Faculty Development Grant Program

The Faculty Development Grant Program supports activities that lead to professional growth in teaching, research and service. Example activities include:

– Participation in workshops, classes and seminars.
– The organization of lectures, symposia and conferences for West Virginia University faculty.
– Special projects or opportunities that lead to professional development.
– Travel to libraries to conduct research.

Requests for support to attend a conference or other professional meetings should include explicit explanations of how such attendance will contribute to the development of the faculty member as an instructor, researcher or service provider.

NOTE: The program does not generally support presentations at meetings, research projects, or panel presentations, nor does it support activities intended primarily for students.

Eligibility

Support is available to extension agents and faculty on the Morgantown and Charleston campuses.

Application Information

Prepare and type your proposal according to the specific instructions included for each section located on the application form.

Project Budgets & Funding Limitations

A thoroughly explained and justified budget is one of the most important components of a successful application. Provide complete justification of all expenses. If driving over 700 miles, compare mileage expenses with airfare and request the lesser amount. For example: How are you traveling? Is that the least expensive route, time, means? What is your source for this information?

Also indicate any funding from sources other than Faculty Development Grant Program. Identify completely all funding sources (departmental, college, outside, personal; include a statement about grant funds allocated to travel). If you have requested or received funds from other university sources, indicate source and amount. What is the extent of others’ and your financial commitment to this presentation? The more complete your documentation of funding sources, the better your chances of receiving funds—and at a higher percentage of your request. Be sure to double-check budget figures.

The average award for faculty development grants is $650, but there are no award limits currently set.

Application Submission

All applications must be submitted electronically. Hard copies will NOT be accepted under any circumstances. While signatures are not required on electronic applications, the proposal must be forwarded to your departmental chairperson for approval. The chairperson will then forward the application to your dean’s office. OSP will only accept applications from dean’s or their designees. Applicants should make all efforts to submit their application in one document.

2009-2010 Deadlines

October 6, 2009
January 5, 2010
March 2, 2010
May 4, 2010

Proposals must be received electronically by the Office of Sponsored Programs by 4:45 p.m. on the day of the deadline at: wvu_internal@mail.wvu.edu .

NOTE: Applications for the May, 2010, deadline must be for travel before June 10, 2010.

Via e-mail, OSP will send notification to all applicants confirming receipt of faculty development grant applications. If you do not receive such notification within a few days of the grant deadline, please contact OSP as soon as possible.

Proposal Evaluation & Review

The Faculty Development Grant Committee selects awardees according to the following criteria:

– The merit and value of the activity, especially its potential to enhance your performance as a faculty member in teaching, research, and service.
– Funding from other sources.
– Evaluations and comment provided by your chair and dean.
– The adequacy of your proposal, especially the project statement, budget, clarity, and appropriateness of supporting documentation.

Please note that the forms must be complete, all budget items need a full justification and the budget must add up correctly.

Post-Award Requirements

Once awarded, faculty development funds will be available one week before the scheduled activity. Copies of receipts for registration, hotel, transportation, etc. should be submitted to your EBO for reimbursement after travel has occurred. Do not submit receipts with your application if applying after your travel has already taken place. Wait until you have been notified that you received a travel grant and then contact your EBO for reimbursement.

2009-2010 Faculty Development Committee

C.B. Wilson, Chair
Chris Atkinson, CEMR
Charline Barnes, HR&E
Paula Bone, B&E
Sven Verlinden, AG&FOR
Chris Wilkinson, MUSIC

Additional Information

Please feel at liberty to address any technical or administrative questions to the following prior to submitting an application.

C. B. Wilson, Chair of the Committee, 293-2021
Amanda Griffith, Office of Sponsored Programs, 293-3998