Beta Testing Begins for the New PD Application Form

The CCFA has begun beta testing our new Professional Development (PD) application form and workflow system designed to modernize and simplify the PD process for faculty, Chairs, Deans, Directors, and the PD Committee.

PD Applications and Funding Modernization Project – An Update

For years, the PD process has relied heavily on email chains, manual tracking, multiple versions of documents, and disconnected approval steps. While the system has continued to function through a great deal of effort and care from everyone involved, it has also created unnecessary administrative work, limited transparency, and inconsistent experiences for applicants and approvers alike. Faculty Members voted to fund a modernization project to solve some of these problems. Here’s how it is going.

The new system introduces a centralized digital workflow that:

• simplifies the application and approval process,
• reduces repetitive administrative tasks,
• improves visibility into application status,
• strengthens record-keeping and continuity,
• supports more consistent decision-making, and
• improves annual reporting and financial tracking.

Importantly, this isn’t meant to change PD Guidelines or restrict access to professional development opportunities. The purpose is to improve the process itself and make it more accessible, transparent, and sustainable over time. But, it’s not quite perfect yet! In fact, part of the challenge of developing an internal app like this one is that it can’t really be “tested” in the normal fashion. That’s why we are running a live BETA TEST!

During the beta testing phase, invited participants will test the system using actual applications and provide feedback on usability, workflow, clarity, and overall experience. Feedback from faculty applicants, Chairs, Deans, Directors, the PD Committee, and the Vice President will help us to identify issues before full implementation, which is scheduled for September 2026.

This stage is critical. We are trying to build a system that works for everyone, but you can’t do that in isolation. It takes patient testing, real use, honest feedback, and iterative improvement. Our goal is not simply to digitize paperwork; we already did that during the pandemic. That’s how the PDF process we are using right now came to be. This time, we are creating a process that better reflects the realities of academic work and reduces barriers for everyone involved.

Want In?

The next Infosession on the new system will be on June 10, 2026. We welcome you to join us. A notice will also be included in CamNews.

• 20 minutes of presentation on the new form
• 20 minutes of Q&A
• 20 minutes of hands-on guided trials

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83278207684?pwd=UGvklV6P103gjWjkjhw4voeRR55KHs.1

• Meeting ID: 832 7820 7684
• Passcode: 900669

Faculty Members who attend the Infosession will receive the form link, and, where possible, we’ll work through the application steps together. Anyone on our Discord server can also access the link pinned in our #sd-pd-discussions channel, where we provide direct support to users during the beta. Users participating in the beta do so with the understanding that the system isn’t perfect, and there will be hiccups from time to time. We are working to ensure that even if the form encounters glitches, YOUR application doesn’t!

What’s Next?

We plan to deploy and adopt the new process in September. Training materials, documentation, and support resources are also being developed alongside the rollout to ensure that faculty and approvers have clear guidance and consistent support during implementation.

Thank you to everyone participating in the beta testing process and helping shape a more efficient and transparent PD system.

Further updates, training opportunities, and implementation timelines will be shared as the project moves forward. If you need a Discord invite, just email me at ac.ytlucafnusomac@tnediserp, and I’ll send you our private link.