Teaching@Ryerson

Communications and Memos

Dear colleagues:

I am writing today to provide an update regarding an employment benefit improvement negotiated in the new Faculty Association collective agreement.

As you may know, the Professional Development Reimbursement Fund (PDRF) entitlement for each Faculty Association member was increased in two respects. First, the annual entitlement will increase each year of the agreement ($1,750 effective July 1, 2011, $1,800 on July 1, 2012, $1,850 on July 1, 2013, and $1,900 on July 1, 2014). Second, the maximum cumulative reimbursement fund has been increased from $3,000 to $4,000, such that your balance shall not exceed $4,000 within any given contract year.

From an implementation perspective, please keep in mind the following:

1. On July 1, 2011, although the new collective agreement was still being negotiated, the University provided each RFA bargaining unit member $1,700 into their PDRF account. In collective bargaining the July 1, 2011 PDRF entitlement was increased to $1,750. The additional $50 was deposited to your respective PDRF accounts in the beginning of February.
2. During negotiations the University decided not to implement the reduction of PDRF balances exceeding the previous cap of $3,000. However, with the collective agreement having been finalized, the new maximum balance needs to be applied. As a result, members with a PDRF balance above $4,000 will have until April 30, 2012 to utilize those funds above that new cap amount. Should they elect not to do so, then their PDRF accounts will be reduced to the new maximum balance of $4,000 on May 1, 2012. This extension has been granted for this fiscal year only due to the timing of the completion of negotiations.

Please keep in mind that the rules regarding use of PDRF monies have not changed. The PDRF provides reimbursement for expenses related to the performance of teaching, SRC and professional duties. Professional Development funds cannot be used to cover deficits in other cost-centres including externally funded research projects. PDRF monies cannot be used to directly pay employees in your respective roles as members of the faculty association (arrangements must be made through your School/Department to hire TA/GA or Research Assistant support using your PDRF funds). As well, in order to retain non-taxable status, non-consumable items purchased through the Professional Development Reimbursement Fund remain the property of the University.

For further information on PDRF procedures please follow this link: http://www.ryerson.ca/content/dam/teaching/documents/pdrf/PDRF_procedures_2012.pdf

I would ask Deans/Chairs/Directors to forward this communication to any administrative staff who provide PDRF related procedural assistance to faculty members.

Sincerely,
John Isbister
Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs

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