Career Development Fund

What is the Career Development Fund?

A total of $16,000 is available for career development each fiscal year, with the goal of providing the maximum benefit to the maximum number of people. These funds are for professional development opportunities that enhance the employee’s knowledge base (but not required to maintain position with the college) and facilitate professional growth in any potential position the employee aspires to attain at the college.

The events covered by this fund must conclude and supporting documents, including proof of purchase and completion, must be submitted during the fiscal year (June 1-May31) that the member has applied for this benefit.

Am I eligible?

In order to be eligible to receive the career development funds, you must be a full member* of the Lewis & Clark College Support Staff Association. The funds are not available to temporary employees or fair share members.

*Non-probationary, voting member in good standing of LCCSSA.

What can the funds be used for?

The fund is available for: Job skill-related conferences, workshops, training sessions, coursework, seminars, and travel-related expenses

Bargaining Unit Members may also apply for funds to attend college or university courses where such courses are directly related to the employee’s current work assignment or to a position to which the employee could reasonably expect to be promoted. (LCCSSA Collective Bargaining Agreement, 18.1 & 18.2)

Any course, program, or event must conclude before the end of the fiscal year (June 1-May 31).

How much can I apply for?

Each bargaining unit member is eligible for one grant to cover the expenses for one event during the fiscal year (June 1-May 31), up to an annual maximum of $1000, and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For example: a member can apply for funds to attend a conference, which could include the registration, mileage, per diem, and hotel expenses. The expenses total $600. This would count as their one allowable grant for the fiscal year.

Double-Dipping?

If money is still remaining in the fund near the end of the fiscal year, the CDF committee will invite applications for a second grant, referred to as “double-dipping.” If double-dipping is available, members can submit a second grant application for one of the following reasons, up to $1000:

• A second grant to cover additional expenses for the same event from the first grant; or,
• A second grant for a new event within the guidelines established.

If applicable, double-dipping will open in early April. All double-dip applications will be reviewed during the last committee meeting of the fiscal year, generally the 3rd or 4th week of May.

How do I apply?

Complete the online application form in full. It is important to include a draft budget along with the total requested amount, especially for grants related travel expenses.

What happens to my application?

On a monthly basis, the Career Development Committee, (consisting of two representatives from both the College and the Association) will review the application and course description to determine if the request falls within the guidelines outlined above. If approved, the employee will be notified and asked to provide receipts and proof of completion/attendance. If rejected, the employee has the opportunity to appeal in writing within 30 days of the decision. This appeal should be emailed to the LCCSSA Board at lccssa-board@lclark.edu.

How do I submit my receipts and proof of completion?

Please email your receipts and proof of completion to lccssa-career-dev@lclark.edu once your application for funds is approved.

What documents are considered receipts?

Original itemized receipts showing what was purchased and that payment was made must be attached. Bank statements and credit card statements will not be accepted as proof of payment.

In the case of applications related to travel expenses:

• Mileage reimbursement requests will need to include the date of travel, the departure address, and the destination address.
• Meal per diem rates will be calculated according to the location of the event you are attending. If any meals are provided by the event organizers, that per diem will be deducted from the total.

What documents are considered proof of completion?

We understand that our members attend a variety of different professional development events. Below is a list of the most common items that we accept as proof of completion:

• Certificates of Completion
• Posted grades to an online grading system (for example WebAdvisor)
• Unofficial transcripts
• Name badge or other conference specific proof
• Printed program from event

Contact Tyler Bearden if you have questions: tylerbearden@lclark.edu