- The application website does NOT save your answers as you go, so we recommend that you prepare and save your work in a word document and then copy and paste into the application.
- If you are co-presenting with another applicant, please submit two separate applications independently and alert the PDA via email.
- Your application will be scored for proper grammar and punctuation. To make sure you get maximum points, contact The Writing Center on campus for assistance in editing your application.
- No supporting documentation is required (this is different from previous application cycles).
- GenAI tools are only allowed to assist with grammar and word choice in the preparation of this application. All ideas and written content must be generated independently by the author in accordance with academic and research integrity standards. A clear use of GenAI tools for content creation will result in disqualification.
- Fill out your applications carefully and completely. Applications that are incomplete, incorrect, or not meeting the deadline requirements will be administratively disqualified.
Common Reasons for Disqualification
- An applicant has already received a PDA Travel Award or PDA-PDA this fiscal year or in the previous fiscal year.
- Failure to include the correct University of Colorado employee ID number as part of the online application.
- Application is written to fund research or scholarly production instead of attendance at a conference/workshop or similar professional development activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are eligible professional development opportunities?
A: Eligible professional development opportunities include, but are not limited to, conference attendance for presentation of research, conference attendance for networking and professional growth, clinical training events, in-person and virtual workshops and trainings (e.g., statistical methods workshops). Currently, childcare expenses are not eligible to be used with this award.
Q: I received my PhD degree more than five years ago, can I apply for the PDA-PDA?
A: Yes. As of January 2016, we no longer have any restriction on the number of years since receiving your PhD. However, you must be classified as a Postdoctoral Fellow (Job Code: 1438).
Q: I want to go to a workshop on professional development. Can I apply for a PDA-PDA?
A: Yes. If the relevance of the conference/workshop to your career development is fully addressed, we are open to supporting travel to any academic or non-academic conference/workshop.
Q: May I apply for the PDA-PDA if I am attending a conference in the Denver Metro Area?
A: Yes, you may still apply.
Q: May I apply for the PDA-PDA before I submit a conference abstract? I need the Award to attend the conference/workshop.
A: Yes, you may still apply for the PDA-PDA before you apply to the conference/workshop. However, funding is only available for reimbursement AFTER you have attended the professional development activity.
Q: Which application deadline do I apply for if my conference/workshop starts in one funding date range and ends in another?
A: Apply in the cycle where the first day of the conference/workshop lands.
Q: How do I handle expenses that exceed $500?
A: In the application, only put up to $500 even if the actual expense is greater. When you apply for reimbursement, you will allocate $500 to the PDA-PDA speedtype and allocate the remainder to another speedtype (in coordination with your lab/department).
Q: If my registration fee is less than $500, can I use the remaining money for other conference/workshop expenses?
A: Yes, but it has to be for the same conference/workshop event and anything over $500 must be allocated to another speedtype. (e.g. If your registration is $350 and transportation is $300, then you can allocate $350 of the registration to the PDA-PDA and $150 of the transportation, but the remaining $150 must be allocated to another speedtype).
Q: Can I use the PDA-PDA on airfare?
A: No. Airfare must be booked through Concur which requires a speedtype in advance of travel. The PDA-PDA only allows reimbursements after travel, which is not compatible with the Concur system.
