2025-2026 Individual Development Awards
Deadline for Submitting Applications: March 1, 2026.
Submit your application here: SUBMIT 2025-2026 UUP IDA Application Here
The application process for the Individual Development Awards — a benefit negotiated as part of our statewide Agreement — is now open!!
New Paltz has been allocated $51,949.88 through the statewide Joint Labor-Management Committee (JLMC) for distribution in the current cycle. This IDA cycle covers activities from July 2, 2025 to July 1, 2026. All activities and purchases must have occurred during that time period.
The maximum grant for the IDA program for the entire 2025-2026 cycle is $2,000. Individuals may submit up to two (2) applications for a maximum of $2,000 in total. (Given the number of applications in recent years, most grants have been awarded less than the maximum amount.)
If you are proposing two projects, please submit them in separate applications, via two (2) responses to the IDA submission link.
For more information on all UUP/New York State grant opportunities visit this webpage: https://oer.ny.gov/grant-opportunities
There are new guidelines for this cycle. Please read the guidelines carefully. To go directly to the IDA guidelines, click here: 2025-2026 UUP IDA guidelines.pdf
For the application form that you will need to submit, click here: 2025-2026 UUP IDA Application
For a current list of the 2025-26 IDA Categories and Exclusions, click here. This list summarizes some of the major changes in the guidelines for this UUP IDA cycle.
Submit your application and required materials here: Submit 2025-2026 UUP IDA Application. Be sure to name your file LASTname FIRSTname UUP IDA Application (for example, Wilson Beth UUP IDA application).
Complete the requested information. You will be asked to upload a single file that includes: the application, a brief project description, a brief CV, and supporting documents (such as a conference acceptance letter, workshop brochure, quotes, or announcement). All of this information must be in ONE pdf or word doc file. Please consult the 2025-2026 Categories and Exclusions list for additional information regarding IDA-reimbursable expenses and expenses that are excluded.
Funds are intended to assist eligible employees to develop their full professional potential and to prepare for advancement. Funding may be provided to enhance teaching, research capabilities, professional knowledge, and skills. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is March 1, 2026 –no exceptions.
The activity period for this cycle of IDA awards runs from July 2, 2025 to July 1, 2026. All projects/proposals must occur within that time frame. Part-timers are encouraged to apply, as 15% of the pool of funding available is initially earmarked for them; any funds left unused by part-time employee applications are swept into the remaining pool for full-timers.
The SUNY New Paltz Campus Professional Development Committee, a joint labor-management committee that reviews applications and decides on funding priorities and award amounts, includes:
For UUP:
Ken Nystrom, Anthropology, IDA Committee Chair
Maryalice Citera, Psychology
Mark Rumnit, Scholar’s Mentorship Program
For the Administration:
Anneliese Kniffen, HRDI
Devon Duhaney, Teaching and Learning
Jennifer Palen, Records and Registration
As in recent years, all decisions made by the local IDA committee will be reviewed by the NYS/UUP Joint Labor-Management Committee (aka OER) prior to awarding grants.
If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Mary Thompson at thompsom@newpaltz.edu or Ken Nystrom at nystromk@newpaltz.edu.