Teaching Fellows Professional Development Funds
Professional Development Funds Policy
Each Teaching Fellow in the Social Sciences Division is given $1000 per year for Professional Development expenses. Remaining unspent funds do not carryover. Unspent funds are returned to the Division. The fiscal year for these funds matches the appointment dates of individual Teaching Fellows, typically September 1 – August 31. Check your offer letter to ensure that these dates are correct for you. According to the University’s contract with SEIU, Local 73, Professional Development enhances Lecturers’ pedagogy or subject matter expertise in their respective fields and advances the University’s teaching mission and Lecturers’ performance of their teaching duties. Common Professional Development expenses are society membership fees, costs associated with attending conferences, and costs associated with specific classes being taught.
If you are uncertain whether an expense is allowable, seek prior approval from your Business Manager. Unauthorized expenses will not be reimbursed.
Accessing Your Funds
Using the GEMS Expense Management System, you will receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenditures. In short, you pay the upfront costs, create a GEMS reimbursement report with the supporting receipts, and submit the report for approval. After approval, funds will be direct deposited to your bank account according to the University’s biweekly payroll schedule.
Tracking Your Spending
Your Business Manager will keep track of your spending and balance, though it’s a good idea to keep your own records, too. S/he should be your first point of contact with any questions relating to your funding or how it may be used.
To learn more about professional development accounts, please contact your assigned Business Manager or the SSD LBC at SSD-LBC@uchicago.edu and the Business Manager assigned to your accounts will get in touch with you within two business days.