In each newsletter we answer common questions. In this issue we focus on the professional development fund.

The professional development fund is now available for the fall and winter semesters. NYU Adjunct Faculty who are members of the adjunct union may apply through this Application Form (Doc 30.8 KB) for a grant to support attendance at an academic conference, meeting, or other relevant professional development activity. There is $100,000 available for activities taking place during the fall and winter semesters. These funds are divided proportionally based on the number of adjuncts at each school. Funds are first come, first served so submit your application today!

Q: What is the maximum amount that I can receive toward professional development?
A: Adjunct faculty may apply for up to $1,250 to support any activity that helps them develop professionally. The most common uses for professional development are to attend an academic conference or meeting, but the benefit also extends to “other relevant professional development activity.” 

Q: What qualifies as “other relevant professional development activity?”
A: In our most recent contract the union expanded the list of activities, and has created a specific list to offer examples. If you don’t see something on the list, you should still consider applying:

• professional certification, recertification, or teaching advancement relating to you university appointment(s);

• fees and travel expenses for professional conferences, conventions, courses supporting professional development, non-athletic co-curricular competitions, professional meetings, residencies, seminars, training or workshops relating to your university appointment(s);

• fees, materials and services for exhibitions, projects, portfolio review, publication, or professional projects including but not limited to creative, technical, scientific, or engineering works relating to your university appointment(s);

• professional organization membership relating to your university appointment(s);

• research (library and archival visits, ethnographic research and field trips) relating to your university appointment(s);

• purchase of software; and/or professional training in software and other technology relating to your university appointment(s);

• subscriptions to professional publications or services relating to your university appointment(s);

• webinars relating to your university appointment(s);

• organizing or co-organizing a conference relating to your university appointment(s).

Q: How often can I apply to receive reimbursement for professional development?
A: Each adjunct faculty is eligible for up to $1250 once per academic year (September 1-August 31). They may not apply more than once, even if they didn’t use up the entire $1250 allotted.