FAQs about applying for PDF grants

Q: Can I apply for reimbursement for something I've already paid for?
A: Yes. The Committee understands that there will be some circumstances in which a faculty member will already have committed to attend a conference and may have already submitted a registration fee, for example.

Q: I don't know if my paper will be accepted at a conference, can I apply?
A: Assuming you would attend the conference in any case (with or without the acceptance of your paper), then yes, you can apply.

Q: I'd like to take this summer off from teaching so that I can finish my book. Can I apply for Paid Leave?
A: No. PDF Paid Leave only applies during the School Year to Unit 18 members with continuing appointments .

Q: Can I ask for Paid Leave (Course Relief) for more than one course?
A: Yes, up to the limit of $8,000 including benefits. Relief for more than one course would raise the total of the grant and the Committee would carefully consider how this would affect the ability to recommend other proposals.

Q: I'm in my first year at Berkeley, may I apply for a grant?
A: Yes, all members of Unit 18 are eligible to apply.

Q: I'm almost finished turning my thesis into a book. Can I use PDF funds to pay for a typist?
A: Although you could apply for this, it's unlikely that PDF funds would be awarded for secretarial support unless there was a very clear link to specific courses offered at UC Berkeley (for example, the book would be used in photo-copy form to offer a course for which no textbook exists).

Q: Is it possible to get a grant for classroom equipment?
A: This is possible if the equipment is needed for a particular course, especially one that is regularly offered. The application should explain why the equipment could not be bought from departmental funds, especially if it was likely to be used by several people.

Q: Can I get a grant for software?
A: Yes. However, the University has many broad "site-licenses" that may provide you with free access to the software--check with your department first.

Q: I'm a performing artist. Could I ask for a grant to travel overseas to collaborate with another artist?
A: Yes. The application would be evaluated on the contribution to your professional development and the "payoff" for teaching at Berkeley.

Q: What is the limit on what the University will pay for travel?
A: The University will pay for coach airfare. Be careful in preparing your budget that a discount fare may not be available at the time you go to make your reservations. Choose a mid-range, typical, fare in preparing the budget. If your actual fare is more than the proposed budget, you may not receive full reimbursement. There are city-by-city limits on the maximum allowable for lodging, meals and miscellaneous expenses. Consult with your department administrator to learn the rules. All your expenditures must have receipts.