Professional Development for Staff

The Staff Senate is committed to advocating for and making a difference in the work lives of WCU staff members. It is important for staff to have access to professional development opportunities, and we understand that opportunities and funding aren’t always available. To address this, the Resources and Development Committee work to provide professional development opportunities to staff and oversee the awarding of the Professional Development fund.

Professional Development Award

Objectives
  • To address a need for funding to allow WCU staff to participate in professional development opportunities. 
  • To encourage WCU staff to become highly trained and demonstrate a commitment to excellence as related to the WCU Strategic Plan. 
  • To encourage and facilitate opportunities for all WCU staff to engage in professional development. 
Eligible Activities

The following categories are considered eligible expenses under the Staff Senate Professional Development Fund Award (PDFA): 

  • Professional Development workshops, seminars, conferences, certificates, training, and related travel expenses that align with your current job responsibilities or future goals. (Please note that travel expenses will be considered in accordance with WCU Travel Guidelines.) 
  • Group professional development activities, including guest speakers, workshops, seminars, team-building exercises, conflict resolution training, leadership development, and other learning opportunities that support employee growth and departmental effectiveness.
  • Tuition, fees, books, and supplies are not eligible for Professional Development Fund Awards. Professional membership fees are not eligible for funding. Staff members seeking to further their education are encouraged to use the WCU Tuition Waiver and Staff and Family Scholarship and other resources available to them. 
Award Conditions and Benefits
  • PDFA applications must be submitted prior to professional development activities taking place.
  • When applying for a PDFA, clear evidence of how the opportunity ties directly into an employee’s current position or career advancement and how it will benefit (a) their current department, and (b) the University, must be provided. 
  • Upon completion of the specified professional development activity, the PDFA Committee reserves the right to request feedback on your professional development activity.  
  • If you withdraw or are unable to attend the professional development opportunity, repayment of any funds that have been reimbursed (i.e., registration fees, airfare, travel advances) is required, in accordance with WCU Travel Guidelines.  
  • Maximum award benefit is $500 per fiscal year for individuals and $750 per fiscal year for departments.
Who Can Apply?
  • All permanent WCU staff members who have been employed by WCU for at least one (1) year in a full time, permanent staff capacity by the time of the application.
  • Departments may also apply for group professional development activities.
How To Apply

Step 1:    Seek supervisor/departmental approval.

Step 2:    COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION. Make sure it is completed in full, as incomplete applications may not be considered for the award.

Please Note:

  • Depending on the type of professional activity requested, the application may request detailed information regarding the professional development activity, agenda, travel itinerary, itemized budget, and other information as necessary.

Questions? Please contact Holli Stillman at hbstillman@wcu.edu

Selection Process
  • A minimum of 4 members of the Resources and Development Committee will review all applications.
  • Applications are reviewed and funds awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and all requests are subject to available funds.
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and could take up to three weeks to process. Please keep this in mind when submitting time sensitive requests.
  • Decisions will be based on the information provided.
  • The committee will consult with Human Resources prior to making final decisions.
  • The decisions of the committee are final.
Notification of Award
  • Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision via email.
  • If awarded funding, next steps for payments and reimbursements will be included in the email notification. Failure to meet any requirements or deadlines may result in a recission of funding.

Professional Development Opportunities

Objectives
  • To facilitate professional development opportunities for WCU Staff.
  • To encourage WCU staff to participate in professional development.
Pathways to Progress Panel Series

The Pathways to Progress Panel Series is hosted by the Resources & Development Committee of Staff Senate at Western Carolina University. This series is designed to inspire and engage university staff, offering insight into the diverse routes to professional growth and fulfillment within higher education. 

2026-2027 Panels 

More information to follow 

2025-2026 Panels 

The Power of Professional Development, August 26, 2025
Family Ties: Working Together, Growing Together, October 2025
From Staff to Student: Balancing Work and Education, January 2026
Building Your Team, March 2026
Faculty and Staff Experiences, April 2026 

2024-2025 Panels 

Adjusting to Change, February 2025
Changing Course, March 2025
Leading from Where You Are, April 2025 

Staff Development Week

Join us for a week of connection, learning, and celebration! Staff Development Week will feature a variety of engaging events designed to support professional growth and foster community.  

Stay tuned for more details.