Staff Professional Development
Title III Staff Professional Development Funds
Grant Cycle & Fund Application Window: October 1– September 30
*Under the directive of Dr. Akakpo, ALL Title III Affairs must be requested and reviewed by Dr. Akakpo himself in collaboration with the Title III Director until further notice.*
Description & Purpose
Title III Professional Development (PD) funds support staff in strengthening skills that enhance job performance, leadership capacity, student support services, operational effectiveness, and institutional excellence. Professional development activities must demonstrate clear benefit to both the individual employee and Kentucky State University, while aligning with institutional priorities and Title III objectives.
Guidelines
1. Eligibility
- Full-time staff have priority consideration.
- Staff must demonstrate how the requested activity directly supports funded Title III program objectives and institutional goals.
- Eligible employees must have been employed at the University for a minimum of 90 days.
2. Allowable Activities
PD funds may be used for:
- Domestic travel to attend (in-person or virtual) professional conferences, workshops, seminars, and webinars related to job responsibilities.
- Guest speakers, trainers, or consultants to support departmental development (applications must be submitted 60 days prior to the event).
- Online professional certification programs or skill-based training.
- Leadership development programs.
- Professional memberships required for accreditation or industry standards.
- Training initiatives that enhance student support services, compliance, retention, operational efficiency, or service excellence.
3. Funding Priorities
Priority will be given to:
- Activities that directly enhance student success, service delivery, compliance, or operational effectiveness.
- Staff who have not received Title III funding in the previous year.
- Activities that support accreditation, institutional effectiveness, or strategic plan initiatives.
4. Funding Limits
- Individual PD requests may not exceed $4,000 per grant year.
- Department-led training initiatives may not exceed $6,000 per grant year.
- Funds may cover registration, travel, lodging, and materials in accordance with federal and University travel policies.
- Funds may not be used for personal enrichment or non-work-related purposes.
- Awards are contingent upon availability of grant funding.
5. Submission Deadlines
- Applications must be submitted at least 30 business days prior to the event.
- Applications submitted less than 30 business days prior will not be considered.
- Events involving guest speakers, trainers, or consultants must be submitted 60 days in advance.
- Retroactive funding (applications submitted after the event has occurred) is not permitted under any circumstances.
6. Accountability & Reporting
- Staff must submit proof of participation.
- A brief report summarizing how the activity enhanced job performance, student support, or departmental effectiveness must be submitted within 30 days of the activity.
- Failure to submit required documentation may impact eligibility for future funding.
7. Application Process
- Please click the button below to access all required processes and the official Staff Professional Development Application.
Please direct any questions to:
Ms. Shanise Edwards
Phone: (502) 597-5730
Email: shanise.edwards@kysu.edu
Julian M. Carroll Academic Services Building
Suite 241D
104 University Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601