Article 18 : academic and professional development fund

18.1 The Employer agrees to maintain a fund to support research and advanced study (including travel grants) for Bargaining Unit Members.

18.2 On September 1st of each year, the Employer will provide an annual fund of $5,000 for the purpose of the Academic and Professional Development Fund. It is understood that the Employer reserves the right to approve additional amounts where the quality and number of applications are such that the fund is clearly shown to be insufficient.