Guidelines and Budgeting

Below are the guidelines for all faculty seeking financial support for professional meetings between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

The annual maximum amount provided for professional development activities (in-person or virtual) depends upon your position, so consider carefully which meeting(s) you can attend. The amounts per year are as follows:
  • $2,500 for Tenure line and LTNTT faculty 
  • $2,000 for contingent faculty with a multi-year appointment 
  • $1,500 for contingent faculty with a one-year appointment 
Guidelines:
  • Full reimbursement (up to the annual limit) is made only when the faculty member reads a paper, serves as an official discussant at a session, or presides as a general officer.
  • Faculty who attend a conference but do not have an active role in the meeting will be eligible for 50% reimbursement (up to the annual limit).
  • The meeting should be that of a recognized organization in the faculty member's academic discipline and/or a conference of recognized standing.
  • Within 30 days of the conclusion of the meeting, requests for reimbursement must be submitted using Emburse Enterprise (formerly Chrome River), as outlined in the University of the South Purchasing Policy. Instructions for Emburse reports can be found HERE (link coming soon). 
  • In planning a trip to a professional meeting, a faculty member should take advantage, insofar as is possible, of special/discount air rates (and should travel economy/coach class).
  • We encourage individuals to use the Tiger Travel Link to book flights, rental cars, and hotels. The links provide discounts, and many are set up as tax-exempt.
  • If several faculty members plan to attend the same meeting, they should, as far as is practical, share transportation and accommodations where this will affect significant economies. 
  • Please keep in mind that the Dean of the College will not typically reimburse travel expenses that exceed amounts established by budgets or by state policy for the year or individual trips.