Part-Time Faculty Development Grants

In accordance with its contract with P-Fac, Columbia College has set aside funds designated to support professional development of the part-time faculty.  The Office of the Provost, in cooperation with the P-Fac leadership, invites applications from part-time faculty members for funds to support their creative and scholarly endeavors as well as participation in the professional life of their disciplines.

Funds support the following types of expenses:

• Travel (at most economical rates) for research or presentation at a conference.
• Essential research materials (books, journals, digital resources, lab supplies, software) not available through campus sources.
• Essential supplies and materials for artistic work (visual and performing arts).
• Space rental (not at Columbia).
• Publication costs.
• NOTE: Payment for services from vendors (film processing, publishing, editing, recording, etc.) must be made directly to the vendors from Columbia College. Please see below for details on the payment procedure.

Funds do not support:

• Faculty salaries, stipends, or honorariums.
• Payments to individuals; payments for services must be to vendors. (See below)
• Routine living expenses during period of work or research.
• Travel or living expenses for any family members or companions.
• Any personal items not essential to the specific scholarly or creative endeavor.

Maximum amounts:  Eligible until members may request funds up to $1,000.


Terms and conditions:

• To be eligible, a part-time faculty member must have completed at least one semester of teaching at Columbia College and be in good standing with P-Fac.

• Applications will be reviewed throughout the year provided funds have not been exhausted.  The fiscal year begins on September 1.

• Grantees must provide a succinct follow-up report to P-Fac and the Office of the Provost documenting work accomplished with grant support.

• When appropriate, the faculty member will mention Columbia's support on publications, exhibits, etc.

• Receipts for approved expenses must be submitted no later than August 1 of the fiscal year following the year in which the grant is approved.

Application procedure:

Applicants must submit the following materials to the Office of the Provost and the P-Fac Office:

• A letter of application, providing a brief, but cogent, description of the creative or scholarly project for which they are seeking.  The letter should explain what the applicant wishes to accomplish, emphasizing how the project will enhance creativity, scholarship, and/or professional development.

• An estimated budget, explaining the specific amount sought and expenses to be covered as well as information about funds to be received and from other sources.

• A current C.V.

• Any supporting documents (e.g., conference brochure) that will clarify the request.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel comprised of a member of the Provost's Office, a member of the P-Fac steering committee, and an at-large member of the part-time faculty.

Applications may be submitted via e-mail (skim@colum.edu; pfac@colum.edu) or in hard copy to Soo La Kim at the Center for Teaching Excellence, 8th floor, 600 S. Michigan.  They will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.  Please allow at least a month for a decision.


Funding and reimbursement procedure:

If a proposal is approved, the applicant will receive an award letter along with the appropriate form(s) to be filled out and submitted for reimbursement or payment.

For travel expenses, an employee travel and expenses reimbursement form must be filled out and submitted with original receipts.

For supplies and materials, an employee travel and expenses reimbursement form must be filled out by the faculty member and submitted with original receipts.

For services from vendors, a voucher payment request form must be filled out with the vendor's information (including a vendor # or FEIN #) with an invoice or estimate of services to be rendered.  The College will then pay the vendor directly.  The College cannot reimburse faculty members for third party services, so please plan accordingly.

Questions?  Please contact Soo La Kim, Associate Director, Center for Teaching Excellence (skim@colum.edu).