UUP Individual Development Award Applications Now Being Accepted

This program is intended to assist eligible employees in the UUP bargaining unit in developing their full professional potential and in preparing for advancement by funding professional development activities. The 2020-2021 Individual Development Awards Programs each provide a maximum individual award of up to $1,000.

The total amount to be distributed at the University at Buffalo is $140,244.00 for the period between July 2, 2020 through July 1, 2021.

Full-time employees must be in the UUP bargaining unit at the time of the award and during the dates of the proposed project. Full-time employees who accrue annual leave will not be required to charge credits for any activities funded by Individual Development Awards.

Part-time employees who meet the eligibility requirements for 26-week coverage for health benefits will have the same eligibility for Individual Development Awards. Part-time employees who are eligible for health benefits during the summer also are eligible for funding for activities that occur during the summer, whether or not they are on the payroll.

The Individual Development Award Committee will give preference for a minimum of 15 percent of the available funds to employees holding part-time appointments at the time of their activity if sufficient applications are received. Part-time employees who accrue annual leave will not be required to charge credits for any activities funded by Individual Development Awards.

Projects or activities must fall within the following categories:

• Basic, applied or historical research.
• Curriculum or instructional material development.
• Workshop, seminar, internship, or coursework not covered by Contract Article 46, Program for Tuition Assistance or SUNY tuition waiver.
• Conference participation or attendance.
• Preparation of material for publication.
• Grant proposal development.
• Artistic or creative endeavors.
• Other work-related professional development projects or activities.

Funding can be awarded for:

• Registration fee(s) for conferences or workshops
• Travel and related expenses (includes lodging and meals)
• Tuition at the maximum allowable SUNY rate at the time of application

All funding requests must conform to the State Comptroller's Rules and Regulations and limitations contained therein. Additional justification for specific items may be requested.

Along with the completed application (view the application instructions), applicants must submit the following in a single PDF document in the following order:

• Application form
• A two page bio sketch or resume
• A description of the project or activity including:
  • Type of event, event site and sponsor
  • Whether the employee is presenting a paper or formally participating. If presenting a paper, the title of the paper and nature of the presentation must be provided. Identify multiple people attending the same conference.
  • Letter of acceptance of the paper, poster or other proposal. If acceptance is pending, please provide an explanation including timeframe estimations.
  • How this project or activity will further the employee’s professional development or otherwise assist in preparing for advancement.
• A statement indicating the amount of departmental funds available for the project or activity. If none are available, please provide an explanation.
• A list of any other grant support for the project or activity.
• A brochure, announcement or other relevant material describing the project or activity. If material is not yet available, please provide an explanation including estimated material availability.
• Details and justification for travel expenses including the type of travel, cost of travel and cost of lodging per night.
• Any other supporting documentation.
• Budget Summary (Part C of the application). Provide expenditures to be incurred to complete the project or activity. Please refer to Part C: Budget Summary of the application instructions to complete this section. NOTE: “JLMC Funds” on the Budget Summary refers to the amount being requested from the Individual Development Awards Program.

Applicants are expected to be notified of award decisions in May 2021.