Staff Development Fund

Great news! UA’s Staff Development Fund is back, offering up to $500 per employee, per year for professional development, tuition support, or professional memberships.

This fall, up to $60,000 is available on a first-come, first-served basis—so mark your calendar and get ready to apply!

Key Dates & Details:

👥 Available to: all full time benefitted staff members regardless of represented status
📅 Requests Open: October 15 at 8:00 AM
⏰ Applicable fall fund dates: July 1, 2026 - December 15, 2026
💰 First Disbursements Begin: November 15 (disbursed around the 15th of each month until funds are depleted)
🎓 Funding Limit: Up to $500 per employee, per fiscal year

An additional $60,000 will be available during the spring semester (January 15, 2027 - March 15, 2027) . Fall funds are limited, so don’t wait — submit your request starting October 15 to invest in your professional growth! Watch the website here for more information and the request link which goes live on October 15, 8:00 AM.

Examples include but not limited to: Professional certifications, attending or presenting at a conference, professional society memberships, online or in-person trainings, webinars, and tuition fees.

Requirements:

Must be a “fully benefited” STAFF member. Temporary part time employees, grad students, and student employees are NOT eligible.

Please direct questions to the committe members: UA-SA-StaffDevelopmentFund@alaska.edu

What is the Staff Development Fund?

The Staff Development Fund is a University of Alaska program that provides eligible employees with reimbursement of up to $500 per fiscal year to support professional development, educational opportunities, and professional memberships that contribute to their growth and success at UA.

Who is eligible for the fund?

All full-time benefitted staff employees are eligible to apply, regardless of represented or non-represented status.

How much funding can I receive?

Eligible employees may receive up to $500 per fiscal year. Requests are subject to available funding and approval.

What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?

Examples of eligible expenses may include:

Professional development courses or workshops
Conferences, seminars, and training programs
Tuition and educational expenses
Professional certifications or licensure-related training
Professional association memberships

Additional guidance regarding eligible and ineligible expenses will be available with the application materials.

What time period does the Fall 2026 funding cycle cover?

The Fall funding cycle applies to eligible expenses incurred between:

July 1, 2026, and December 15, 2026

When will reimbursements be paid?

The first disbursements are expected to begin around November 15, 2026. Thereafter, approved reimbursements will generally be processed around the 15th of each month until available funds are depleted.

What if I already used my professional development funds earlier this fiscal year?

Employees who have already received funding through the Staff Development Fund during the current fiscal year may not be eligible for additional reimbursement beyond the $500 annual maximum.

Can I submit multiple requests?

Yes, employees may submit multiple requests throughout the fiscal year, provided the combined total does not exceed the $500 annual maximum and funds remain available.

What documentation will I need?

Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation supporting their request, which may include:

Proof of registration or enrollment
Receipts or invoices
Proof of payment
Professional membership information
Other supporting documentation as required

What happens if the Fall funding is exhausted?

Once Fall funds have been fully allocated, additional requests will not be approved until the Spring funding cycle opens, subject to available funding.

When does the Spring funding cycle open?

The Spring funding cycle will support eligible expenses between:

January 15, 2027, and March 15, 2027

Additional details will be announced prior to the Spring application period.