GSEU Employees Can Apply Now for Professional Development Funds

This program is intended to assist eligible teaching assistants and graduate assistants develop their full professional potential or prepare for advancement by funding professional development activities. The maximum award is $1,000.  

The funds cover one project or activity for the period. Eligible employees can apply.

Review of applications will take into consideration the nature of the professional development project or activity and how it will assist applicants in developing their full professional potential or preparing for advancement.   Expenses eligible for reimbursement must be for projects or activities that are job-related and NOT required for an employee’s thesis, dissertation, or degree program.

To be considered for funds, state funded teaching assistants and graduate assistants must:

• Be employed full-time or part-time.
• Be employed for the duration of the project or activity.
• Have completed a project or activity for the period July 2, 2025 to July 1, 2026.
  
• Submit a completed application by the designated deadline.
• Be employed or matriculated (with an open student account) at the time payment is made.

Eligible projects or activities must fall within the following categories:

• Travel-related expenses including transportation, lodging and meals, subject to New York State Comptroller’s Rules and Regulations which can be accessed at: https://www.osc.state.ny.us/agencies/travel/travel.htm  and https://www.gsa.gov/
• Registration fees for conference, workshop, or seminar attendance.
• Membership fees when required to present at a conference or when bundled with a free or reduced members-only rate for conference or workshop attendance expenses. Documentation from the organization must be provided regarding the membership fees.
• Tuition for course work (excluding fees) at the SUNY-rate for the course level or internship (NOT required for an employee’s thesis, dissertation, or degree program).
• Within these allowable expenses, the categories for projects or activities that may be supported are:
  • research (basic, applied, or historical)
  • curriculum or instructional material development
  • conference, workshop, or seminar attendance
  • conference participation (e.g. presiding, presenting)
  • course work or internship NOT part of earning a degree
  • grant proposal development
  • preparation of material for publication
  • artistic or creative endeavor
  • other job-related professional development projects or activities
• Review the Program Guidelines for additional details.

Expenses that may NOT be reimbursed include but not limited to:

• Compensation to employees (e.g. salaries, stipends).
• Donations, gift cards, or other forms of compensation to research subjects.
• Payments or other forms of compensation to vendors, contractors, editors, or any other person, entity, or third party.
• Expenses related to a project or activity, or a course or internship, that is a requirement for an employee’s thesis, dissertation, or degree program.
• Purchasing equipment, software, consumable, or non-consumable supplies such as paint and other art supplies, printing, postage.
• Other fees, including but not limited to:
  • membership to organizations EXCEPT when required to present at a conference or when bundled with a free or reduced members-only rate for conference or workshop attendance expenses. Documentation from the organization must be provided regarding the membership fees.
  • fees incurred for travel (including fees incurred due to a trip cancellation or change of plans).
  • late payments (including fees for conference registration or courses).
  • Vouchers or credit provided as reimbursement by an organization or business.
  • Rental fees, including e-books, textbooks, equipment, or space on or off-campus.

Interested employees can download the application form above. The application must include the following:

• The type of event, event site and sponsor.
  
• A description of the project or activity.
  
• How the project or activity will enhance the applicant’s professional development.
  
• Itemized expenditures related to the project or activity that conform to the New York State Comptroller's rules and regulations and limitations.
  
• Applicant’s role, such as presenting a paper, proposal or formally participating. If presenting a paper or proposal, the title of the paper or proposal and nature of the presentation must be provided.
  
• A letter of acceptance of the paper or proposal. If acceptance is pending, notification of acceptance must be provided no later than 14 days prior to the proposed starting date of the project or activity.
  
• A brochure, announcement or other relevant documentation describing the project or activity and related costs. If documentation is not yet available, it must be provided no later than 14 days prior to the proposed starting date of the project or activity.
  
• A current curriculum vitae (i.e. resume).
  
• Supporting documentation or information as requested by the campus committee.
  

A completed application and all required documentation must be submitted by the application deadline to be considered for funding:

• Email to: UB-IndividualDevelopmentAwards@buffalo.edu  

• Applicants will be notified of the award decisionson or before June 15, 2026.
  

Please email UB-IndividualDevelopmentAwards@buffalo.edu, nysgseulmc@goer.ny.gov or ubgseu@gmail.com with any questions.