Professional Development Fund for FFU Members

As part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Fordham Faculty United and the University, a yearly fund of $50,000 was established for the duration of the CBA to support and promote the professional development of eligible full-time and part-time faculty. These funds reimburse faculty for expenses related to professional development events such as presenting or attending conferences.

Application for professional development funds and more information

What is the Professional Development Fund?
As part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Fordham Faculty United and the University, a yearly fund of $25,000 was established for the duration of the CBA to support and promote the professional development of part-time faculty.

What counts as "professional development"?
Professional development funds are awarded to reimburse expenses for travel, registration, and lodging for conferences, workshops, or classes related to any part-time or full-time non-tenure track teaching faculty, covered by the union agreement (CBA), unit member's teaching and discipline.

Who can apply?
Any part-time or full-time non-tenure-track teaching faculty covered by the union agreement (CBA), regardless of teaching load or program, who has taught eight (8) or more courses or has taught during three (3) academic years.

How much may I apply for?
Part-time teaching faculty may receive fund of up to $500 in total per academic year.

Full-time teaching faculty may receive funds of up to $1000 in total per academic year.

When do I apply?
There are four request deadlines over the course of the academic year: September 30, November 30, February 28, and May 31. Note that you need to be employed at the university in the semester the professional development was held in order to be eligible and must apply during that fiscal year (July 1 - May 31; June events will be billed to the next fiscal year, part-time faculty must have renewed contract to submit for June events)

Who decides, and when?
Requests for funds are screened by your peers on Fordham Faculty United’s Professional Development Committee, whose members are appointed by Fordham Faculty United’s elected representatives on the Executive Committee. Within the week following the request deadline, the committee will send applicants notice of acceptance or denial.

How can I check if my professional development request is eligible for reimbursement?
Check your eligibility with this Pre-Screening Form and email [email protected] with any questions.

How do I receive a reimbursement?
Submit the Reimbursement Form below. Requests for reimbursement must be submitted by September 30, November 30, February 28, and May 31. Reimbursements will be made from the Fund only during the academic year in which the expenses were incurred. Expenses incurred in June apply to the following academic year.

What documentation do I need in order to be reimbursed?
Include documentation of your participation in the professional development activity and receipts. Refer to this Pre-Screening Form for important information on the nature and format of the documentation needed. 

International travel must be approved prior to travel by your school’s Dean before professional development funds can be requested. Please note that funds are awarded to reimburse expenses and are not offered in advance.

For information about suitable documentation of approved expenses for travel, lodging, food, and organizational fees, please read the University’s Reimbursement Policy. Reimbursements to faculty will be approved and made after the professional development opportunity has occurred, and will not be made as advance payments.

Further questions? Please write to the union’s Professional Development Committee at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

View the Reimbursement Policy    View the Reimbursement Form