There are several faculty development funding opportunities at PSU. Development funding opportunities include those for AAUP-Represented Faculty who may use their Individual Professional Development Accounts (IPDA), or apply to the Faculty Development Program administered by the Faculty Senate, and the Faculty Conference Fund. PSUFA-Represented Faculty may apply for the Faculty Education Fund and Professional Development Fund.
Faculty Development Grants
AAUP-Represented Faculty (Appointments of 0.50 FTE or greater)
Funds are managed and distributed by the Faculty Senate's Faculty Development Committee (FDC). All AAUP bargaining unit members and department chairs, including tenure-related, fixed-term, and academic professionals are eligible to apply. The current membership of the Faculty Development Committee may be found in the Faculty Senate Governance Guide. Annual funding available: $675,000.
Faculty Conference Fund (New)
AAUP-Represented Faculty (Appointments of 0.50 FTE or greater)
Faculty Conference Fund (FCF) to support members’ participation in academic and professional conferences, symposia, workshops, exhibitions, and other events related to their fields of study. Members must apply and be approved for funding and are only eligible for conference funding once every three years. Applications must demonstrate that the entire cost of conference travel is supported, which may include the funds requested from the conference fund and other PSU or grant funds, including the faculty member’s IPDA account. The applications will have two deadlines:
- November 1, 2025 and April 1, 2026
To complete the application, you will need the following information:
- Conference Details
- Conference Name, Website, Location or Venue, and Dates
- Estimated Costs and Requested Funds
- Conference Registration Fees
- Transportation Costs (e.g., airfare, mileage)
- Lodging Costs (total)
- Meals / Per Diem (total)
- Other Estimated Expenses
- Funds you will use from other sources (including your IPDA, PIN account, sponsored project, or other support)
- Amount Requested from Faculty Conference Fund
- Presentation Details and Summary
- Title of Accepted or Invited Presentation/Work and Abstract
- A brief statement that describes the presentation and its scholarly significance, which states the academic merit of your presentation, the relevance of the conference to your field of study, and the potential impact of your participation on the institution’s research profile.
To apply, complete the Faculty Conference Fund application form. You must sign in to your pdx.edu account and will receive a copy of your application.
A joint committee of two persons from AAUP and the University will review and select the awards. For the 2025-2026 period, $150,000 is available for award.
Individual Professional Development Accounts (IPDA)
AAUP-Represented Faculty (Appointments of 0.50 FTE or greater)
The University provides AAUP-represented members with individual professional development accounts (IPDA) to support faculty development. The following amounts are available annually each fiscal year (prorated by FTE) as follows:
- Tenure Track Faculty: $1,100
- Non-Tenure Track Faculty: $600
- Academic Professionals: $500
For continuing employees, funds will be available for use on July 1 of each fiscal year. Contact your department for the administration of funds. More information regarding this provision can be found in the CBA between PSU and AAUP, Article 19, Section 3 and on the OAA website: Individual Professional Development Guidance (IPDA FAQ).
Faculty Professional Development and Education Funds
PSUFA-Represented Faculty (appointments less than 0.50 FTE)
The University provides two funds to support the professional development of adjunct faculty. The Professional Development Fund provides grants of up to $2,000 per year to part-time faculty members to cover the cost of professional development opportunities including travel, conferences, workshops, research, materials for art/music/performance projects, and more. Preference is given to faculty who are presenting, performing, exhibiting, or conducting primary research in their respective field. Applications are available to members by application throughout the year. The Faculty Education Fund offers financial support to take PSU courses at a reduced rate. For more information, including how to apply, visit the PSUFA Webpage.