One of the union’s greatest accomplishments has been the establishment and growth of a professional development fund (PDF) on each UC campus specifically for non-Senate faculty. We are currently entitled to over $70,000 in PDF grants each year, funding that enables us to attend conferences, buy essential hardware and software, collaborate with other scholars, purchase books, and pursue other professional activities.

Every fall, the union nominates non-Senate faculty to serve as PDF committee members to administer the fund, and campus administration usually supports the committee’s work. However, this year UCLA’s Academic Personnel office (led by Vice Chancellor Carole Goldberg) has refused to accept our nominations and convene the committee. Without a committee, we cannot distribute the call for applications, review proposals, or make awards.

UC-AFT has repeatedly reminded Academic Personnel of their obligation, yet they continue to breach our contract, which clearly sets out the committee nomination procedures. At every other UC campus, the PDF process works smoothly and efficiently, so there is no excuse for this delay.

Please sign this petition demanding that Academic Personnel move forward with the PDF grant process.  Help demonstrate the value of PDF funding by sharing how past or future PDF awards have supported/will support your development as UCLA faculty. And then share this petition on social media by clicking below.