Professional Development Fund for Part-time Lecturers and Instructors

Background

As part of the bargaining agreement between Boston University Trustees and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU, Local 509), a professional development fund was created for part-time lecturers and instructors. The fund provides opportunities for part-time lecturers and instructors to extend their professional development through attending academic conferences or other opportunities related to their teaching at Boston University.

The bargaining agreement for 2021-2023 makes $27,000 available for applications for professional development each fiscal (July-June) year. If the full $27,000 is not disbursed during the fiscal year, rollover of funds may occur (the fund will not exceed $50,000). If you would like to know more about the details of this agreement, please refer to the 2021-2023 contract.

Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from part-time lecturers and instructors covered by the agreement. Please see the information on the Human Resources website about who is covered by the 2021-2023 agreement.

How much may I apply for?

There is no specified amount for an application to this fund; however, we assess the amount in relation to the type and number of requests we typically receive and the time of year for the request. This process ensures that the fund is available to support as many people as possible during the fiscal (July to June) year.

May I apply more than once?

Part-time lecturers are eligible for one award from the professional development fund each fiscal year.

What’s the process?

Please complete this online form. You will need to provide details of the proposed professional development activity (typically an academic conference or other relevant professional development activity related to teaching at Boston University) and all expected costs. You also need to provide a letter of support from the Chair or Director of your department or unit and a recent CV.

How long does the approval process take?

You should expect to hear from the Center for Teaching & Learning within two weeks of submitting your application. If you do not hear back within this time period, please email ctl@bu.edu to ask about the status of your application.

What else do I need to know about using these funds?

• You should be familiar with the university reimbursement policies as you may only request reimbursements that meet these guidelines.
• You should keep all receipts related to your professional development activity.
• You need to submit your receipts to the relevant unit or department business office within 30 days of completing your professional development activity. Staff in your business office will guide you through this process.

Last updated: January 20, 2023