Staff Assembly Development Fund
Supporting Staff Growth and Development at UC Merced
The Staff Assembly Development Fund (SDF) supports the educational and professional growth of UC Merced staff by providing financial assistance for eligible professional development opportunities.
Through a tiered funding structure, the program supports a variety of development activities, including conferences, workshops, certifications, specialized training, and degree programs. The goal of the Staff Development Fund is to help staff build new skills, pursue educational opportunities, and support continued professional and career growth.
2026–27 Application Periods
Tier 1 & Tier 2
Round 1
August 20 – November 19, 2026
Round 2
November 20, 2026 – February 19, 2027
Round 3
February 20 – May 20, 2027
Tier 3
Annual Application Period
August 20, 2026 – May 20, 2027
Please note: Applications are collected throughout each application period and reviewed after the applicable round closes. Funding decisions are not made on a rolling basis. Following the close of each round, applications must complete eligibility verification, Staff Assembly review, and the Staff Assembly Board approval process.
Applicants should plan accordingly and carefully review the program timeline and eligibility requirements before applying.
Funding Tiers
Tier 1: Short-Term Development
Provides support for short-term professional development opportunities such as workshops, seminars, and conferences.
Maximum Award: $500
Tier 2: Medium-Term Education
Provides support for certificate programs, specialized training, and other medium-term educational opportunities.
Maximum Award: $1,000
Tier 3: Long-Term Education
Provides support for degree programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
Maximum Award: $2,000
Tier 3 applications are accepted throughout the annual application period and reviewed once per year following the May 20 deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered for funding:
- Be a UC Merced career or contract staff member.
- Have at least six months of continuous employment at UC Merced.
- Be in good standing with no active corrective action in progress.
- Have not received a Staff Assembly Development Fund award within the previous 12 months.
- Remain actively employed at UC Merced while participating in the approved program or activity.
- Apply for a program or activity with a start date that is at least six months after the application submission date.
Please Plan Ahead
The start date of your proposed professional development activity must be at least six months after the date you submit your application.
This timeline allows for eligibility verification, application review, funding review, and the Staff Assembly Board's formal voting process. Applications for activities beginning less than six months after the application submission date are not eligible for funding.
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
What Can Be Funded?
Staff Development Fund awards may be used toward eligible expenses associated with an approved professional development activity, including:
- Registration fees for conferences and workshops.
- Fees for required certifications.
- Tuition or course fees for approved degree or certificate programs.
- Books and materials required for the approved program.
- Eligible travel expenses in accordance with UC travel policy.
Important Reimbursement Information
Staff Development Fund awards are reimbursement-based. Recipients are responsible for initially paying approved expenses and submitting the required documentation for reimbursement.
Only expenses specifically identified and approved in the recipient's award letter are eligible for reimbursement. Additional or unapproved expenses will not be covered by the Staff Development Fund.
Receipts and required documentation must be submitted within 30 days of purchase or completion of the approved trip or activity, as applicable.
Application and Review Process
1. Submit Your Application
Complete the Staff Development Fund application during the appropriate application period. Applications must include all required information regarding the proposed development activity, professional development goals, estimated costs, and previous funding history.
2. Eligibility Verification
Following the close of the application period, applications are screened to verify that applicants meet the program's eligibility requirements.
3. Staff Assembly Review
Eligible applications are reviewed by the Staff Assembly board to ensure that the proposed activity and requested expenses meet Staff Development Fund guidelines.
4. Board Review and Vote
Applications recommended for funding are submitted to the Staff Assembly Board for formal review and voting.
5. Award Notification
Applicants are notified of the final funding decision. Approved applicants receive an award letter identifying the amount awarded and the specific expenses eligible for reimbursement.
6. Complete Your Development Activity
Recipients participate in their approved professional development activity or program while actively employed at UC Merced.
7. Submit Report and Reimbursement Documentation
Following completion of the approved activity, recipients submit the required Staff Development Fund report along with applicable receipts and reimbursement documentation.
Reimbursement will not be processed until all reporting requirements have been completed.
Reporting Requirements
All Staff Development Fund recipients are required to submit a brief Staff Development Fund Professional Impact Report following completion of their approved activity or program.
The report provides recipients with an opportunity to share:
- The professional development activity completed.
- Key knowledge, skills, or experience gained.
- How the activity supported their professional or career development.
- How they anticipate applying what they learned in their role or within the UC Merced community.
- The overall impact of receiving Staff Development Fund support.
Recipients may also elect to share their professional development experience and outcomes at a future Staff Assembly meeting.
Completion of the required report is necessary before reimbursement can be processed.
Ready to Apply?
Before beginning your application, please review the eligibility requirements, funding tiers, application periods, and reimbursement requirements above.
Applications that do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements cannot be considered for funding.
Applications open August 20, 2026.
Questions?
We know applicants may have questions about eligibility, application timing, eligible expenses, reimbursement, and the review process.
Please review the Frequently Asked Questions for additional information about the Staff Assembly Development Fund.
Still have questions? Contact Staff Assembly for assistance.
