Professional Development Policy

(effective 5/9/11)

Policy Statement:

In order to provide a stimulating and supportive work environment, the University, through the Office of Human Resources, continues to evaluate and expand opportunities for employee growth and development. Professional development activities build on the collective knowledge and experience of employees, and provide employees with opportunities to acquire, practice and adopt new knowledge, thereby enhancing individual, group and organizational learning and capabilities. The University, through the Office of Human Resources, provides financial assistance for professional development to all benefit eligible administrative, professional and staff employees and the Office of the Provost provides professional development funds for the faculty.

Definitions:

Professional Development includes the provision of instructual learning and development opportunities to extend and broaden the scope of professional capabilities of employees in relation to their role and responsibilities within the University.

Procedures for Requesting Funding for Professional Development:

In order to be considered for funding for Professional Development, an individual must electronically submit their request on the Professional Development form that can be found on the HR website: http://www.lesley.edu/hr/forms.html. All requests are required to be job related and must have the following information

• A description of the workshop, conference, or continuing education credit (funds may be utilized for one Lesley University course per person provided it is directly related to their job)
• The signed approval from the immediate supervisor and/or manager
• Explanation/Reason for taking the course, including expected outcomes from participating in the course or conference, i.e. distributed written communication, discussions at staff meetings.
• Participants are expected to communicate the information with other staff members
• Costs and financial assistance applied for to attend the course or conference

• Submission of the application to Human Resources for review and approval based on availability of budgeted dollars

Monitoring Access and Participation in Professional Development

Annual monitoring and reporting of University wide professional development activities will be undertaken by the Director of Human Resources, reported to the Vice President of Administration and will include data on employee participation rates, outcomes of participation in, and costs of professional development activities.

CANCELLATION:

This policy will stay in effect until such time that the University initiates a process to modify the policy based on program utilization and budgetary need.

Marylou Batt, Vice President for Administration