This information is for the LEO Professional Development Fund on the Ann Arbor Campus only. Information for the Dearborn and Flint campuses is below:
Professional Development Fund for LEO Lecturers
Please Note: Professional Development Funds for AY 23-24 have been depleted. We are not currently accepting applications. but will issue a call for applications again in Fall, 2024.
The Professional Development Fund for LEO Lecturers began in September 2008. It is funded by the Provost’s office and calls for applications to be submitted four times per academic year, provided that all available funding has not yet been disbursed. Additional committee meetings will be scheduled if necessary. This program is separate and distinct from the CRLT program. Download a Word document of the application cover page.
The 2024-2028 collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Lecturers’ Employee Organization (LEO) provides a Professional Development Fund (the “Fund”) for LEO Lecturers on the Ann Arbor campus. Awards of up to $2,500 are available to eligible Lecturers each academic year. Eligible Lecturers may apply more than once per year if they initially apply for less than $2,500, and until they reach the $2,500 ceiling.
The purpose of the Fund is to promote teaching excellence and creativity through the support of Lecturer professional development. The Fund provides funding in support of activities that enhance Lecturers’ teaching at the University of Michigan. The Fund is not intended to provide a salary supplement to the Lecturer.
Eligibility
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Any Lecturer who has an active appointment or who is on an approved leave of absence at the time a proposal is submitted may apply for an award from the Fund.
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A successful applicant must also demonstrate that they have a reasonable belief they will hold an appointment beyond the time the award is disbursed.
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The applicant must demonstrate that they have applied for any other professional development funding available within their academic unit(s) prior to submitting a proposal to the Fund.
Selection Criteria
- Successful proposals will be prospective only and will address one or more of the following criteria, consistent with the expectations of excellence in the applicant’s appointing academic unit. Please address one or more of the following criteria and how it will demonstrably expand your knowledge base for successful teaching:
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Does the proposal offer a way for the Lecturer to enhance his or her command of his or her subject matter, provide for growth in the Lecturer’s teaching methods, or assist the Lecturer in developing, organizing and conveying course content?
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Does the proposal offer enhancements for the development or implementation of innovative teaching and learning activities in the Lecturer’s academic unit?
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Does the proposal offer a way for the Lecturer to share results of his or her work with a broader scholarly community?
Please ensure your proposal adequately addresses these criteria and is tied directly to the courses you teach.
Exclusions (not limited to)
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Salary (for the Lecturer or employment of students or staff)
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Membership in professional organizations
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Subscriptions
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Computers
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Degree program tuition
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Books
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Architectural model making
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Printing and printing materials
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Fabrication costs
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Facility rental
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Course preparation materials and/or costs
Please note that the committee will consider funding material transportation costs and exhibition-related expenses if the proposal adequately demonstrates how these items conform to the selection criteria described above.
Eligible Lecturers are invited to submit a proposal that includes the following materials:
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Application cover page (.docx), including signed statement from Chair/Director or Dean
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Brief (1-2 page) description of the proposed professional development activity that demonstrates how it will contribute to successful teaching.
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Itemized budget
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Brief curriculum vitae
Application Procedure
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Applications must be submitted via e-mail (Microsoft Word or PDF format) to [email protected].
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The applicant must provide the required materials listed above, and must obtain the signature of the Chair/Director or Dean.
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Fall 2024 semester application deadlines*: September 27, November 15.
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Applications for Fall 2024 semester awards must be submitted by no later than 5 pm on September 27, 2024 and/or November 15, 2024* for activities taking place between September 1, 2024 and August 30, 2025. Please contact Academic Human Resources or call 734-763-8938 with questions about the procedure. Please submit applications electronically as a single PDF.
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Winter 2025 semester application deadlines*: January 24 and March 14.
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Applications for Winter 2025 semester awards must be submitted no later than 5 pm on January 24, 2025 and March 14, 2025* for activities taking place between February 1, 2025 and September 30, 2025. Please contact Academic Human Resources at 734-763-8938 with questions about the application procedure. Please submit applications electronically as a single PDF.
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Applications received after 5pm on the deadline dates will not be considered.
Funding Decisions
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Proposals will be reviewed by a committee consisting of tenure-track faculty, lecturers and academic administrators.
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Eligible Lecturers may apply more than once until the $2,500 ceiling is reached. However, depending on the volume of proposals, preference may be given to proposals submitted by applicants who have not previously received awards from the Fund.
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The awards will be announced on or about:
*Due to the increased frequency of funding, funds may be exhausted prior to the deadline dates listed above.