Professional Development Fund

The Fund makes three calls a year for postdoctoral fellows with valid contracts* at the University of Guelph to apply for funds to assist with professional development activities not otherwise funded by the employee's supervisor or department, up to $500.00. These activities include but are not limited to conference attendance, professional membership, training and related professional development activities.

Please note: Applications for this fund are called three times per year (once per semester). Please apply for the funding period which falls within the time frame of your desired activity. The current application is for activities taking place in the months of January, February, March and April 2025.

Winter semester 2025: (current)

• Call goes out: December 4, 2024
• Deadline: January 6, 2025

Summer semester 2025: (upcoming)

• Call goes out: April 9, 2025
• Deadline: April 23, 2025

Fall semester 2025: (upcoming)

• Call goes out: August 20, 2025
• Deadline: September 3, 2025

Please note: You are able to apply and receive this funding more than once within an academic year, however granting of the funding multiple times will be subject to the number of new applicants/funding capacities, as we hope to support as many postdoctoral scholars as possible. New applicants will be given priority.

Composition of the Committee for adjudicating the Fund

• The Unit Chair of the Postdoc Executive Committee as Chair of the Committee
• A postdoctoral fellow; any member in good standing with the Union at the time of the Call. This person is selected by the Postdoc Executive Committee or through acceptance in expressions of interest from the floor of a General Membership Meeting.
• A financial representative of USW4120

*The contract of the postdoctoral fellow must be valid at the time of application for the call they are applying to and the time of the event which they are applying to attend (if applicable).