011 until March 31st, 2012.
Over the past 5 years the committee has allocated over $600,000.00 to our members for professional development. Two hundred and ninety-one (291) requests for funding have been submitted of which two hundred and thirty-two (232) have been granted. Fifty-nine (59) requests were rejected most of which were because of lack of available funds.
Before filling out the application it is important to read articles 10.09 - 10.16 of the CUPEU Collective Agreement and the VPF-3 POLICY FOR TRAVEL AND OTHER ALLOWABLE EXPENSES on the University’s policy webpage. If you have any questions you can find more information on the CUPEU website under the Professional Development heading or contact the chair of the PD committee at the email address below.
One important fact to remember is that you will need to pay for the activity before being reimbursed by the university. Although we try to process the expense claims as quickly as possible it can take up to six weeks before being reimbursed. The university does not normally issue advances for travel expenses.
When filling out the application forms make sure to include all of the available documentation to support your request. The conference package, travel itinerary or workshop schedule help the committee make its decision.
Do not forget to verify if meals are provided for your activity or if you are requesting the per diem rate.
Do not forget to add the applicable taxes. On a few thousand dollars it adds up quickly and we cannot grant more money, after your event, than was initially requested.
If you plan on multiple activities remember that you can only receive funding once a year so plan accordingly.
If your activity is canceled please let the Committee know as soon as possible. We will try to ensure that you get to your activity if it is rescheduled. If we are not informed that the activity was canceled it may jeopardize your next request for funding.
If you have any questions regarding the CPDF, do not hesitate to contact the chair of the CPDF committee at the following address.
Frank Carriere ext: 7819