Professional development provides faculty ways to support student learning and student success, as well as encouraging innovation and professional growth. Alongside other professional development opportunities, faculty can apply for support from the Faculty Development Fund.

The San Mateo County Community College District provides a Faculty Development Fund equal to 1% of expenditures for regular faculty salaries to provide faculty professional development opportunities. 

Faculty Support

Questions about this Fund?
Contact the Committee Chair for more information.

CTTL Website More PD Options

What are my options?

For detailed information on these options, visit the AFT Contract page.

Type Who can apply? Activity Allowable Expenditures
Short‑Term All Faculty: regular, contract, adjunct Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Training Sessions -- up to 3 weeks Funds cover costs of registration fees and travel expenses; tuition is not funded
Long‑Term Regular Faculty: tenured and contract Full or partial reassignment more than 3 weeks and up to a full semester for activities such as retraining, advanced study, and research. All participants will receive their regular pay and fringe benefits for leaves up to a full semester. Reassigned time at full pay. Does not include tuition, transportation, meals, or lodging
Extended Leave All full-time academic employees with 6+ years continuous paid service with the District directly proceeding the term of the requested leave; defined as full release from regular duties for an academic year. Involves retraining: upgrading skills and knowledge for current or future assignments, improving curriculum, educational delivery, student personnel services or other support services, develop or revise certificate or degree programs, determine feasibility or revise new or existing program Approved participants will receive all fringe benefits and 80% of their regular pay

Overview & Application Schedule

Short-Term Projects

  • Applications accepted on a continuous basis by the Faculty Professional Development Committee.
  • Summer and early Fall applications must be submitted the third week of May (Spring semester)
  • Submit at least 30 days prior to the activity. 
  • Later submissions (within 30 days) will require the dean to include on the signature page a brief reason justifying the late submission. 
  • Suggested: submit applications earlier than the due date to minimize costs (flight, hotel, and registration costs).

Flowchart (PDF)   - details of Faculty Application Process for Short-Term Faculty P.D. Funds

Long Term Projects

  • Applications considered by the Faculty Professional Development Committee
  • Two separate cycles, with deadlines normally in October and February.

Extended Leave (Sabbatical)

  • Applications considered by the Professional Development Committee once a year in February.

Evaluation

For all projects, a written report must be submitted within 30 days of completion to the Office of the Vice President of Instruction describing the project activities and verifying that the project has been satisfactorily concluded.

How to Apply

Application Process

  1. Complete the Conference Pre-Approval and Advance Form   and the 2025-26 Faculty Short Term Funding Application  
    1. Have the forms signed by your division dean.
    2. Attach any pertinent documentation.
    3. The forms must be completed and submitted at least 30 days before in-state and out-of-state conferences.
  2. Forward the completed electronic application to the ASLT division at dimalantak@smccd.edu 

Additional Information

  • Faculty Professional Development Fund Scoring Rubric (Short Term)  
  • Financials:

    • In-state maximum: $1,500.00 travel fees + conference registration ONLY

    • Out-of-state maximum: $2,500.00 travel fees + conference registration ONLY

    • Substitute cost: Currently not funded

    • Per AP 8.55.1 and AP 8.55.2, any travel and conference expenses per employee that exceed $5,000 in a single fiscal year will be subject to additional review, justification, and approval by the Chancellor.

Application Process

  1. Complete the 2025-26 Faculty Long Term Funding Application    .
    1. Have it signed by your division dean.
    2. Attach any pertinent documentation.
    3. The form must be completed and submitted by the due date, normally in October & February.
  2. Forward the completed electronic application to the ASLT division at dimalantak@smccd.edu 

Forms & Policies

Please use Adobe Acrobat Reader or Adobe Acrobat Pro to complete these forms and submit to your division office. Then please forward the application to the committee chair after the Dean signs.

If you have any questions regarding the Faculty Professional Development funds and application process, please contact Leigh Anne Shaw, Chair of the Faculty Professional Development Committee.

Form Purpose
Conference Pre-Approval and Advance Form   For requesting conference approval. Prior approval is required 30 days before departure. Prior to travel, employees can request an advance for out of pocket expenses or for the registration fee to be paid directly to the vendor.
Statement of Conference Expenses    

Submit within 30 days of return from conference/workshop.

  • All expenses must be included. If travel expense is paid by procurement card, attach a copy.
  • Tape all original receipts separately on a piece of white paper.
  • Conference agenda is required.
  • Deduct all advances and procurement card charges.
Domestic Conference Travel Procedures  

International Travel Policy  		 Be sure to review the appropriate travel policy before attending your conference.

2025-26 Faculty Professional Development Committee