Individual Development Awards Update

The application process for the IDAs (Individual Development Awards)–a benefit for UUP members negotiated in our statewide Collective Bargaining Agreement– for 2023-24 closed on March 1. (We are unfortunately unable to accept any late applications.)

In this current round, 96 applications were received and New Paltz will have a pool of close to $50k to distribute among those applicants. As this is a Joint Labor-Management program, the local committee reviewing the applications is composed of three members named by UUP: Maryalice Citera (Psychology, chair), Rachel Rigolino (English) & Helen Brocker (Advising); and three named by the Administration: Anneliese Kniffen-Savchak (HRDI), Devon Duhaney (Latin American and Caribbean Studies) & James Burns (Student Accounts). 

The local committee is currently reviewing the applications; it is charged with distributing the first 15% of available funds to part-time employees, and the remainder are then allocated according to criteria set by the committee. Historically, this has shifted higher awards to pre-tenure/permanent appointment members, although the overall amounts vary depending on whether there is other institutional support for the project, total amount of the request, etc.

The committee plans to make its decisions soon; however, once that takes place we must forward the entire list (and access to all of the application materials) to the Office of Employee Relations in Albany, which conducts an audit of each and every award to ensure that the projects fall within the program guidelines. This review can unfortunately take some time, but we are unable to notify IDA applicants of their award amounts until they have been finalized by the State.

As this is a reimbursement-based award, applicants will need to complete all the paperwork that would be required for institutional repayment—Travel Expense Report, providing receipts and boarding passes, etc. for the expenses incurred on the project proposed, in order to receive payment of the award. (Due to the involved audit process described above, it is not possible to transfer an IDA award to a project other than the one initially proposed in the application.)

Despite the formidable bureacratic hurdles involved, we are proud to be able to have this valuable program to provide resources to our members for their ongoing professional development—resources that have become scarcer in recent years through other institutional channels. Good luck to all of our applicants in this round, and a big round of applause to the volunteer members of our local committee, who do terrific service in making the difficult decisions to distribute the funds available!

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2023-24 Individual Development Awards

Application deadline: MARCH 1, 2024

UPDATE: Recording of the IDA Workshop offered on February 15 in the Faculty Development Center is available HERE.

The application process for the current round of Individual Development Awards — a benefit negotiated as part of our statewide Agreement — is now open!!  New Paltz has been allocated $48,221 through the statewide Joint Labor-Management Committee (JLMC). 

This IDA cycle covers activities from July 2, 2023 to July 1, 2024.   All activities and purchases must occur/have occurred during that time period. This is a reimbursement award; recipients will receive the funds after their activities are complete and final paperwork is received.

The maximum grant for the IDA program for the entire 2023-2024 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 responses to the IDA submission link.

There are new guidelines for this cycle.  Please read the guidelines carefully. To go directly to the IDA guidelines, click here:

For the fillable PDF application form click here:

This list summarizes some of the major changes in the guidelines for this UUP IDA cycle. For an updated list of the 2023-2024 Categories and Exclusions, click here:

Submit your application here: SUBMIT 2023-2024 UUP IDA Application Here (You will need to do so using your New Paltz email account id.) Be sure to name your file LASTname FIRSTname UUP IDA Application (for example, Wilson Beth UUP IDA application).

For more information on all UUP/New York State grant opportunities visit this webpage: https://oer.ny.gov/grant-opportunities

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 2023-2024 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, 2024 –no exceptions.

The activity period for this cycle of IDA awards runs from July 2, 2023 to July 1, 2024. 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 maximum grant for the IDA program for the entire 2023-2024 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 responses to the IDA submission link.

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:

Maryalice Citera, Psychology, IDA Committee Chair

Rachel Rigolino, English

Helen Brocker, Academic Advising

For the Administration:

Anneliese Kniffen, HRDI

James Burns, Student Accounts

Devon Duhaney, Teaching and Learning

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 Maryalice Citera citeram@newpaltz.edu.

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New Collective Bargaining Agreement Available

The text of the new 2022-2026 UUP CBA can be found here. The UUP New Paltz Chapter office will be receiving hard copies later this semester. Inquire with Chapter Assistant Mary Thompson at x2770 for more information on when those become available.

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