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 the Faculty Development Program administered by the Faculty Senate, and President's Diversity Mini-Grant. PSUFA-Represented Faculty may apply for the Faculty Education Fund and Professional Development Fund. Please see details of these funding opportunities below along with additional professional opportunities at PSU.
Faculty Development Funding Opportunities
AAUP-Represented Faculty
(Appointments of 0.50 FTE or greater)
Faculty Development Grants
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)
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
- April 1, 2026
A joint committee of two persons from AAUP and the University will review and select the awards. For 2025-2026, $150,000 is available to award. An application form is under development and will be posted shortly.
Individual Professional Development Accounts (IPDA)
The University provides AAUP-represented members 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).
PSUFA-Represented Faculty
(appointments less than 0.50 FTE)
PSUFA administers the adjunct faculty Professional Development Fund. 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. For more information, including how to apply, visit the PSUFA Benefits Webpage.
Research and Graduate Studies Opportunities
Portland State faculty and staff may be eligible for additional funding opportunities: