Student Professional Development Grants

The College of Creative Arts and Media (CCAM) Student Professional Development Grant program supports activities that lead to professional development for full-time students who are active majors in the College of Creative Arts and Media. Funds donated to the College of Creative Arts and Media and managed by the West Virginia University Foundation are the primary resources for this program.

Applicants are to read all guidelines below. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Mikylah Myers, CCAM Associate Dean of Research and Creative Activity, at Mikylah.Myers@mail.wvu.edu

CCAM Student Professional Development Grant Guidelines: 2024-2025

In any given year, more requests are received than can be fully funded. To be considered for support, applicants must submit complete and comprehensible applications. This must include a full and accurate description of the proposed activity.

• Because funding is limited, applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Only one application for a CCAM Student Professional Development Grant will be funded for any individual during a given academic year. A second application will only be considered if the event is a prestigious activity.
• Grant applications should include detailed explanations of how the proposed activity will contribute to the applicant’s professional development.
• If a student has requested or received funds from other university sources, the source and amount is to be included. The more complete the description of any and all funding sources, the better the chances are of receiving this grant.
• Applications that fail to provide all the necessary requested information will be rejected.
• Applications are on a rolling deadline and can be submitted at any time between July 1, 2024 and April 30, 2025 for activity occurring between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
• Please note that due to the end of the spring semester and the change of fiscal years, applications are not accepted during the months of May and June.
• Awards can be processed through student accounts only when the student is actively registered for classes.
• Students seeking funding associated with an Art and Design GPS course should first consult the School of Art and Design for funding opportunities. Opportunities to fund these requests through the CCAM Student Professional Development Grant program are very limited.
• Funds cannot be used for general curricular requirements or fees (ie. purchasing of textbooks or other course materials, PRAXIS test fees, degree recital recording/accompaniment fees)
• The CCAM Student Professional Development Grant program cannot fund activities for which a student receives a stipend or honorarium for attendance or participation.

Award Amounts

• The maximum award for domestic travel and opportunities in 2024-25 is $200. Domestic travel is within the continental United States.
• The maximum award for international travel (including Alaska and Hawaii) and opportunities is $500.

Workflow and Evaluation

Interested students must first complete this on-line application. All applications are reviewed by Dr. Mikylah Myers, Associate Dean of Research and Creative Activity. The grant decision is based upon:

• The significance of the professional development request related to the student’s professional and/or artistic field.
• The merit and value of the activity, especially its potential to enhance the student’s performance in teaching, research and creative activity, service and/or to facilitate professional development.
• A complete justification of all expenses.
• The clarity and quality of the proposal.

After review, each applicant will receive written notification from the Associate Dean of Research and Creative Activity concerning the grant application decision. If a grant has been awarded, the student will work with Natalie Buckley in the CCAM Expert Business Office to access the grant funding.

The College and University cannot advance any funds for the purpose of development activities. Grant-covered expenses will be purchased through faculty/staff PCards or through funding awarded directly to the student’s WVU account during the month of travel.

If there are funds from other sources, it may be necessary to process paperwork for prior approval, in which case University guidelines must be followed.

Examples of Appropriate Activities

• Expenses to participate in virtual or in-person workshops, conferences, competitions, classes, seminars, and/or events related to a student’s major program of study. This can include a presentation or performance of scholarly or artistic work that will significantly help in the development and advancement of a professional career.
• Fees associated with libraries to conduct research, whether in-person or virtual.
• Fees associated with funding special projects or opportunities that lead to professional development. These can include fees associated with establishing one’s personal portfolio (e.g., recording fees, technology fees, etc.)

Funding CANNOT be provided for activities such as graduate school auditions, fulfilling association obligations, providing an honorarium to an individual(s) for participating in a personal artistic activity (i.e., recital, performance, exhibition), or for most expenses associated with obtaining post-graduation employment.

Students seeking funding associated with an Art and Design GPS course should first consult the School of Art and Design for funding opportunities. Opportunities to fund these requests through the CCAM Student Professional Development Grant program are very limited.

Because of federal financial aid guidelines, a student may not be able to receive all or part of an awarded grant if the student has capped the amount of funds eligible to be received in any academic year. Students will be notified if they fall into this category.

To increase chances of securing funding, it is recommended that any travel activities be associated with a course. A student MUST be registered for the course the same semester of travel. A student will not be automatically disqualified if travel is not associated with a course, however satisfying this requirement will help if the amount of funds eligible to be received is capped due to federal financial aid guidelines.

Awards will be made based on the quality of the application and the availability of funds during any given review cycle.