Local & Online Professional Development
The Local & Online Professional Development Program, funded by student fees, provides financial support for students to participate in professional development experiences. Funds cover registration fees for activities aligned with the student’s field of study, leadership role, or career goals.
Qualifying Professional Development Events:
The following forms of professional development are eligible for program participation
- Conferences/conventions/professional meetings (online, hybrid, or local)
- Seminars (online, hybrid, or local)
- Workshops (online, hybrid, or local)
- Competitions (non-athletic, co-curricular only)
Funding & Eligibility
Funding
Students are eligible to receive up to $300 through this program. Students may only receive funding through this program once per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).
Student Requirements & Eligibility
- Undergraduate & graduate students must be enrolled in at least 1 credit of coursework on the Main (Auraria) MSU Denver Campus the semester they plan to travel.
- Full time employees of MSU Denver are not eligible even if they are a student. Employees have access to professional development funds through their departments.
Course Eligibility
- Extended campus courses, correspondent courses and other coursework exempt from the Student Affairs Fee do not count toward the 1-credit requirement.
- No exceptions can be made for this enrollment requirement.
How to Apply
Application Process Overview
To be considered for funding, applicants must:
- Submit a completed Local & Online Professional Development Proposal at least 21 days before the professional development event.
- Complete all sections of the proposal and meet eligibility requirements.
- Wait for a decision! Proposals are reviewed weekly, and applicants will receive a decision letter via email within 3 business days after review.
If funding is approved, what happens next?
- If funding is awarded, students must coordinate with the program administrator to register and pay for the event.
- Payment can be made using a University Corporate Card (credit card) or out-of-pocket, with reimbursement available.
- At the conclusion of the event the student must submit an evaluation form to the program administrator.
Approval Committee & Criteria
Approval Committee & Appeals
Committee Structure: The Funding Committee consists of MSU Denver staff and student(s). The committee has two regular voting members.
Evaluation Criteria: The committee awards or denies funds based on the following four criteria, Proposal Completion & Quality, Academic Enrichment & Skill Development, Broader Impact, and MSU Denver Alignment & Financial Considerations
Appeals: Funding decisions may be appealed to the program administrator for reconsideration in special situations.
Evaluation Criteria & Stipulations
Thoroughness and quality of the proposal, including completion of all required sections.
Alignment with eligibility requirements.
Academic Impact – How the travel experience contributes to academic enrichment for both the participants and the MSU Denver student body
Personal Goals – Alignment of the experience with the student’s academic and professional growth
Diverse Perspectives – How the event topics contribute to enhancing diverse thinking at MSU Denver
Knowledge Sharing – A detailed plan for sharing insights gained from the experience, including audience, format, and timeline
MSU Denver Mission Alignment – How the experience supports MSU Denver’s mission and values
Availability of funds
Compliance with MSU Denver and State of Colorado fiscal policies
Students are financially responsible for any last-minute changes that result in additional fees. The Local & Online Professional Development Program does not cover these costs.
Contact the Classroom to Career Hub about the Local & Online Professional Development Program
Program Contact: David Bourassa
Student Travel & Professional Development Funding is a student fee funded program within the Classroom to Career Hub.
Phone: (303) 615-0606
Email: [email protected]
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