Professional Development Funds (PDF)

All ASF members are annually allocated PDF awards to pay for professional development 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 Constitution (PDF) explain how funds are allocated.

Professional Improvement Funds (PIF)

ASF members may apply for PIF awards to support formal coursework; attendance of workshops, conferences or short courses; travel to other sites to observe a process, procedure or technology; or non-formal study such as licensure, certification and training programs, in-service workshops, researching and writing articles, developing electronic media, etc. Deadlines are announced in the annual Academic Calendar. Regulation 3-16 (PDF) includes application and report forms (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

Sabbatical Awards

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.” Deadlines are announced in the annual Academic Calendar. Regulation 3-17 (PDF) includes Application (PDF), Agreement (PDF) and Verification forms.

• November 1: ASF Sabbatical Application Form submitted to immediate supervisor.
• November 15: Supervisors recommendation including employee’s assignments
  coverage to vice president.
• November 30: Vice President’s recommendation to the President including a rank
  order if there are multiple applications.
• December 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 shall be shifted to the next business day.

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." Employees should consult with their supervisors to see if funds are available. Deadlines are July 1 and November 15. Regulation 3-36 (PDF) includes the application form (PDF). Past SIA Awards provide successful examples of previous submissions.

• Round One
  Proposal to supervisor – July 1 Proposal to Committee – July 3
  Written suggestions for improvements sent by the Committee – July 11
  Response to Committee – July 18
  Recommendations to President – July 24
  Written approval of President received – July 31
• Round Two
  Proposal to supervisor – Nov. 15
  Proposal to Committee – Nov. 18
  Written suggestions for improvements sent by the Committee – Nov. 29
  Response to Committee – Dec. 6
  Recommendations to President – Dec.12
  Written approval of President received – Dec. 19

Exceptional Achievement Program

The purpose of this program is to provide ASF Members with an incentive to attain high achievement in a number of areas. The Exceptional Achievement Incentive Program shall be 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 1) take on a special assignment, 2) are assigned additional responsibilities (for six weeks or longer) not covered by their position description, 3) are assigned on an acting or interim basis to a position in a higher range, or 4) teach a class, are eligible for additional compensation. Before accepting additional responsibilities, please consult with a local steward. The Master Contract (PDF) describes these situations in Article 12, Salaries, Section I.

 Visit the Special Initiative Awards page to view past projects.

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 and 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.