A complete description of professional development programs for VCCS faculty may be found in Section 3 of the VCCS Policy Manual: Human Resources.
Additionally, details for each program are available at VCCS Student Success Center website.
Listed below are highlights of some VCCS-supported opportunities.
Chancellor’s Fellowship for Faculty
The Chancellor’s Faculty Fellowship is a professional development opportunity awarded each year to three outstanding VCCS faculty who wish to pursue senior leadership or advanced study in a teaching discipline. The award provides up to one year of leave of absence at three-quarters salary and a $12,500 grant towards full-time study at six designated Virginia universities: (1) the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia; (2) the Community College Program Area at Virginia Tech; (3) the National Center for Community College Education at George Mason; (4) School of Education at the College of William and Mary; (5) Virginia Commonwealth University; and (6) Old Dominion University. Additionally, recipients may choose to attend other institutions with an award of $7500.
To be eligible, faculty must be full-time teaching, administrative, and professional faculty with unrestricted rank and salary proposals, a minimum of three years of Virginia Community College System (VCCS) service and who are recommended by the president of the employing institution or by the Chancellor (for a System Office faculty member). Individuals selected as Chancellor's Faculty Fellows shall be required to resume their employment with the VCCS for a period of at least twice the length of their fellowship (up to two years) following the completion of either the leave period or doctoral degree requirements. The recipient shall be expected to sign a Memorandum of Agreement and a Promissory Note, both of which are issued by the System Office.
Application for the Chancellor's Faculty Fellowship, including letters of endorsement and other supporting materials, must be submitted to the VCCS Director of Professional Development by 5:00 p.m. on February 1 of each year; the deadline date is the same every year. If the due date falls on a weekend, then the following Monday will serve as the due date. Application forms may be obtained from the VCCS Office of Professional Development. Application forms for the institutions of higher education must be obtained from the universities themselves.
Chancellor’s Commonwealth Professors Program
This program, designed to recognize and support teaching excellence in the VCCS, offers a two-year award to three individuals for reimbursable expenses and stipends for two summers to help support self-directed projects. Additionally, each individual shall receive reassigned time equivalent to two courses (normally six semester hours) each semester during the regular academic year. Full-time teaching faculty members with at least five years of service in the VCCS and demonstrated teaching excellence are eligible for appointment as Chancellor's Commonwealth Professors. Information about nomination, application, and award is available on the Virginia Community College System website.
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Outstanding Faculty Awards are the Commonwealth's highest honor for faculty at Virginia's public and private colleges and universities. These awards recognize superior accomplishments in teaching, research, and public service. Nomination and other details may be obtained from the The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Outstanding Faculty Awards website.
Technology in Education Awards
The VCCS Technology in Education Awards recognize excellence in technology in support of the teaching and learning environment. Finalists for these awards and their projects are showcased at the annual VCCS New Horizons conference.
VCCS Faculty Professional Development Research Grants
A combination of reassigned time and grant award is possible dependent upon the quality, objectives, extent, and benefit of the proposed research development activity. Up to $5200 in equivalent time is available while summer stipends are $2500, and mini-grant awards are $1500.00.
Policy #: CVCC0084
Last Reviewed/Revised: 09/19/2022
Responsible Dept.: Human Resources
Other Policy References: VCCS Policy Manual: Section 3