This section provides an overview of many benefits available to faculty and staff. In the event of conflict between the overview provided in this handbook and the plan document or insurance plan, the plan document or insurance plan will govern. Complete descriptions are not possible in the handbook; employees should contact Human Resources for specific plan details. The Labor Agreement governs in the case of Union employees in all aspects of this section. Regular non-union employees who have a schedule involving a (.46) FTE or above, and Union employees who have a (.50) FTE or above are eligible to participate in the College’s benefit programs.

Carleton College will comply with all applicable laws such as ACA, FMLA, federal, state, and any applicable regulations.

Employment & Benefits

Faculty Development (FDA) Accounts

Each faculty member has a Faculty Development Account (FDA) for receiving professional development funds.  Individual accounts are assigned to each account holder upon receiving his or her first award.

Each member of the Carleton faculty holding a tenured, tenure-track, or PEAR appointment is eligible for an annual Faculty Development Account (FDA) of $2,500. Faculty members on continuing appointments of half-time or more are also eligible for the $2,500 FDA. These funds are deposited each July into the faculty member’s FDA.  Faculty members who are on a leave of absence from the College for more than one term should consult with the provost regarding their eligibility for this account. Faculty members who are on sabbatical or professional leave and who meet the conditions identified above will be eligible for this account during the period of their leave.

This account may be used to support a wide range of professional development activities such as:

  • attending professional meetings relevant to your field or pedagogy,
  • defraying the costs of travel for the purposes of scholarship or research (including transportation, lodging, and meals),
  • purchasing books and other scholarly or research materials (such as scores, films, artifacts, software, and recordings),
  • dues to professional organizations,
  • subscriptions to publications relevant to your field or pedagogy, and
  • supporting student research assistants.

The first trip to a professional meeting in each fiscal year must be financed through the FDA.

Charges to the FDA must be made in accordance with Business Office guidelines. Please see the Business Office Web site for further information or contact Accounts Payable.

Last Revised: November 25, 2019

For: Faculty

Last Reviewed: July 14, 2023

Maintained by: Office of the Provost