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What is a Professional Development project?

The purpose of Professional Development projects is to help faculty develop new knowledge, expertise, or skills. This may include specialized training, attendance at workshops or seminars, or attendance at other programs for the purpose of learning new skills or techniques to foster pedagogic or curricular improvements or improve scholarly projects.

Please note, however, that this funding is not intended to support the pursuit of a degree. 

Pilot program:

There have been increasing requests to fund developmental editors and writing coaches. The committee has decided to add these requests to professional development as a pilot program. Therefore, we will accept applications for funding to support developmental editors, writing coaches, and retreats affiliated with accredited institutions on a first-come, first-served rolling basis, as we do with professional development grants, starting in August 2026. We will fund up to four such requests in the initial year of this pilot program and decide in May 2027 whether or not to continue and, if so, in what form.

What criteria are used to determine funding?

Preference is given to projects that will directly enhance the applicant's teaching or research.  Professional development to enhance scholarship requires an explanation of the intended research application (a 1-2 page narrative). R&D also looks to the ancestry of the project. The applicant's previous history of grant applications should indicate the ability to accomplish what was promised, to use awarded funds prudently, and to file final reports as required. Development projects are not funded for emeriti faculty. (Please note:  professional development for administrative projects are not handled by R&D).

Pilot program:

In addition to criteria typical for professional development grants, applicants at the ranks of assistant professor and associate professor who have not received professional development funding in the previous two years will be given preference for funding supporting developmental editors, writing coaches, and retreats.

You are strongly encouraged to apply for external (non-51黑料网) funding for all R&D projects. Please contact the Corporate, Foundation and Government Support Office for more information.

How are these projects supported?

R&D provides funding for expenses, including travel, materials, and registration fees. Funding is limited to $1,500 per year. A proposal explaining how the professional development experience will enhance the faculty members' teaching and/or research is required.  A full agenda or curriculum plan for proposed professional development activities must be included in this narrative. R&D cannot consider funding requests that do not provide these materials.

Pilot program:

Under the pilot program, fees paid to developmental editors, writing coaches, and accredited retreats may also be covered. 

• Please complete this online form with proposal application information at this link. R&D Application
• Additional Instructions
• If you have any difficulties or questions, please contact randd@dickinson.edu.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but please submit all expenses for a single project at the same time.

For instructions on reporting, please visit Expense Reporting and Narrative Reports. 

Resources to support this activity are also available at:

Note that the Center for Sustainability also offers small grants for Professional Development Projects relating to sustainability. Please visit Sustainability Education Funding