Click on the title of each professional development opportunity below for a complete description and application instructions.
Release Time/Reassignment
Four one-course-for-one-semester faculty reassignment research slots will be available for the 2023-2024 academic year. There should be progress toward a publishable manuscript or a peer-reviewed performance/exhibition that results from this award. The deadline for submission is January 17, 2023 – the first day of spring semester classes. Any person holding faculty rank of Professor, Associate Professor, or Assistant Professor is eligible to apply after completion of at least four years of full-time employment at Shepherd University.
Mini-Grants
Mini-grants to the faculty are funded by annual donors to The Shepherd Fund and made available through the Professional Development Committee. Typical awards are $500. The initial deadline for submission is October 24, 2022. A second call for proposals will be issued during the spring semester if all funds are not dispersed. Applicants are required to apply using the approved PDC Mini-Grant Form. Those seeking to travel out of state must be approved for travel before applying for an award. Travel approval should be included in the application. The travel authorization and settlement forms can be found here:
Sabbatical Leaves
Should applicant(s) for a full year sabbatical (at one half salary for the year) be recommended and supported by the Provost, they will be awarded two one-semester slots. Four one-semester sabbaticals with full salary for the year will be available. Complete information concerning preparation of the proposal and the sabbatical leave is found in the Faculty Handbook. The form required by the Provost for a sabbatical leave request link is available HERE. The deadline for sabbatical leave applications for next year is November 14, 2022.
Professional Development Stipend Grants
The Shepherd University Foundation and Academic Affairs will provide for a maximum of four stipends at $3,500 per award. These applications are to be sent directly to the Provost’s office with the faculty member’s name appearing only on the cover sheet and are to be anonymous throughout the narrative presentation to facilitate blind review by the Committee.
Create The Future Funds
The Create the Future funds are to be awarded to a full-time member of the faculty “to present research at an international conference or to conduct research that has been sanctioned abroad.” This resource will also support creative activities, such as art shows, recitals, and exhibitions which involve international travel. The Professional Development Committee will be reviewing applications and selecting a recipient for the award.
General Expectation
Email a Word document file of Release Time/Reassignment, Mini-Grant, Create the Future, and Sabbatical Leave requests to Robert M. Anthony, Chair, Professional Development Committee, 328 White Hall, rantho02@shepherd.edu