Efforts
to improve professional development opportunities for faculty are getting a
boost from the University Advancement’s Annual Fund program.
The fund solicits contributions
from alumni and other friends of the University though phonathon, direct mail
and other campaigns. Beginning this year, the majority of the proceeds from
the fund—more than $150,000 as of the end of February—are being
allocated for faculty development.
Joseph Sheley, provost and
vice president for academic affairs, says, “We really appreciate that
the Office of University Advancement has committed this money to the academic
side. It sends a positive message.”
Sheley is meeting
with the deans to determine the best way to handle the distribution of the funds
and what kinds of faculty development it could provide. Possibilities might
include travel to conferences, seed money for projects, or research supplies.
They are also trying to determine whether to spend it during the remainder of
the year or roll it over into next year and combine it with other funds.
“Whatever
we do, we want to set it up such that it is a clear and predictable use over
time,” Sheley says.
The Annual Fund is expected
to exceed its $300,000 goal for the 2006-07 fiscal year and already has brought
in more than $240,000. Of that more than $92,000 was allocated to specific programs
and will be distributed according to donor requests. The remaining $152,000
in unrestricted funds will be made available to the provost for faculty development.
The Annual Fund solicits
unrestricted contributions from alumni of the University, and at the same time
seeks to expand the alumni donor base.
The program includes the
Call Center, where student employees call alumni to let them know what is happening
on campus and, as a result, encourage support. There is also a direct mail component
and the President’s Circle, which includes alumni, friends of the University,
faculty, staff and business and community leaders.
California State University, Sacramento • Public
Affairs
6000 J Street • Sacramento, CA 95819-6026 • (916) 278-6156 •
infodesk@csus.edu
