Development Support Fund
W&M values your contributions and strengths. Taking charge of your learning and professional development is vital to your success at W&M. Through the development support fund (DSF), we want to encourage your continued growth. The Board of Visitors (BOV) has granted these funds to our employees. The assemblies (Staff Assembly and Professional and Professional Faculty Assembly), in conjunction with University Human Resources, manage, evaluate and award these funds.
We have $25,000 for fiscal year 2024. The Development Support Fund Committee will accept applications for education and training that already have been taken (retroactively) since July 1, 2023 through upcoming opportunities ending June 30, 2024. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on March 27, 2024.
Fund recipients are expected to work closely with their respective Business Managers to comply with W&M travel, fiscal and other applicable policies. Pre-approval from your supervisor is required for upcoming events.
What is the Development Support Fund (DSF)?
The purpose of the fund is to help employees and teams recover some of the costs associated with external learning opportunities. Award amounts vary but are capped at $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for a team.
Who is eligible?
Full-time and permanent part-time classified, operational, professional and professional faculty W&M employees are eligible for the supplemental funds. VIMS employees are not eligible as VIMS has the VIMS Professional and Staff Development Fund (contact Grace.Massey@vims.edu for more information).
What activities are eligible?
- Online workshop/course (non-credit)
- Tuition-based course outside of W&M (non-degree seeking)
- Conference/workshop/symposium
- Travel associated with these events within the contiguous 48 states
What activities are not eligible?
- W&M courses offered through the Employee Education Assistance Program
- Software or Software Licensing
- Membership fees for associations/organizations/clubs
- Professional Licensing fees
- Strategic Planning Retreats
- Team Building Events
Application Process
Submit A Development Support Fund Application
If you would like assistance with the application process, please email [[w|devsupportfund]]. Computers are available at Swem Library and laptops may be checked out. See Laptop Checkout Kiosk for more information.
Ensure you have your supervisor’s approval prior to submitting an application. The DSF Committee will evaluate applications and send an email to all applicants with the committee’s final decision. Your supervisor and business manager will be copied on the email.
Award Distribution
The committee will issue an award letter. Once expenses have been posted in Banner, the department can issue a Journal Voucher for funds to be reimbursed. Only actual expenses will be reimburse event if the award amount is higher. Verification of fund use will be required after the event.
In the event you are unable to use the funds, notify the Development Support Fund committee so that your award can be redistributed to others.
Learning Follow-up
All award recipients will be asked to provide a follow-up assessment that will capture information regarding how the funds were utilized and how this opportunity benefited you and the university. We use this information to gain continued funding from the BOV, so it is important for you to convey what you’ve learned and how it helps you with your work here at William & Mary.
Questions?
If you have questions, please submit them to [[w|devsupportfund]].
