The need for the Extension Professional Development Endowed Fund is based upon the premise that continuous growth and development are essential components of an effective professional career. Such growth requires a significant commitment by staff as well as access to scarce resources. This fund is designed to help supplement the cost of implementing meaningful professional improvement plans by professional MSUE staff. Recipients will be chosen according to the relative value of the proposed experience to the professional goals and purposes of both the individual and the Extension services at Michigan State University. This program is intended to be flexible in providing financial assistance for a variety of professional development and projects to aid in career development.

Eligibility

The following conditions are required for participation in the program. An applicant must:

1. Be a Provost appointed member of the field or campus MSU Extension staff, or a professional with an end dated/annual renewable appointment.
2. Have completed at least one year of employment with MSU Extension.
3. Have at least a 50% appointment with MSU Extension.
4. Not be in the last year of employment with MSU Extension.
5. Have administrative approval granted prior to review by the committee thus assuring the relevant University and Extension policies have been met.

1. A wide range of professional improvement activities will be eligible for consideration.


Examples include:

1. Unique proposals for individual or groups of Extension workers to grow professionally in job related competencies. (Example: Area of Expertise "AOE").
2. Participate in key professional meetings.
3. Relevant travel-study programs of a state, national, or international scope.
4. Course work in area(s) relevant to MSUE programs.
5. Part-time graduate study in a degree program.
6. Full-time graduate study in a degree program.

 
2. First consideration will be given to applicants who have not previously received grants from this fund.
3. The proposed activity will provide a significant opportunity for improved personal growth and performance as a MSUE Professional.
4. The proposed activity will substantially contribute to the effectiveness of MSUE programs.

Review Process

1. The Professional Development Endowed Fund Committee will be comprised of one representative from each of the professional Extension associations, Epsilon Sigma Phi and MSUE administration.
2. All funds must be expended by award recipients within the fiscal year awarded (July 1 - June 30).  Awards applied for on the June 1 deadline must be expended the following fiscal year.

1. Funds will be paid on a reimbursement only basis, and after the Professional Improvement activity has been completed.
2. The size of each award will be at the discretion of the Professional Development Endowment Fund Committee depending upon the availability of funds, the numbers of applicants and the quality of the individual project.
3. Individual awards are expected to vary from $100 to $500 each.
4. Awards recipients must provide feedback regarding their professional development experience to the awards committee.
5. Recipients are expected to work for MSUE for at least six months following completion of the experience for which the grant was made or reimburse the funds awarded.
6. The Michigan State University Extension Professional Development Endowed Fund is established with gifts from individuals and organizations intending to create an endowment to enhance the professional development opportunities for Michigan State University Extension Employees (MSUE). This endowed fund shall be jointly administered by the MSU Extension Director’s office and the MSU Office of Investments and Trusts. This fund shall be administered according to University policies and procedures governing endowments.

1. Full financial accounting.
2. Include original receipts.
3. Plans for programming as a result of this Professional Development activity.

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