McConnell Travel Fund for travel between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010

MEMORANDUM

TO: All Full-Time Faculty and Lecturers, Lab Instructors and Paraprofessionals who are appointed at or above the half-time level on a continuing basis

FROM: Chris Carlson, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College

DATE: January 14, 2009 

SUBJECT: McConnell Travel Fund - for travel between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010

We are pleased to announce the availability of support for faculty travel through the McConnell Travel Fund for the 2009-10 academic year. These funds will support travel opportunities that occur between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010.  This endowed fund, established by Campbell McConnell ‘50, recognizes that regular professional interaction and continued development for faculty members is important to the intellectual life of Cornell College.

The total of funds awarded depends on the amount currently available, judgments about the amount available in the future, and the number and quality of proposals submitted.  Please be aware that the annual allocation of $400 for faculty travel or development may not be available for the 2009-10 academic year.

McConnell Travel awards may range from $100 to a maximum of $2,500. Funds will be available July 1, 2009.  If additional funds are available, a second call for proposals for the spring semester of the 2009-10 academic year will be issued next fall.

General Guidelines:

1) The McConnell Travel Fund will support faculty travel, including attendance at professional meetings (air and ground transportation, registration, lodging and meals).  Travel for special projects and initiatives will also be supported, if approved by the Dean of the College and the President. In addition, any use of McConnell Travel Funds for travel outside of the continental United States must be approved by the Dean of the College.

2) Travel funds may be obtained by requesting a travel loan in advance or by submitting receipts for reimbursement.  In either case, the “Official Travel Loan and Expense Reporting Form” must be completed and submitted with itemized documentation to Nancy Rawson in the Office of Academic Affairs for review and approval, within 30 days of incurring the expenses. In regard to the use of these funds, please refer to the “Guidelines for Travel on College Business” on the Academic Affairs webpage. 

3)  Part-time, regular faculty members are eligible to apply for grants when the project is directly related to the faculty member's teaching and scholarly work at the College.

4)  Funds must be used as proposed and as specified in the award letter.  If a faculty member wishes to use the funds in any other way, he or she must consult with the Dean in advance to seek approval.

5)  Funds should be expended in full by June 30, 2010.  Grantees must submit a pertinent activity report summarizing achievements and expenditures to the Office of Academic Affairs by September 1, 2010.  The grantee cannot be considered for additional faculty development funding if the report is not filed.

Application Procedure:

The Faculty Development Advisory Committee will evaluate the proposals and make recommendations to the Dean of the College and the President.

1) Proposals of 1 – 2 pages should include:

a.  A description of the proposed travel.

b.  A statement explaining how this activity contributes to the faculty member’s professional development.

c.  A detailed, itemized budget, with justification of items.

d.  Other information you consider appropriate.

2) Submit the proposal to Nancy Rawson, Office of Academic Affairs, by March 2, 2009.  She will acknowledge the receipt of the proposal.  Retain a copy for your file.  Awards will be announced by the end of March 2009.