Training & Professional Development Policy

The pursuit of 蘑菇视频网站鈥檚 mission and vision requires a shared commitment from staff, faculty, and volunteers to the highest principles of respect, inclusion, communication, service and social justice, and responsibility. To this end, 蘑菇视频网站 staff and faculty receive training and professional development to reinforce this shared commitment.

I. Purpose

This policy identifies the purpose, guidelines, responsibilities, and processes for an effective training and professional development program and curriculum. More specifically, this program and curriculum will:

  • Increase employee work capabilities and competencies so that 蘑菇视频网站 can better serve the needs of our students.
  • Provide a work environment to encourage and assist with the identification of goals, skills, and competency gaps and contribute to professional development.
  • Encourage and provide access to appropriate training and professional development opportunities for current and future roles at the College.
  • Facilitate collaboration and communication between supervisors, employees, and the Office of Human Resources in identifying and addressing individual, departmental, and divisional training and professional development needs.
  • Recognize employee contributions to the College and support them in achieving their career goals.

II. Definitions

A. Professional Development: A career-oriented process focused on the overall development of employees to increase their long-term potential.

B. Training: A job-oriented process to develop employees鈥� knowledge and skills needed to perform their current positions.

III. Scope

This policy applies to all staff and faculty at 蘑菇视频网站.

IV. Release time for training & professional development

A. Release time for training & professional development events sponsored by 蘑菇视频网站 College

Training and professional development opportunities sponsored by the Office of Human Resources or other departments at 蘑菇视频网站 are typically offered during the workday.

  1. Programs are intended for employees who are expected to continue employment at 蘑菇视频网站 College.
  2. Employees must obtain supervisory approval for participation prior to registering; an employee鈥檚 availability of time to participate in such programs is within the discretion of the supervisor.
  3. Employees approved to attend programs will receive full pay while participating and will not be required to use available leave.

B. Leave of absence for training & professional development

  1. The President or designee may approve a leave of absence with pay for employees to pursue advanced instruction or another approved plan of professional development for a period of up to six months. Approval for such arrangements requires a written and signed agreement from the employee, supervisor, and President or designee. Such agreements specify the duration of the leave, salary payable to the employee while on leave, benefits continuation while on leave, costs paid by the employee and/or the College, service requirements post-program, and any repayment requirements for failure to complete post-program service (e.g., resignation).
  2. The department or College may withdraw approval for continued participation at any time, including but not limited to receiving evidence that the employee is not making satisfactory progress in the program.

V. New employee training

A. New hire onboarding session

Within the new hire鈥檚 first week of employment, the new hire onboarding session is conducted. During this meeting, employees are provided an overview of the College鈥檚 important policies and training requirements; and an overview of additional resources such as , the , and Human Resources Information System. New hires are also provided with a summary of 蘑菇视频网站鈥檚 benefits plan, eligibility and enrollment process.

B. New employee IT orientation

On the first day of employment, the new hire meets with a member of Information Technology to go over the technology basics at 蘑菇视频网站. The IT staff member makes sure the new hire can access their email, change their password, access shared drives, and more. A brief summary of the Computer Use Policy also takes place during this session.

C. New employee orientation

New Employee Orientation is typically offered four times per year, once per quarter. Attendance at this day-long orientation is required for all new regular staff and full-time faculty. Advanced notice of the scheduled orientation dates is shared with new employees.

The agenda includes interactive sessions including 蘑菇视频网站鈥檚 history; strategy; and key college policies and processes. Attendees also have the opportunity to hear the Cabinet speak about 蘑菇视频网站鈥檚 current status, structure, and divisional priorities.

VI. Training & professional development

The success of training and professional development efforts is dependent upon the combined efforts of employees, supervisors, and the Office of Human Resources. Accordingly,

  • Employees and their supervisors are both responsible for training and professional development, both participating in the identification of opportunities and creation of development plans.
  • The Office of Human Resources works with supervisors and the Professional Development Committee to identify and plan the training and professional development programs, which may be department-specific, inter-departmental, and/or college-wide.

A. Guidelines

Participation in all training and professional development activities requires advanced approval from the employee鈥檚 supervisor. Employees participating in and receiving training are expected to apply information and/or skills learned in the program to enhance their skills, competencies, and/or productivity. Attendance at training and professional development organized by the Office of Human Resources is tracked by Human Resources.

B. Budget & expenses

The Office of Human Resources manages a central budget for professional development programs. Unless otherwise noted, programs offered by the Office of Human Resources are free of charge to 蘑菇视频网站 employees.

C. Participation in external training & professional development events

At times, employees and supervisors may have training and professional development needs not addressed by the current calendar of events. Prior to registering for an external program or workshop, employees should contact the Office of Human Resources to discuss their development needs. Through its vast network of peers, the Office of Human Resources can often identify a low- or no-cost option locally, tailored to higher education. In the event that this is not possible, the Office of Human Resources works with the employee and/or supervisor to identify viable alternative programming that best addresses the needs of the employee and/or the department.

Departments are encouraged to maintain separate budgets for individual employee needs not addressed by the Office of Human Resources training and professional development schedule, as well as for conference attendance, professional certifications, and professional organization membership.

VII. Related policies

Related 蘑菇视频网站 policies include:

VIII. Responsible Office

The Associate Vice President for Human Resources is responsible for questions regarding this policy.

IX. History

Implemented: September 2021

Updated: December 2025

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