Colleges and universities that are members of NetVUE are committed to campus activities that encourage vocational exploration by students. Many NetVUE campus leaders have observed, however, that supplemental funding at even modest levels to support opportunities for the professional development of staff and faculty members would enable their institutions to strengthen vocational exploration programming. In an era of careful institutional budgeting, institutional operating funds are not always available for such professional development opportunities. NetVUE Professional Development Awards seek to address this need.
This initiative is administered by CIC with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Current Status
NetVUE Professional Development Awards may be requested in amounts ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 for use over one year for professional development activities that enhance the knowledge, skills, and expertise of faculty and staff members who play important roles in undergraduate vocational initiatives. The purpose of this grant is to develop campus conversations about vocation and to deepen the capacity of those who lead vocational exploration efforts at NetVUE member institutions. A special initiative within this grant, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, allows for proposals of up to $15,000. Funds may be used for a range of purposes, but not to substitute for faculty and staff costs that the institution is presently providing for its vocational exploration activities. Grant funds could, for example, support reading groups, faculty/staff retreats, or bringing speakers to campus; funds may be used to provide materials, pay expenses for travel and/or meals, and offer modest stipends. Certain expenses are ineligible for grant support; for details, please consult the Grant Budget Guidelines. In general, grants should be used to offset one-time costs of professional development activities.
In the previous rounds of this program, CIC awarded 218 grants to NetVUE member institutions. The number awarded each year has varied considerably, but in recent years has typically ranged from 20 to 40.
In July 2014, awards were given to 12 NetVUE campuses. View summaries of the 2014 professional development initiatives.
In July 2015, an additional 20 NetVUE campuses received awards. View summaries of the 2015 professional development initiatives.
In July 2016, an additional 10 NetVUE campuses received awards. View summaries of the 2016 professional development initiatives.
In July 2017, an additional 27 NetVUE campuses received awards. View summaries of the 2017 professional development initiatives.
In July 2018, an additional six NetVUE campuses received awards. View summaries of the 2018 professional development initiatives.
In July 2019, an additional 28 NetVUE campuses received awards. View summaries of the 2019 professional development initiatives.
In July 2020, an additional 26 NetVUE campuses received awards. View summaries of the 2020 professional development initiatives.
In July 2021, an additional 22 NetVUE campuses received awards. View summaries of the 2021 professional development initiatives.
In July 2022, an additional 31 NetVUE campuses received awards. View summaries of the 2022 professional development initiatives.
In July 2023, an additional 38 NetVUE campuses received awards. View summaries of the 2023 professional development initiatives.
Eligibility
All NetVUE member colleges and universities are eligible to apply for funding, provided that they are not be recipients of a NetVUE Vocation across the Academy Grant or Program Development Grant at the time of application, and that any previously-held NetVUE Professional Development Award was concluded at least three full years before the grant spending period begins. Funds are disbursed in early July and are intended to be used during one academic year.
Institutions that are not yet members may join the network to become eligible for this grant. Learn more about NetVUE membership.
Application Details
Grants will be awarded based on proposals that explain (a) the purpose and goals of the proposed activities and their relationship to any ongoing vocational exploration programs at the institution; (b) the extent of institutional support for vocational exploration efforts to date, if any; (c) the proposed new programming or enhancements to present programs; and (d) the ways in which the NetVUE-supported program would be sustained by the institution after the grant period.
Eligible NetVUE institutions may submit only one proposal for a Professional Development Award during the current round. In addition, if an institution is eligible in the current round for both a Vocation across the Academy Grant and a Professional Development Award, a proposal may be submitted for either of these grants, but not for both. To submit an application, please refer to the invitation and online application form:
Applications for the current round of NetVUE Professional Development Awards are due by April 12, 2024.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the grant application, please contact Carter Aikin, NetVUE grants director, at caikin@cic.edu or (217) 854-5619.
About NetVUE
Learn more about NetVUE, including the array of programs and services that are available to member institutions.