Faculty Development – Rules and Procedures
- The Faculty Development Committee is charged with administering funding for faculty travel and research. The goal is to provide substantial funding to as many faculty members as possible to enhance their scholarly/professional activities. Faculty members are strongly encouraged to apply immediately for planned travel during the current academic year.
- In the event that the committee must decide between requests for faculty development, requests related to original research will take higher priority
- The application form is available online. Materials related to the application should be uploaded. This would include acceptance letters, links to online conference presentation programs, official advertisements of exhibit/show/performance, program of exhibit/show/performance, verification of journal page fees, or other related information.
- WLU Business Office requires faculty to submit the original travel settlement form and the original travel receipts within 45 days of completion of travel. One photocopy of the travel settlement should be submitted to the Faculty Development Chairperson. If the Chairperson has not received this information within the 45 day time limit, the previously encumbered funds will be released for use by other faculty members.
- If a faculty member elects not to attend a previously requested event, the committee kindly requests that the individual faculty member notify the Faculty Development Chairperson immediately. Therefore, the funds can be transferred to a request by a different faculty member
- There is no set limit on requested funding per conference. However, there is a $5,000 limit per person per academic year. As a condition of award, each recipient is required to present the findings/knowledge gained (regardless the type of activity) upon return to campus after the event/activity. The faculty needs to provide a verification of presentation signed by the chair or dean when submitting further requests. Failure to do so will result in rejection of future requests.
- Faculty Development funds are to be used exclusively by faculty members. Funds are not to be used to cover costs incurred by students traveling with the faculty members. Funds may only be used for seminars, workshops, exhibits, performances, and conferences. However, travel costs will be paid only when the primary purpose of the travel is for faculty development. (i.e. A faculty member who attends a half-day seminar while on a five-day beach vacation will only be reimbursed for costs directly related to the seminar. Hotel, transportation costs and meals will not be covered.)
- Faculty must abide by all State of WV Travel Guidelines.
By submitting the funding request, you agree to present your findings/knowledge gained to faculty/staff/students across campus upon arrival. Disseminating the information through your own research/writing or to a small proportion of students with no other faculty involvement (such as sharing your experience with your classes) is not acceptable. Please discuss the necessary arrangements with your dean or chair, ideally before your departure. Unless you provide your dean/chair’s approval/confirmation, further funding requests will be rejected. Here is a list of suggestions for dissemination:
- Departmental presentation on the trends or topics of interest
- Symposium
- Education Unit
- Speakeasy on Wednesday or any other campus wide event.
- Any presentation type including faculty/staff/students and not just regular classroom sessions.
Revised by Faculty Development Committee-September 2011
