The application period for the retroactive 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 UUP/NYS Joint Labor-Management Committee Individual Development Awards (IDA) are open.

This year’s IDA program provides up to $2,000 for UUP-represented employees to engage in two distinct activities that further professional development. Employees can submit a maximum of two applications totaling $2,000 in expenditures. (For example, one application can cost $1,238.00, and the second for $762.00; both applications can total up to $2,000.) Part-time employees are particularly encouraged to apply because 15% of the IDA funds are set aside for these employees. The IDA Program assists eligible employees in developing their full professional potential and to prepare for advancement. The funding supports enhanced teaching, research capabilities, professional knowledge, and skills. Funding is not to purchase equipment or supplies or to support activities unrelated to the applicant’s SUNY profession. (Note: Funding restrictions have changed over the last few years, so review the restrictions closely.) Please see the IDA Program Guidelines for more information. 

There are two separate award amounts that you can apply for. 

April 1, 2023 – July 1, 2023 (Retroactive Period)
Employees are eligible for a retroactive award from April 1, 2023, to July 1, 2023. However, the total amount awarded can be at most $2,000 for the retroactive period. Complete the online application.

The hard deadline for the 2022-2023 applications is 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024.

July 2, 2023 – July 1, 2024
Employees may be funded for up to two projects or activities, at most a total of $2,000 from July 2, 2023, through July 1, 2024. The Deadline for the 2023-2024 application is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2024. Complete the online application.

The IDA program has changed. Awards reimbursement will follow the process outlined in the Accounts Payable Personal Reimbursement Procedure guidelines. 

Note: The application requires that you fill out a separate PDF and submit it to the Google form so that the committee can track and review all applications. The fillable PDF form can be found here. 

The campus decisions must then be forwarded to NYS/UUP Joint Labor-Management Committees for secondary review. For questions about the program, contact Aaron Phelps via email or at 607-777-6460.

We were just informed by UNUM (UUP’s life Insurance carrier) that the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) Life Bureau is requiring that Unum remove all Value Added Services (Worldwide Emergency Travel Assistance, Life Planning Financial and Legal Resources, Employee Assistance/LifeBalance – EAP) from New York situs Life products. Therefore, UUP will no longer be able to offer the Worldwide Travel Assistance program to our represented employees beginning January 1, 2021.

It is with great regret that we inform you of this action. The New York State DFS Life Bureau has confirmed that Unum’s insurance policies do not contain specific enough language to allow them to offer value-added services to their customers.Unum has attempted to resolve this issue by adding to their previously approved product filings, unfortunately, the New York State DFS Life Bureau has been unwilling to approve new policy language on the grounds that the services do not have nexus, or inherently relevant connection, to life insurance.

Please spread this information out to your chapter colleagues and retiree members. Should you have any questions or would like any additional information, please feel free to contact the UUP Benefit Trust Fund at 800-887-3863.

In Solidarity,
Tom
Tom Hoey
State Wide Membership Development Officer United University Professions
UUP Office 518-640-6639