Staff Professional Development Program

The following activities may qualify for funding:

Seminars, Conferences and Workshops (Must be relevant to current work)

• Professional association conferences
• Regional and national meetings
• Industry-specific workshops
• Higher education seminars

Training Programs

• Technology and software training
• Customer service training
• Compliance related training (not associated with annual compliance training)

Other Activities (Must be work-related and approved by CBO)

• Industry-recognized certifications
• Credentialing programs directly related to job responsibilities

Exclusions

• TAP Courses
• Funds cannot be split across multiple courses or conferences.

Step 1: Employee Submission

Employees must submit a Professional Development Funding Request Form at least 60 days prior to the activity (exception: event/training/conference not previously advertised, and employee learns of the opportunity on short notice).

Submit a Request Form

Required documentation:

• Description of activity
• Learning objectives
• Cost breakdown
• Dates and location
• Explanation of relevance to current position
• Supervisor’s approval

Step 2: Supervisor Review

Supervisor evaluates:

• Alignment with departmental goals
• Relevance to employee responsibilities
• Budget considerations
• Operational coverage during employee absence (if appropriate and necessary)

Supervisor recommendations are forwarded to the Staff Council Professional Development Committee.

Step 3: Committee Review

The committee reviews requests based on:

• Job relevance
• Institutional priorities
• Budget availability
• Prior funding received
• Potential impact on employee performance

Step 4: Notification

Employees receive written notification within 15 business days of the committee's decision.

Step 5: Fund Distribution

• Direct to vendor: Payments made directly to a vendor for expenses such as conference registration.
• Reimbursement to the Payee: Reimbursements can be processed directly to the payee by submitting the necessary supporting documentation. Following completion of the activity, employees must submit:
  • Proof of attendance
  • Receipts and invoices
  • Completion certificates (if applicable)

Employees receiving funding must:

• Attend the approved activity.
• Complete all program requirements.
• Submit required documentation within 30 days.
• Be employed with the institution at the time of reimbursement.
• Provide proof of attendance to committee to be filed with submission.
• Share knowledge gained with colleagues when requested.

To maximize institutional benefit, employees receiving funding may be required to complete one of the following:

• Department presentation
• Lunch-and-learn session
• Written summary of key takeaways
• Training guide or resource document
• Mentoring or coaching activity

The Staff Council Professional Development Committee will annually evaluate:

• Number of employees participating
• Funds awarded and utilized
• Employee satisfaction
• Skills and competencies gained
• Impact on performance evaluations
• Retention and promotion rates

The following expenses or activities are not eligible for funding:

Non-Job Related Activities

• Training unrelated to current position or career path within the institution
• Personal enrichment courses without workplace applicability

Academic Degree Programs

• Full degree programs covered under separate tuition assistance programs
• Undergraduate degrees
• Graduate degrees
• Doctoral programs

Personal Expenses

• Meals not included in conference registration
• Entertainment expenses
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal travel extensions
• Family member expenses

Memberships and Organizations

• Social clubs
• Civic organizations unrelated to job duties
• Political organizations

Other Exclusions

• Equipment purchases
• Office supplies
• Late fees or penalties
• Expenses incurred before approval
• Training required solely to maintain minimum qualifications for employment