In accordance with the UC-AFT/UC Memorandum of Understanding, a Unit 18 Faculty Professional Development Fund (PDF) provides Unit 18 faculty with financial support for professional development activities. As the relevant section of Article 9, Paragraph C of the MOU states, “Individual Unit 18 faculty will be eligible to submit requests for funding to support proposals for professional development including but not limited to professional meetings, training seminar, software and paid leave, all of which would be in support of pedagogical endeavors. Only those Unit 18 faculty with Continuing Appointments will be eligible to submit requests for paid leave.” The phrase “pedagogical endeavors” is interpreted broadly to refer to all activities and projects that contribute to the Unit 18 faculty member’s professional development and effectiveness as a teacher at UC Merced.
The PDF consists entirely of university funds, and therefore these funds must be used in accordance with university policies involving budget, travel, purchasing, expenditures, etc. Typically these awards are made in the form of a reimbursement, which means that the funds are provided to the Unit 18 faculty subsequent to participation in the award activity. Therefore, adherence to university policy requirements, including timely and complete submission of required documentation and receipts, is essential to actually receiving these award funds. These reimbursement procedures are the same for all university employees, and are not meant to discourage any eligible Unit 18 faculty for applying for these funds; the PDF chair, staff in the Academic Personnel Office, and school business offices are available to help grantees make this process work efficiently for everyone involved.
UC-AFT Council on Professional Development
- Kamal Dulai, Ph.D. (School of Natural Sciences), UC-AFT Council Chair
- Jason Emory, Ph.D. (School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts)
- Yogita Maharaj (School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts/Merritt Writing Program)
- Daniel Mello, Ph.D. (School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts)
- Chai Moua, Ph.D. (School of Natural Sciences)
- Jane Wilson (School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts/Merritt Writing Program)
Important Dates
Academic Year 2023 – 2024
Expense Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Applications will be accepted starting August 16th, 2023 through April 1st, 2024.
Please refer to the Guidelines and Application below for further information
Application Resources
