UCSC Staff Advisory Board Scholarship Program

Scholarship Program Objective

Through donations from staff, faculty, the Retirees Association, and the community, this program helps UCSC  career staff enhance their career development and make an impact at UCSC by furthering their educational goals, whether in pursuit of an academic degree, Continuing Education courses, workshops, webinars, conferences or other classes.

Who is Eligible

The UCSC Staff Advisory Board Scholarship Award Program is intended to support career advancement efforts that enrich the professional lives of our UCSC career, non-represented and in good standing (past probationary period of employment status and not in process of corrective action), and to provide an opportunity to be reimbursed up to a maximum of $500.00 so long as funds are available.

Any staff member who is represented by a union can request reimbursement pursuant to the terms of their collective bargaining agreement.

What professional development activities are eligible?

Qualified career development activities include courses, seminars, webinars, and conferences. Items not eligible for scholarship funding are travel or other incidental expenses (such as meals, parking, lodging, etc.), courses required to maintain a current license or board certification, and any training paid by or reimbursed from University funds or other organizations.

Preference is given to activities promoting the UC Santa Cruz Strategic Plan 2023 and/or activities that enhance your ability to cultivate a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment at UCSC.

Note that UCSC offers multiple professional courses for free. Before submitting an application, please confirm that your proposed activity is not among the free courses offered through UCSC Learning & Development.

Requirements

• Scholarship awards vary depending on the amount of funding available
• Scholarships are awarded twice annually
• Applicants can only receive one scholarship in any twelve-month period

• • Complete the UCSC Staff Advisory Board Scholarship Award application available HERE, which includes a summary of career advancement objectives:
    • How will this course/seminar/conference assist you in enhancing your current job skills for advancement opportunities or career change within the university system?
    • What additional development activities/endeavors have you undertaken pertinent to your education or professional goals?
    • Describe your personal need and how the scholarship funds will help you meet the goals outlined.
  • Awardee must be able to provide proof of individual payment. NOTE: Reimbursement is not available to 2nd party, departments, or other individuals.

• Awardee must provide an official grade report or certification of course completion

• Awardee will provide a testimonial for the Staff Advisory Board website

*  Please note that your scholarship may be subject to federal and state taxes.

** Any awardee unable to meet these qualifications will forfeit their scholarship.

Application Cycles

Each year, the application cycles are:

Fall Cycle

• Applications accepted September 15 - October 15. Deadline is 11:59 PM on October 15.
• Notification of scholarship award will be via email by December 1.
• Course work completed between January 1 through December 31 following the application period for eligibility to be reimbursed within 60 days of completion.

Spring Cycle

• Applications accepted March 15 - April 15. Deadline is 11:59 PM on April 15.
• Notification of scholarship award will be via email by June 1.
• Course work completed between July 1 through June 30 following the application period for eligibility to be reimbursed within 60 days of completion.

Funding Process

Scholarships are awarded as a reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. Within 60 days of the completion of the professional development activity, awardee must submit:

1. An official grade report or certification of course completion
2. Original receipts demonstrating proof of payment for eligible out-of-pocket expenses described above. If the activity is paid by a student loan, reimbursement will be made for payments made against the loan during the 12-month period for the award. Activities paid by financial aid not requiring any out-of-pocket expense are non-reimbursable.

*** NOTE: In order to be reimbursed for expenses incurred, please ensure you have submitted the necessary documentation with the UCSC Financial Affairs Office. You can find more information HERE.

Thank you for your interest in advancing your career with the support of the UCSC Staff Advisory Board! Click HERE to complete the application. If you have any questions, please contact ucscsab@ucsc.edu.