Professional development funding
The Professional Development Committee (PDC) is responsible for reviewing and making advisory recommendations to the President on individual requests for professional development funding. Per Article 25 of the PFT contract, the district shall allocate $120,000 annually for faculty professional development activities. Merritt’s portion of this allocation, based on the number of full-time equivalent faculty, is about $24,000. These funds may be used to pay for membership dues and conference registration fees, as well as lodging, meal, and travel expenses incurred to attend a conference.
How to Apply for Funding
Process
To be considered for professional development funding, you must submit an application to the PDC. It is imperative to allow for proper processing time to have your funding request reviewed. Funding for in-state travel should be requested at least 50-60 days prior to the desired date of travel. Funding for out-of-state travel should be requested at least 60-80 days prior to the desired date of travel, as Board Policy 7400 requires that out-of-state travel be pre-approved by the Board of Trustees. No funding requests shall be approved retroactively.
The PDC is scheduled to meet to review funding requests on the meeting dates.
Materials
The following items should be submitted to the PDC Chair:
- Individual application for Professional Development Funding (individual training or PD requests)
- Conference announcement with registration fees and related expenses
- Check if your conference or training destination is restricted by the California law AB1887 before submitting your application. See list of banned states and details.
- If the request is for PDC to organize a group or college-wide training during Flex or other days, please fill out this Group workshop or training request form for PDC approval and coordination.