Individual Development Awards

The State of New York/United University Professions Joint Labor-Management Committees have announced the allocation of funds for Individual Development Awards for July 2, 2011 through March 31, 2012. This program is intended to assist employees in the UUP bargaining unit in developing their full professional potential and in preparing for advancement by funding professional development activities. The maximum award is $1,000. Applications from those who have not been funded previously are encouraged.

The total amount to be distributed at Buffalo State is $21,979 for this period which ends March 31, 2012.  This amount is less than the $35,455 which had been allocated for July 2010 through July 2011.

The Individual Development Award Committee will review applications, taking into consideration whether proposed activities will enable applicants to meet one or more of the criteria (a–e) specified in Article XII, Title A, B, or C, of the Policies of the Board of Trustees concerning employees' evaluation and promotion.

An employee may submit only one application for the above period.

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The award period covers professional development activities commenced on or after July 2, 2011, and completed on or before March 31, 2012.

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.

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Projects or activities must fall within the following categories:

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

Types of Support

• Registration fee(s) for conferences or workshops.
• Consumable supplies (paper, pens, postage, etc.).
• Non-consumable supplies -- e.g., books, software, etc. (Any non-consumable supplies purchased with Individual Development Award funds become the property of the State of New York/State University of New York.)
• Travel and related expenses (includes lodging and meals).
• Research support (e.g., computer time, network access or support, clerical support).
• Equipment lease or purchase.  (Any equipment purchased with Individual Development Award funds becomes the property of the State of New York/State University of New York.) 
• Tuition and course-related supplies. The maximum allowance for tuition is the SUNY rate at time of application (currently $207 per undergraduate credit or $349 per graduate credit).

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All funding requests must conform to the State Comptroller's Rules and Regulations and limitations contained therein. Specific questions about travel and other reimbursement information should be addressed to Accounts Payable and Travel Services, Cleveland Hall 414. Additional justification for specific items may be requested.

Funding Priorities

• Faculty or staff presenting research papers, posters, or juried exhibitions.

• Faculty in fields with rapidly changing technology attending workshops/conferences to keep skills current.

• Job-related skill enhancement workshops or training institutes.

• Continuing education related to job responsibilities.

• Proportional distribution between faculty, professionals, and librarians.

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Applications must be received by the Individual Development Award Committee, in care of the Human Resource Management Office, Cleveland Hall 403, by 4:30 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2012.  The committee strongly encourages the electronic submission of applications to fortunkm@buffalostate.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Kathleen Fortune at ext. 3042.

Along with the completed application, applicants must submit the following:

• A current curriculum vitae.

• A job description (if professional staff).

• A list of any other grant support for project or activity, including the amount of such support.

• A brochure, announcement or other relevant material describing the program and costs. (If material is not yet available, send as soon as possible.)

• If presenting, a notification of acceptance or invitation.  (If notification is not yet available, send as soon as possible.  Funding is contingent upon notification of acceptance.)

• Any other supporting documentation.

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Applicants will be notified of award decisions by Friday, February 17, 2012.

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Reimbursement of actual expenditures will be handled through Accounts Payable and Travel Services, Cleveland Hall 414, and must comply with the State Comptroller's Rules and Regulations and limitations contained therein. Questions regarding rates of reimbursement should be directed to Accounts Payable and Travel Services.

Award recipients must submit New York State vouchers and original receipts within 30 days of the completion of the project or activity, or within 30 days of award notification if the funded project or activity has already been completed. Award recipients who are unable to complete a project as planned must notify the Individual Development Award Committee as soon as possible. Failure to notify the committee may result in the applicant's ineligibility for future awards. Vouchers and receipts not submitted in a timely manner will result in forfeiture of entitlement to reimbursement.

All funds must be spent by March 31, 2012.

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Committee members are Richard Stempniak, Deborah Jones and an academic employee (to be announced) representing UUP, Kevin Railey, Rita Zientek, and Susan Earshen representing management.