The Research Foundation
  Doctoral Study Funding Policy

  Purpose: In light of the projected shortage of nursing faculty, it is the purpose of this policy to
  enhance the recruitment and retention of doctorally prepared nurse educators in the Greater
  Kansas City area through the funding of doctoral study. This policy will benefit existing nursing
  faculty who wish to pursue the doctorate and as a means to recruit talented, young men and
  women into the faculty role. Funding is provided for individuals pursuing a PhD or DNP
  (Doctor of Nursing Practice).

  Eligibility: To be eligible to receive support, a faculty member must be in a full-time position at
  the nursing programs at Research College of Nursing, Avila University or William Jewell
  College. In addition, the faculty member must be accepted into a regionally accredited doctoral
  program and have a definitive plan of study.

  Stipulations: Compensation for each year will be up to $5000 for a period not to exceed 5
  years for a total amount of $25,000. (Special consideration will be given for those completing
  their coursework in less than 5 years. Contact The Research Foundation for more
  information.) The period of one-year may be defined as beginning in the fall, continuing
  through spring and summer. For each $5000 utilized, the faculty member is required to
  commit one-year of employment as a faculty member in the Greater Kansas City community
  following completion of the doctorate. If the faculty member does not complete the work
  agreement, the faculty member will need to repay the loan amount that corresponds with the
  remaining years of work commitment. If the faculty member does not complete the doctorate,
  he/she must repay the total amount of the loan. The funding may be used for tuition, books,
  fees, travel and other expenses associated specifically with doctoral study and as approved
  by The Research Foundation.

 The Research Foundation will offer a minimum of six loans per academic year. Faculty will
  be expected to sign a promissory note for each year of funding. The funding will be considered
  taxable income to the individual. Distribution of funds will be made following submission of
  the annual report, which would detail the previous year’s coursework and projected plan of
  study for the next year. The report should be submitted to The Research Foundation and to
  the Nursing Program Administrator.

  Procedure: Applications for funding must be made to Nursing Program Administrator by
  December 1. The Nursing Program Administrator will forward the application with his/her
  recommendation to The Research Foundation by January 1. Applications will include a
  detailed academic plan of study with projected expenses. The Research Foundation will
  make awards by March 1. At that time an agreement/promissory note with conditions of
  payment and employment will be signed by each recipient. Recipients will continue to
  receive the annual award if it is determined by The Research Foundation that satisfactory
  progress is evident.

  Individuals may request a one-year leave for extenuating circumstances based on Board
  approval. Individuals may choose to utilize increments of funding for selected portions of their
  study rather than the full amount of $25,000; however, only increments of $5000 will be
  considered. It will be the determination of each Nursing Program Administrator as to whether
  faculty may utilize other existing institutional policies such as academic leave in conjunction
  with this funding.

  The Research Foundation, formerly the fund raising entity for Research Medical Center, 
  became a separate non-profit organization following the sale of Health Midwest/Research
  Medical Center to HCA, a for-profit company on April 1, 2003.  The Foundation exists for
  the continued benefit of the communtiy and its improved health status.