As part of the current (2021-2025) bargaining agreement between Boston University Trustees and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU, Local 509), a supplemental technology fund of $50,000 has been created for salaried lecturers and instructors.
The fund provides members of the bargaining unit with the opportunity to purchase supplemental technological equipment, such as laptops, monitors, and other types of hardware, to support their teaching at Boston University.
The Supplementary Technology fund is replenished at the beginning of each fiscal year, and any remaining funding from the previous fiscal year will be rolled over into the current year’s fund. All equipment must be procured through Boston University or its preferred vendors; the purchased equipment remains the property of Boston University. Please note: This supplemental funding does not replace the regular technological support from Schools and Colleges.
If you would like to know more about the details of this agreement, please refer to the 2021-2025 contract.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from those covered by the agreement: all non-tenured or non-tenure-track lecturers, senior lecturers, master lecturers, and instructors who are salaried (whether full-time, part-time, or half-time), and who teach at least one credit-bearing course on the Charles River Campus of Boston University, including the Metropolitan College Prison Program.
To check if you are part of the bargaining unit and covered by this agreement, please see information on the Human Resources website.
When do applications close each fiscal year?
Applications typically close in mid-June for end-of-fiscal year processing and will re-open in mid-July.
What are the limits for applications for this fund?
- Members of the bargaining unit are eligible to apply to the Supplemental Technology fund once every three years.
- Equipment must be bought through Boston University or its preferred vendors: please refer to BU’s Sourcing and Procurement Guide on computers for more information.
- We also recommend that you discuss the purchasing process with your unit or department business manager before purchasing any equipment.
- All purchased equipment remains the property of Boston University.
What’s the process?
Please complete the online form. You will need to provide details of the equipment you are requesting, including how it will benefit your teaching, 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 Institute for Excellence in Teaching and Learning within two weeks of submitting your application. If you do not hear back within this time period, please email excellence@bu.edu to ask about the status of your application.
