Professional Development and Training Programs.docVIP

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS Professional and staff development is encouraged throughout the District by providing a variety of professional and training opportunities focused on enabling employees, at all levels, to develop the skills and competence needed to succeed in their chosen career or to prepare for advancement in the District. In addition, some activities are required by statute for designated groups of employees. This page highlights available options, both required and otherwise, and where to go for more information. Career Development Programs: Employees who attend classes may request vacation hours or other available leave time, may request temporary minor adjustments in their regular work schedule or may be given released time within career development program guidelines. Represented employees should review their collective bargaining agreement for requirements. Conferences: Attendance at conferences and workshops related to the performance of one’s duties is encouraged and is permitted as long a one’s department’s duty obligation are met and funding is available. Your supervisor will explain how conference requests are submitted and processed at your location. Faculty Professional Development Days: Classroom faculty are required to participate in a given number of staff, student, and instructional improvement activities in lieu of regular classroom instruction each year. The AFT Faculty Guild Agreement identifies specific requirements that apply to classroom and non-classroom jobs and contains the “flex calendar.” Your department chair will explain the faculty professional development activities occurring at your college. Business Operations / Administrative Computer Training: The District’s business systems are continually under review and new computer modules and systems are continually being implemented. The District Office’s Human Resources and Information Technology Divisions conduct numerous workshops and traini