The Mike Puritz Career Enhancement Scholarship Program

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The Mike Puritz Career Enhancement Scholarship Program is designed to support UCI career staff in their educational goals to enhance their career development and make an impact at UCI. The program is named after Mike Puritz, former associate director for UCI Campus Recreation, in recognition of his 35 years of service to UCI and his dedication to developing activities to serve UCI and the community.

The scholarship program is made possible through the generous donations of UCI staff, faculty, UCI Retirees Association, and members of the community. Together we can help each other achieve more. If you are interested in supporting UCI staff to further their education and career, please consider making a gift.

Application Cycles

Spring Cycle: March 15 – April 15
Fall Cycle: September 15 – October 15

Deadline to apply is at 11:59 p.m. (PST) on April 15 for Spring Cycle and October 15 for Fall Cycle

Who is Eligible?

The UCI Staff Assembly Scholarship opportunity is open to all full-time or part-time UC Irvine career staff who have completed their six-month probationary period at the time of application submission. Staff are eligible to receive up to a $500 scholarship per year.

What professional development activities are eligible?

Qualified career development activities include continuing education courses, seminars, webinars, conferences, certification exams, and other classes. 

What professional development activities are NOT eligible?

  • Travel or other incidental expenses (such as meals, parking, lodging, etc.).
  • Courses and certification exams required to maintain a current license or board certification or is required by the University, law or regulations.
  • Any training paid by or reimbursed from University funds or other organizations.

Application Cycles

Each year, the application cycles are:

  • Spring Cycle (March 15 to April 15 for reimbursement for coursework completed between the following July 1 through and June 30 period.)
  • Fall Cycle (September 15 to October 15 for reimbursement for coursework completed between the following January 1 through December 31 period.)

Notification of the scholarship award will be via email by June 1 for the Spring cycle and December 1 for the Fall cycle.

Applicants are required to utilize UCI employee discounts for UC and continuing education courses. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Qualifying Process

The Scholarship Committee will evaluate applications without identifiers based on your eligibility, Statements of Motivation, and the proposed professional development activity. 

Funding Process

Scholarships are awarded as a reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. Within 60 days of the completion of the professional development activity, staff must submit:

  1. An official grade report or certification of course completion, and
  2. Original receipts demonstrating proof of payment for eligible out-of-pocket expenses described above. If the activity is paid by a student loan, reimbursement will be made for payments made against the loan during the 12-month period for the award. Activities paid by financial aid not requiring any out-of-pocket expense are non-reimbursable.
  3. Completed Taxation of Scholarship and Fellowship Grants and Education Assistance Form

NOTE: Awardees who miss the deadline forfeit their award.

For more information contact Staff Assembly Scholarship Chair, Sarah Yoo, sarah.yoo@uci.edu


Testimonials

“The Mike Puritz Scholarship helped cover a portion of my graduate school expenses for a master’s degree in gerontology. The encouraging environment of UCI is one of the qualities that make it a great place to work. The scholarship is a wonderful opportunity available to staff. I am very appreciative to have been an award recipient. Thank you to the UCI Staff Assembly for your support as I continue my career development in the field of aging.”

Claire Ghazal Nelson
Administrative Coordinator, UCI Center for Aging Research in Down Syndrome

“The scholarship program provided an opportunity for me to attend the LEAP Advance Training Program. It was a transformative experience where I felt seen through reflecting on my leadership goals as an Asian Pacific Islander (API) American, building meaningful connections with my cohort, and sharing my story. Thank you again for the support and opportunity!”  

Kathy Dong
Assistant Director, UCI Student Life & Leadership