In June 2023, the Unit 3 Professional Development Fund reimbursement was increased to $1,000 per academic year per eligible member. Only eligible expenses (see below) incurred while working as a CUPE 3906 Unit 3 member will be reimbursed up to the maximum academic yearly amount.

The fund currently covers expenses related to: conference participation, professional association fees, academic books, research journal subscriptions, leadership development courses, McMaster courses not covered by the tuition waiver policy, Research Journal Subscriptions, Leadership Development courses, Language courses as eligible expenses, and limited technological costs such as software (but generally not hardware).

To provide greater entitlements to members, your elected benefits committee is thinking about the following changes and we want to you from you. Possible options for increasing your entitlements include:

1. Incorporating Technology Expenses: We’re considering adding technology-related expenses, such as laptops, within the Postdoc Development Fund. Previously, these items weren’t covered, but we believe this adjustment could greatly benefit your research endeavors. We welcome your thoughts on this proposal.
2. Increasing Postdoctoral Development Fund (currently up to $1000 per academic year).We’re exploring the possibility of raising the Postdoc Development Fund. This increase aims to better support your professional growth and research activities. We’re keen to hear your opinions on this potential adjustment.
3. Combining a Cap for Hardware Technology with a Small Increase in the Postdoc Development Fund: Another option on the table is to provide a smaller increase in the Postdoc Development Fund and develop a cap technology expense to a specific amount to be determined by the committee. This approach aims to provide flexibility while still ensuring adequate support for both research and technological needs. We’re eager to hear your thoughts on this proposal as well.

To gather your feedback efficiently, please fill out the attached form and provide any additional comments or suggestions you may have. Your input is invaluable in helping us make informed decisions that benefit the entire unit.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification on any of the proposed changes.

 For a link to the survey, please email staff@cupe3906.org or leadsteward_postdocs@cupe3906.org