Postdoctoral Fellow Professional Development Fund

As a results of these increases, the Unit 3 Professional Development Fund reimbursement amount has been increased to $1,000 per academic year per eligible member (subject to the availability of funds).  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 has been expanded on many occasions and 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
• Certain technological items required for research and professional development

CLICK HERE for a list of commonly submitted ineligible expense claims under the CUPE Unit 3 Professional Development Fund. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and something that is purchased that does not appear on this list is not by default covered under the fund. Additionally, please note that for any of the above items to be considered members must include a short explanation as to why these items are necessary in their application. All applications will be assessed by the benefits committee.

Please make sure to submit claims within a timely manner (e.g., within 60 days of the expense being incurred), and submit expenses incurred between September 1 and August 31 within the same academic year (i.e., Sept 1-Aug 31) when possible.

For more information, please contact your benefits officer at benefits@cupe3906.org

Please note: this application, in whole or in part, may be deemed by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a taxable benefit and thus be subject to income tax. It is your responsibility to consult with a tax professional and reflect this on your tax file if applicable. CUPE 3906 does not issue a T4 or equivalent.