What is the CI Professional Development Fund (PDF)?
The PDF exists to support teaching-related professional development activities, and for the purpose of offsetting the cost of such books and material required for the performance of an employee’s teaching duties and responsibilities which are otherwise not provided to the employee.
The PDF is jointly administered by CUPE 4600 and Carleton management via the Joint Committee for the Administration of the Agreement (JCAA).
How do I make a PDF claim?
All Professional Development Fund claims are done online via SAP Concur. You can find details on the claim process, and file a claim, at this link: https://carleton.ca/facts/travel/contract-instructors/
What expenses can be claimed?
Examples of teaching-related professional development activities include travel, accommodation and registration fees for academic conferences, and professional dues, and examples of books and materials needed to perform your teaching duties include the purchase of a computer, required software, and any other related items.
Original receipts must be supplied in all instances. If your travel to a conference is by air, you must additionally provide your boarding passes in order to obtain reimbursement.
What about additional expenses related to the online teaching during COVID-19?
If you hold a contract for Winter 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, you can seek reimbursement for expenses related to the purchase of equipment needed to carry out online teaching. Examples could include headsets, internet enabled cameras, etc.
Are home internet costs covered?
Unfortunately, claims for home internet costs are currently being rejected by management. The union is challenging this, but the issue is not yet resolved. CIs can still submit claims for home internet costs, but there is no guarantee at this point they will be approved.
How much will CIs be reimbursed?
The current maximum reimbursement amount is $1100.
How long will it take to be reimbursed?
Claims are usually processed fairly quickly. You should receive a response on your claim within 7 – 10 days.
How often can I apply?
You can apply for a reimbursement via the PDF every year. However, there PDF approval process is structured so that CIs who have not recently accessed the PDF have priority over those who have.