What are T&D funds?
Each fiscal year (July-June), the Dean and Business Manager determine an amount of money to allocate to each faculty member to spend on their business travel/professional development. This amount is loaded into an account and is typically between $1,800-$2,000. .
Will faculty get the same amount of T&D funds each year? Who decides the amount?
T&D funds depend on the annual budget of SPS and vary depending upon budget priorities, summer teaching enrollments, and other one-time budget sources. The Dean’s Office determines the amount from year to year.
What can T&D funds be spent on?
Faculty can use travel funds on anything related to meeting workload requirements (teaching, service, research) or on professional development. They can also purchase furniture or other equipment considered useful for the job being performed, such as book shelves, standing desks, software, or books. Some expenditures, such as software, may require special approval processes.
If faculty don’t travel, can they use their T&D funds on non-travel related items?
Yes, the funds are for travel and/or development. Faculty can use this funding to purchase anything that is allowed by university compliance guidelines and/or by the School.
What happens to unspent T&D funds at the end of the fiscal year?
Technically, these funds remain in the account for the next fiscal year (FY), and come July, the account will be “topped off” to reflect the new year’s allocation. For instance, if an account had $600 left at the end of the FY, and the new FY faculty were receiving $2,000 in their T&D account, the $600 would remain, and $1,400 would be added to bring the account to $2,000 for the new Fiscal Year.
How do I track my T&D spending?
The Business Office has created a “T&D Checkbook” for all faculty. This checkbook is shared through the Google platform. The checkbook also keeps track of your other sources of funding for travel and development, including start-up funds, internal research grants, external research awards, etc. The different sources of funding are listed in the checkbook and are visible to faculty.
Are start-up funds considered separate from T&D?
Yes, start-up funds are separate from T&D, and roll over from year to year until the start-up funds expire. In their T&D checkbook, faculty may see supplements to their T&D funds from a variety of sources: start-up funds negotiated during hire, grant funds, research committee awards, etc.
How long can faculty use their start-up funds? What can they use their start-up funds for?
Start-up fund expiration dates are determined at the time of the hiring offer and will differ among faculty members. Such dates are tracked in the T&D checkbook. Start-up funds can be used in the same ways T&D funds can be used for: on anything related to meeting workload requirements (teaching, service, research) or on professional development. They can also be used purchase furniture or other equipment considered useful for the job being performed, such as book shelves, standing desks, software, or books. Some expenditures, such as software, may require special approval processes.
What happens to items purchased using T&D or start-up funds if a faculty member leaves Boise State?
Computers, furniture, books, and other items purchased with Boise State funds are the property of Boise State University and must be surrendered at the time of separation.
Who should faculty talk to if they have questions about T&D?
Faculty should reach out to Team Support if they have questions.