Dear Duquesne University Staff Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that the Office of the President is once again offering the President’s Staff Professional Development Fund to help support the professional growth and advancement of members of our University community. Applications are now open and will be accepted through December 1, 2026. Funded professional development activities, as described in more detail below, must be completed by June 30, 2027.

The President’s Staff Professional Development Fund provides supplemental financial resources for meaningful professional development opportunities. The Fund is available to non-union staff members and faculty who serve in academic support roles, such as department chairs and program directors.

The Fund is intended to provide additional support for professional development opportunities that extend beyond routine departmental or University offerings and may otherwise be difficult to pursue. Our goal is to encourage continuous learning, skill development, and career growth while strengthening the knowledge and expertise that contribute to the success of our University.

Key Points About the President’s Staff Professional Development Fund

1. Purpose: Supports professional development activities that enhance knowledge, skills, and capabilities relevant to an employee’s role and professional growth.
    
2. Eligibility: Open to all non-union staff members and faculty serving in academic support roles.
    
3. Supplemental Funding: The Fund is intended to complement, not replace, existing professional development and training resources available through Schools and departments.
    
4. Objective: Encourages continuous learning, professional growth, and the development of subject matter expertise across the University community.

Priority will be given to requests for opportunities that may otherwise be financially difficult to pursue and for which funding from the President’s Staff Professional Development Fund would make a meaningful difference. Awards are subject to the availability of funds, and we anticipate that the application process will be competitive.

I encourage you to consider professional development opportunities that align with your career goals, enhance your contributions to the University, and support Duquesne’s broader mission and strategic priorities. We look forward to seeing the creative and impactful ways members of our University community seek to grow professionally and contribute to Duquesne’s continued success.

The intranet page for the President’s Staff Professional Development Fund includes additional information about eligibility, the application process, and funding requirements, as well as access to the application form.

Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to Duquesne University. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in your professional growth and look forward to supporting the continued development of our talented staff and academic leaders.

Sincerely,

David J. Dausey, Ph.D., Ed.D.
President
Duquesne University