Transitions Program

ADVANCE at WSU aims to provide institutional support to increase the representation of women and historically underrepresented faculty in all disciplines. Toward this end, ADVANCE provide programs to support the healthy work/life balance. The Transitions Program provides short-term assistance for eligible faculty in the midst of major life transitions (e.g. significant personal medical issues, family illness) for which existing resources are insufficient. ADVANCE at WSU relies upon the NSF definition of underrepresented groups.

All WSU women faculty members are eligible, with priority given to women from STEM departments and/or academic units wherein women faculty are otherwise under-represented. Additionally, all faculty members from historically underrepresented groups—regardless of gender identity—are eligible.

We encourage applications from faculty in the midst of major life transitions, such as:

• short-term assistance with personal medical needs
• short-term assistance with family illness
• and other situations, are encouraged to apply.

Support may be offered for up to two semesters for the faculty member while moving through such a transition. Examples of support that the program provides include funds for a Research Assistant to assist with managing laboratory work; a Teaching Assistant to assist with instruction in the classroom.

The Transitions Program complements tenure-clock extension. Please see the Faculty Policies and Procedure handbook for WSU policies and programs that assist with work-life balance, including leave policies, eldercare, and childcare. Further information about childcare and eldercare options are discussed on the WSU Work/Life website.

Applicants are encouraged to seek a contribution from their department and/or college and that it be reflected in the proposal. 

Dr. Joanna L. Kelley featured, photo by Kate Jennings Photography

Click HERE for a full description of the program and guidelines

Questions and Proposal Submission:

“I requested this funding at a time when I was in great need of support. I had a small infant who was not sleeping at night, a class to teach, and a new very large grant which began in March 2011.  I was not able to sustain all of these activities and do them well. The Advance Transitions grant program provided me with funding to buy out the remainder of the course I was teaching, from Spring break until the end of the term.  This relief in my job responsibilities offered me the breathing space to get the grant off the ground. As a result, the grant is now thriving and has proven to be very productive to date. My ability to focus on the grant at a critical time for the research, was substantially enhanced by the Transitions Grant.”

– Dr. Cheryl Schultz, Biological Sciences