Professional Development and Experiential Learning Fund (PDEL)
The Professional Development and Experiential Learning Fund (PDEL) helps U of A students become leaders in their profession following graduation.
PDEL covers 100% of the total activity cost for activities costing between $7 and $250. Eligible activities include, but are not restricted to, leadership conferences and seminars, skill-building workshops and courses, meetings and events hosted by professional associations, and experiential learning activities.
Please Note: The total cost of activity (registration, travel costs, accommodation, etc.) including taxes and fees cannot exceed $250. If the costs exceed $250, the application will not be approved. In the event you are unclear if an activity includes taxes or fees, please reach out to the activity organizer.
The Professional Development and Experiential Learning Fund (PDEL) is currently accepting applications for activities being offered in-person and remotely.
Funding may be restricted if the University of Alberta issues a Travel Directive. This means that funding for travel-related activities may be rescinded in advance of the activity if travel restrictions change.
PDEL has limited funding. Not all eligible applications are funded.
Application Timelines
| Application Opens | Activity Period |
|---|---|
| August 15, 2024 at 12 noon MT | September 1 to 30 |
| September 15, 2024 at 12 noon MT | October 1 to 31 |
| October 15, 2024 at 12 noon MT | November 1 to 30 |
| November 15, 2024 at 12 noon MT | December 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025 |
| January 15, 2025 at 12 noon MT | February 1 to 28/29 |
| February 15, 2025 at 12 noon MT | March 1 to 31 |
| March 15, 2025 at 12 noon MT | April 1 to 30 |
| April 15, 2025 at 12 noon MT | May 1 to 31 |
| May 15, 2025 at 12 noon MT | June 1 to 30 |
| June 15, 2025 at 12 noon MT | July 1 to August 31 |
Students will be notified of the decision to approve or deny their application approximately two weeks after their application was submitted.
Please review the following factors before applying:
- The application window opens around the 15th of the month before the activity period.
- Applicants must apply by 11:59 pm the day before the start of the activity.
- Students must apply in the application period for their activity Early applications will be ineligible. If an activity spans multiple months, the application must be submitted during the application window that applies to when the activity starts. For example: If your activity begins November 10 and goes until December 15, you must apply in the application window for a November activity. This means you could apply anytime between October 16 and November 9.
- Students can apply for PDEL even if they don’t know if they have been accepted to the activity. i.e. You will find out about your acceptance to the activity a week before the activity
- The University of Alberta has mandated that all airfare must be booked through Maritime Travel. You can book your flights in their system using your own credit card. Any flights purchased outside of Maritime Travel are non-reimbursable.
- The PDEL Fund does not reimburse donations.
Program Overview
The purpose of the Professional Development and Experiential Learning Fund (PDEL) is to help U of A students become leaders in their profession following graduation. PDEL covers 100% of the activity cost for activities costing between $7 and $250.
Program Outcomes
This grant provides funding to participate in high impact professional development activities that will help students:
- Expand and develop leadership and employability skills.
- Explore future career opportunities.
- Learn about professional practices in different contexts.
- Establish networks vital to professional practice and advancement.
- Reflect critically on their career interests and aspirations.
Employability skills are transferable or “soft” skills/attributes. For example:
- Communication skills
- Integrity and ethical behavior
- Self-initiative
- Time management skills
- Personal accountability
Program Details
- All current full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students with at least satisfactory academic standing.
- Students who complete their degree requirements are eligible to apply for activities taking place up to 4 months after the completion of their program requirements. If a student completes their degree requirements during the Spring or Summer term, they are eligible to apply for an activity that occurs up to December 31 of that same year.
- Students are eligible to receive only one grant for each academic year (September 1 to August 31). Group applications are not accepted.
Applications are assessed for their eligibility based on the following criteria:
- Is the applicant eligible?
- Is the activity eligible?
- Is the activity occurring during the correct time frame?
- Is the budget within the funding parameters and aligned with University policy?
- Is the application complete?
Types of activities eligible for funding include, but are not restricted to:
- Leadership conferences and seminars
- Skill-building workshops
- Meetings and events hosted by professional associations
- Experiential learning activities
- Networking events
Certain activities are not eligible for PDEL. These include, but are not restricted to:
- Academic conferences where the primary purpose for attending is to present research
- Activities where an applicant is applying for funding to run the activity. (e.g. speaker fees, catering for participants)
- Research projects and research related activities required of your academic program
- Activities for which applicants will also receive academic credit or lead to accreditation or licensure
- Work experience placements, whether paid or unpaid (e.g. internship, practicum)
- Any activity where you will be paid for your participation
- Any activity where you are receiving Green and Gold Student Leadership and Professional Development Grant funding
Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received. Funding is dispersed in order of eligible applications received until either: there are no funds remaining for the round or the funding window has closed.
If an applicant applies to PDEL and their application is deemed to need minor changes/clarification prior to being funded, PDEL administrators will reach out to the student to make those changes. This will not impact the review/approval order of that application. Applicants will be notified of the decision to approve or deny their application approximately 2 weeks after they apply. Funding decisions made by PDEL are not open to appeal.
PDEL can incur costs on behalf of a successful applicant before the activity. These need to follow UAPPOL policy. Reimbursements are another option. We will work with you to determine the best method to pay for the activity.