Discretionary Fund

An Overview:

The Psychology Department Discretionary Fund contains a limited amount of non-earmarked monies that have been donated to the Psychology Department. This fund is managed through the Towson Foundation, a 501(3)c non-profit in The State of Maryland. The use of discretionary funds must be approved through The Psychology Department Chair.

Donating to The Psychology Department Discretionary Fund

Are you interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the Towson University Psychology Department? Your contributions will help support outstanding psychology students and promote faculty/staff development. You can contribute to the fund by visiting http://www.towson.edu/tufoundation/. Simply specify Psychology as the “Academic Department,” and list the “Psychology Department Discretionary Fund” as the recipient of your donation.

Policy & Procedures:

These funds support members of the Towson University Psychology Department in the following ways:

  • Supporting faculty development at the department or program level
  • Department or program events
  • Providing honorarium or token gifts for department-wide guest speakers
  • Hosting promotion, tenure, and retirement events for faculty/staff
  • Awarding academic achievement at the Department’s spring Awards Ceremony

Although these funds provide a flexible type of spending, there are limitations on the scope and usage of these funds. Please note that discretionary funds cannot be used for the following purchases:

  • Computer software or assessments
  • Class materials, including videos, cases, books, workbooks
  • National/state licensing fees, including examination fees
  • Professional fees for associations
  • Student/faculty travel or research
  • Academic program marketing and recruitment materials

Procedure for Applying for Discretionary Funds

Applicants must complete the Psychology Department Discretionary Fund Application DocuSign linked below. Faculty must provide a description of the funding use and an itemized budget. Applications will be reviewed by the Department Chair. Requests for funds should not normally exceed $500 although exceptions may be considered.

Discretionary Fund Application (full-time faculty only)