帝王会所

Adopted 7/2025 by the COB Executive Council

The Professional Development Fund is established to support faculty in their research endeavors, professional obligations, and AACSB qualifications. This fund comes out of college operating dollars annually and aims to enhance skills, knowledge, and competencies that contribute to the overall mission and goals of the College of Business.

Additionally, the College of Business is committed to the continuous professional development of its professional staff and allocates funding to ensure they remain current and effective in their respective fields.

These funds are separate from earned spending account funds and do not carry over past the fiscal year. Additionally, all requests are subject to approval based on the value the funding provides for the role the faculty or staff member contributes within the College of Business.

Eligible Expenses

• Conference Fees: Registration fees for academic and professional conferences for peer reviewed presentations or to faculty who hold leadership positions within the academic organization. Typically, it is expected that there will be one or two presenters for a conference session. Additionally, it is encouraged that faculty provide service to their profession by serving as a discussant or session chair (when applicable).
• Travel Costs: Transportation, accommodation, and meal expenses related to professional development activities. Alcohol will not be reimbursed.
• Training Programs: Primarily for Instructional Faculty, fees for professional training (workshops, seminars, and certification courses) that have a clear link to professional qualifications per AACSB.
• Membership Dues: Fees for professional organizations and societies.
• Educational Materials: Books, journals, software, and other resources directly related to research activity or maintenance of professional qualifications. If the resources are readily available through library or OIT services, materials will not be approved.
• Primary or Secondary Data: Data utilized for research projects with a strong proposal supported and monitored by the department chair. Faculty first must utilize other available resources for data before applying professional development funds, including internal (ICCIT and OU) and external grants.

Ineligible Expenses

• Conference/event attendance without a primary presenter or organizer role. Exceptions are made for professional staff.
• Recurring subscription services: Examples include software subscriptions and ongoing training programs.
• Unapproved travel: Submitting for travel following a trip.
• Compensated work: Consulting, teaching, or research for a third party that is compensated.

Application Process

1. Submission: Applicants must submit a detailed proposal outlining the purpose, expected outcomes, and itemized budget through COB Business Services.
2. Approval: Proposals are reviewed by the Department Chair or Supervisor, and if supported, reviewed by the Office of the Dean. Approval is based on alignment with institutional goals and available funds.
3. Reimbursement: Approved expenses are reimbursed upon submission of receipts and a summary report on the activity.

Funds Available

• Faculty up to $2300
• Professional Staff up to $1150