Staff Professional Development

About

As part of its commitment to being innovative and learner-centered, the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University appreciates the value of staff professional development opportunities. In recognition of the critical contribution, staff make to the university, this grant provides support for the purchase of materials and/or participation in experiences intended to enhance staff professional development.

Deadlines for Applications

  • October 15 for spring disbursement 
  • February 15 for summer and fall disbursement

Applicant Eligibility 

  • Full-time or part-time staff employed for at least six months in any College of Arts and Sciences unit. 

  • Preference will be given to those who have not received this award within the last three years. 

  • To remain eligible for a subsequent award, recipients must submit a brief final report to the dean within three months of the end of the award period that includes a summary of how the money was spent and how the grant activity will impact their career.

Proposal Selection Criteria

  • Evidence that planned professional development activity is relevant to the current position and will contribute to staff member’s success in the current position 

  • Positive performance in the current position for past six months 

Funding may be used to:

Provide up to $1000 for continuing education, such as participation in a conference or workshop, or purchasing materials to support continued professional development.

Funds must be used in accordance with University procedures and for the purpose for which they were awarded.

Fund Disbursement:

  • Only one award within a 12-month period is allowed. 

  • Funds must be used by June 30 of the fiscal year in which they are granted, unless a request for deferment is made to the Dean’s Office. 

  • Funds for this award will be disbursed to a departmental account under the supervision of the chair. 

Guidelines for Proposal Preparation 

  • A brief 250 word description of the request. 

  • The amount of funding requested. 

  • A brief letter of support from the staff member’s supervisor.

Submit Application

 

You may request up to $1000 for continuing education, such as participation in a conference or workshop, or purchasing materials to support continued professional development.
A brief letter of support from the staff member’s supervisor.
One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: jpg, jpeg, png, txt, rtf, pdf, doc, docx, odt, ppt, pptx, odp, xls, xlsx, ods, xml.
One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: jpg, jpeg, png, txt, rtf, pdf, doc, docx, odt, ppt, pptx, odp, xls, xlsx, ods, xml.

Reporting 

All grant recipients must submit a final report that includes the following: 

  • A summary of what was accomplished during the grant period 
  • A description of what, if any, external grants, publications, presentations or other scholarly/creative works resulted with support from the grant.  
  • Failure to submit a report will make a recipient ineligible for future awards.

Final reports are due:

  • May 1 for the previous fall grants.
  • December 1 for the previous spring grants.

Questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact the College of Arts and Sciences dean's office with any questions or concerns.