The professional development grant program is on hold for the 2024-25 academic year and we are not accepting applications.
TCU Faculty Professional Development Grants
The College Fund recognizes that tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) have limited funding to support faculty members’ professional development. The College Fund Professional Development program offers one-time grants up to $2,000 to TCU faculty.
The goals of the program are to (1) enhance faculty members’ skills and knowledge and (2) to support TCU program development and leadership capacity by funding professional development activities that:
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- connect faculty with the latest research- and practice-based information on curriculum development, instruction, student engagement, higher education leadership, accreditation, and more.
- inform faculty of current research and issues within their field of study or teaching area.
- provide an opportunity for faculty to share their research with TCU and non-TCU audiences.
Faculty members can use the grants to:
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- attend or present at a conference related to their field of study or teaching area
- attend a training, seminar, or workshop on a topic relevant to their role as a faculty member (e.g., teaching, assessment, engaging students online, accreditation) or to strengthen their skills as a researcher and/or writer.
The professional development grant can be used to cover the following expenses:
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- Registration costs
- Travel costs (hotel, airfare)
- Per diems and incidentals
The professional development grant program is on hold for the 2024-25 academic year and we are not accepting applications.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet each of the following criteria:
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Be a current faculty member at an accredited tribal college or university. For professional development grants, the definition of faculty member includes full- or part-time permanent faculty members, as well as adjunct instructors (including TCU staff or administrators) who teach at least two (2) courses regularly.
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Be committed to enhancing your skills and knowledge—in areas such teaching practices, pedagogy, student learning and success, research, and professional networking—and applying your new skills and knowledge to your curriculum and instruction.
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Have demonstrated your commitment to student success and to strengthening your TCU’s academic programs.
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Have not received a professional development grant in the 12 months prior to the application deadline date.
Deadline Dates
This grant program is on hold for the 2024-25 academic year and we are not accepting applications.
If you have any questions, please contact Heidi Normandin at hnormandin@collegefund.org.
Application Process
- Completed application
- Personal statement
- Itemized budget
- CV/resume
- Letter of recommendation from your TCU president or academic officer
Selection Process
The College Fund will review applications using the following criteria:
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Impact of the professional development activity on the applicant’s skills and knowledge and/or ability to enhance their role as a faculty member. Activities could focus on curriculum development, teaching practices, leadership skill development, knowledge of current research, sharing your research, professional networking, and more.
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Clearly articulated goals and objectives for the activity, as indicated in the personal statement and letter of recommendation.
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Strong letter of recommendation and support from a TCU administrator.
Due to limited funding, we prioritize applications from faculty who have never been awarded a grant. This ensures we support the largest number of faculty. Faculty members who received a grant at least 12 months before the deadline date may apply. However, please note we will prioritize applications from faculty who have never received a grant. We do not accept applications from faculty members who have received a grant less than 12 months before the deadline date.
Do not hesitate to contact Heidi Normandin, Faculty Development Program Officer at 303-426-9909 or hnormandin@collegefund.org, with any questions.
