ASF Funding Opportunities
The ASF Master Contract offers funding opportunities for employees’ professional development, additional projects and assignments, and retirement incentives.
Professional Development
All ASF members are annually allocated professional development funds to pay for activities such as travel to conferences, memberships, and materials.
Supervisors may not direct ASF employees to use these funds for university-required administrative travel.
The Master Contract (PDF) provides a complete list of eligible expenses. The bylaws in the WSU ASF Constitution (PDF) explain how funds are allocated.
There are additional funds ASF members may apply for.
ASF members may apply for PIF awards to support formal coursework, travel to other sites to observe a process, procedure or technology, or non-formal study opportunities.
Regulation 3-16 includes PIF Application and PIF Report Form (PDF)
Round 1
- Deadline to Supervisor: First Monday in October
- Deadline Supervisors to VP: Third Monday in October
- Deadline VP to President: First Monday in November
- President Deadline: Third Monday in November
Round 2
- Deadline to Supervisor: First Monday in March
- Deadline Supervisors to VP: Third Monday in March
- Deadline VP to President: First Monday in April
- President Deadline: Third Monday in April
ASF members may apply for sabbaticals to support extended leave to undertake “additional studies or other endeavors that will enhance the ASF member’s contribution to the University.”
Regulation 3-17 (PDF) includes the Sabbatical Application Form (PDF), Sabbatical Agreement Form (PDF) and Verification forms.
Timeline
- Nov. 1: ASF Sabbatical Application Form submitted to immediate supervisor.
- Nov. 15: Supervisors recommendation including employee’s assignments
coverage to vice president. - Nov. 30: Vice President’s recommendation to the President including a rank
order if there are multiple applications. - Dec. 15: Presidential decision communicated to the applicants and President
of Administrative Service Faculty (MSUAASF)
If any of these dates fall on a weekend or holiday, the date is to the next business day.
Exceptional Achievement Program
Exceptional Achievement Incentive Program provides ASF Members with an incentive to attain high achievement in several areas. This program is based on the principles of demonstrated consistent high performance and achievement.
If awards are to be considered in a fiscal year, budget will be made available at the beginning of the fiscal year. The appointing authority will determine the form and amount of award if options are available by contract.
Exceptional Achievement Program Application (PDF)Additional Assignments
ASF members who do at least one of the below are eligible for additional compensation:
- take on a special assignment
- are assigned additional responsibilities (for 6 weeks or longer) not covered by their position description
- are assigned on an acting or interim basis to a position in a higher range
- teach a class
Before accepting additional responsibilities, please consult with a local steward. The Master Contract (PDF) describes these situations in Article 12, Salaries, Section I.
Special Initiative Awards
ASF members may apply for SIA stipends of up to $5,000 to complete “a special initiative that is of benefit to the University, its mission and/or the Minnesota State system.”
Talk to your supervisors to see if funds are available.
Regulation 3-36 (PDF) includes the Special Initiative Award Application Form (PDF).
- July 1: Proposal to supervisor
- July 3: Proposal to Committee
- July 11: Written suggestions for improvements sent by the Committee
- July 18: Response to Committee
- July 24: Recommendations to President
- July 31: Written approval of President received
- Nov. 15: Proposal to supervisor
- Nov. 18: Proposal to Committee
- Nov. 29: Written suggestions for improvements sent by the Committee
- Dec. 6: Response to Committee
- Dec. 12: Recommendations to President
- Dec. 19: Written approval of President received
Retirement Incentives
Early Notice Incentive (ENI)
ASF members who meet certain conditions and give early notice of separation may be eligible for a salary increase for the remainder of their employment.
The Master Contract (PDF) describes these situations in Article 12, Salaries, Section O.
Separation Incentive
ASF members who meet certain conditions and retire between age 55-65 may be eligible for a lump sum separation incentive.
The Master Contract (PDF) describes these situations in Article 16, Severance Pay and Health Care savings Plan, Section E.