Staff Assembly Development Fund
Supporting Staff Growth and Development at UC Merced
We are excited to announce the Staff Assembly Development Fund, a new initiative aimed at unifying the Staff Assembly’s current scholarship and professional development sponsorship programs. This fund is designed to support staff with at least 6 months of continuous employment in their educational and professional growth over the next two years.
Why This Matters:
This fund combines long-term educational scholarships and short-term professional development opportunities into a single, streamlined program. With a tiered funding structure, the program addresses the diverse needs of UC Merced staff by offering support for workshops, certifications, conferences, degree programs, and more. The ultimate goal is to enhance staff skills, improve employability, and foster career growth within the university community.
Funding Tiers:
- Tier 1: Short-Term Development
Support for workshops, seminars, and conferences with awards between $500 and $1,500.
- Tier 2: Medium-Term Education
Funding for certificate programs and specialized training, with awards between $1,500 and $3,500.
- Tier 3: Long-Term Education
Support for degree programs (associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral), with awards up to $8,000.
How It Works:
Applications for Tier 1 and Tier 2 are reviewed on a quarterly basis, while Tier 3 has an annual application cycle. The Staff Assembly Board will oversee the review process to ensure fair and timely distribution of funds. Staff members who receive awards will be required to submit reports to demonstrate the impact of their development.
Let’s work together to build a brighter future for all UC Merced staff!
Program Description: Staff Assembly Development Fund
The Staff Assembly Development Fund unifies our scholarship and professional development sponsorship programs to better support the educational and career growth of UC Merced staff. This new initiative offers financial assistance for a variety of professional development activities, including conferences, workshops, certifications, and degree programs. Staff members with at least six months of continuous employment are eligible to apply for support over the next two years.
The fund is designed to help staff develop new skills, enhance their employability, and foster career growth, aligning their personal development with the university’s mission to support a well-trained workforce.
How It Works and Reimbursement Process:
Application Cycles:
Applications for Tier 1 and Tier 2 are reviewed quarterly, while Tier 3 follows an annual application cycle.
Awards are granted as reimbursements—recipients are responsible for submitting receipts within 30 days of purchase or trip completion. Reimbursements will not be processed until the reporting requirements have been met.
What Will Be Funded:
Registration fees for conferences, workshops, or required certifications.
Tuition or course fees for degree programs or certifications.
Books and materials required for the approved program.
Travel expenses in accordance with UC Policy G-28 Travel Reimbursement.
Important: Only the items listed in the award letter will be eligible for reimbursement. Any additional expenses will not be covered.
Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a UC Merced staff member (career or contract) with at least six months of continuous employment.
Must be in good standing, with no active corrective action in progress.
Applicants may receive only one award within any 12-month period.
Staff members must participate in the approved program while actively employed at UC Merced.
Elements of the Application:
· General Information
· Program Overview
· Development Goals
· Estimated Costs
· Funding History
· For Longer Programs
· Reporting Requirements
Reporting Requirements:
Recipients are required to either:
Submit a report on professional impact and outcomes or present their outcomes to Staff Assembly.
