Professional Development Funds

OSU Extension Professional Development Funds

Through the generous donations of Extension supporters, the OSU Extension Service offers professional development funds to support Extension faculty and staff in their professional development activities.  Three funds make up the Extension Professional Development Funds:  The OSU Extension Professional Development Fund, the Gene & Ruth Lear Professional Development Fund, the Nels and Esther Anderson Honorary Scholarship Fund.  You can apply for the funds by completing the OSU Extension Professional Development Fund Application.  These funds are awarded quarterly and must meet the criteria listed below.  For questions, please contact Kim Tarrant.

Professional Development: The processes and educational activities by which faculty and staff gain the knowledge, attitudes, skills and behaviors that lead to the enhancement of Extension employee's competencies and contribute to excellence in Extension education programs and learner services.

Application deadlines:

• May 1
• August 1
• November 1
• February 1

Criteria:

• Available for faculty and staff with an Extension appointment of .25 FTE or greater.
• Professional development activity must support one or more of the five priorities as listed below.
• At least 50% matching funds available from other sources.
• Application submission precedes date of event.
• There is no limit to the number of applications accepted from an individual.
• A total limit of $1,000 will be awarded to an individual in one calendar year.
• An additional $1,000 will be provided each quarter for international professional development opportunities.
• Awarded funds must be used within one year of award.

Priorities:

Professional Development Fund priorities for 2006 and 2007 focus on desired outcomes expressed in the organization’s strategic plan, Helping Oregonians Build Their Future:

1. Strategic Objective:  Improve OSU Extension’s ability to reach culturally diverse audiences

Funds will be used for Spanish language and/or cultural training -- this may include formal language classes at a local university, college or community college; language classes taken on-line; an immersion experience; intercultural communication workshops and institutes, etc.

2. Strategic Objective:  Enhance faculty members’ proficiency with impact evaluation and reporting

Funds will be used to support educational opportunities that increase understanding and correct application of evaluation methods and that develop skills, confidence and comfort in reporting achievements.

3. Strategic Objective:  Increase efficiency and effectiveness of office and program support staff through new and improved practices

Funds will be used for training that focuses on strengthening knowledge and skills in the following areas, with emphasis placed on timely, relevant information for the demands of the position:

• Technology Applications
• Human Resource Management
• Financial Management
• Education Programming: Development, Delivery, Management

4. Strategic Objective:  Develop ability to make decisions and positively influence diverse groups and individuals

Funds will be used for leadership development opportunities that encourage faculty and staff to improve knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors that contribute to excellence in Extension education programs.

5. Strategic Objective:  Invest in lifelong learning of faculty and staff through undergraduate and advanced degrees. 

Funds will be used for supporting course work, graduate seminars or thesis hours of faculty and staff enrolled in matriculated degree granting programs. 

Selection Committee

Holly Berry, Marion County
Steve Bowers, Lane County
Dustin Johnson, Harney County
Cathy McBride, Extension Sea Grant

You can access the Professional Development Fund Application at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/admin/forms/development_funds_application.php