To maintain excellence in instruction and educational service at Vancouver Island University, faculty benefit from opportunities to participate in and pursue activities related to professional development, as outlined in Article 12.3.1 – Professional Development.

Next Application Deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025 – 4:00 pm

The Opportunity

VIUFA’s Professional and Scholarly Development (P&SD) Committee funds amounts from $500 to $2000 proposed by members seeking financial support for professional and/or scholarly development activities of collective benefit to VIUFA members.

This fund is for group events that enable a range of VIUFA members to participate in professional and/or scholarly development.

Proposals that support individual activity will be considered only if there is a concrete plan for how the activity will benefit VIUFA members in general.

Details:

  • $4500 allocated in two competitions over academic year (Application Deadlines November 14, March 13)
  • All regular VIUFA members are eligible to apply
  • Not all requests may be funded
  • Grants over $2000 may be considered if applications demonstrate significant benefits
  • Funding decisions will be announced not more than one month following application due date
  • Activities must take place within 12 months of receiving funds

How to Apply:

Complete the P&SD Project Proposal Application Form (Word | PDF) and submit to psd@viufa.ca by 4pm on the application deadline.

Address and describe the following aspects of your project:

  • Description of proposed activity and how it fits within the current professional and scholarly development context at VIU;
  • Clear explanation of deliverables and timelines for the project;
  • Funding amount requested and budget justification;
  • Estimate of how many VIUFA members will be involved in the development of the activity, and the number of potential participants;
  • Detailed plan for the promotion of the event and the recruitment of VIUFA participants;
  • Explanation of how the proposed activity will contribute to members’ professional and scholarly development. It may be relevant to identify particular member groups that may find the activity beneficial.

Examples of Successful Proposals

Jason Gress, “Visiting Artist and Designer Series” – Fall 2014

Jean Blackburn, “Reducing Zoom Fatigue and Caring for your Voice” – Fall 2020

Gara Pruesse, “Somatic Coaching” – Spring 2014

Melody Martin & Laurie Meijer Drees, “Engaging with Local First Nations Communities” – Spring 2013

Submissions/Questions/More information

Please contact: psd@viufa.ca