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Staff Advisory Council
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
Recommendations for Staff Training and
Professional Development
in the College of Food, Agricultural,
and Environmental Sciences
By FAES Staff Advisory Council Development Task Force
Commitment to staff training and professional development supports the college purpose of "bringing knowledge to life" and the core value of "lifelong learning" for our employees. These guidelines have been developed as a direct result of the SAC college-wide survey conducted by the SAC in 2000. To efficiently and effectively achieve a high level of academic excellence in line with the mission and vision, the college relies on a highly skilled, highly motivated and professional staff.
Recognizing the need for an organized approach to staff training and professional development on an equitable basis for all staff in the college regardless of the unit/department, the college is committed to the support and promotion of activities and funding to achieve this goal. This investment ensures that staff develop both personally and professionally so we have and retain employees who perform at the highest standards and respond constructively to change within the department, the college and the university.
The Staff Advisory Council views staff training and professional development as two separate issues. Staff training includes any activity mandated by changes in policy or in job responsibilities by the unit. Professional development encompasses a broader range of opportunities based on a staff member's desire for professional growth as agreed on by staff and supervisor.
Staff Training
The unit will strive to ensure that each staff member understands
his or her job responsibilities and provide core training. Core training
activities will be ongoing and continually change with technological
advances as staff take on new or expanded roles. This will help meet the
challenges of a changing environment as well as maintain current skill
levels and knowledge. The department chair, supervisors and staff will
work together to identify training needs based on staff responsibilities
and individual job requirements. Staff members should communicate with
their supervisor about training needs on an ongoing basis. Review of
training activities will be an integral part of the annual performance
evaluations.
Funding Recommendations for Staff Training
· The department will provide funds within available resources and release of time to ensure appropriate staff training. · The staff member and supervisor will determine an appropriate number of days for staff training.
Professional Development
Professional development is a continual process that helps staff maintain and increase job satisfaction, enhance performance in their current position and prepare for future responsibilities. Professional development differs from staff training in that it assists individuals in meeting long-term career goals and develops staff expertise for current responsibilities.
The unit regards support for professional development as an investment both in its future and that of its staff and will make reasonable accommodations to permit staff to pursue professional development opportunities. Every effort should be made to release staff to attend professional development activities.
Professional development activities may include, but are not limited to, conferences, seminars, workshops, short courses, lectures, shadowing/mentoring opportunities, resources such as books and tapes, membership dues to professional organizations, and paid subscriptions to professional publications.
Funding Recommendations for Professional Development
We recommend the following as a minimum standard for all units to support professional development:
· $200 available to each permanent staff member on an annual basis, prorated by % FTE. · 24 hours per fiscal year available to pursue professional development. · Flextime and other alternative scheduling options should be made available to support professional development of staff.
Procedures for Staff Training and Professional Development
· A request to participate in specific staff training or professional development activities needs to be submitted in advance to the individual's supervisor. This request should include a description of the proposed course or activity, relevance to job/career goals, time needed to participate, and costs. · Records of completed training should be included in personnel files.
Recommendations for providing training and development opportunities
· Remove the barriers to ensure that staff from all units
within the college have access to training and development
opportunities.
· Use distance education and alternative delivery methods to make
training and professional development more accessible.
· Communicate opportunities for training and professional development
with staff through a Web site, fliers, newsletters or enVision. Example:
college Web site include a page for staff that would provide links to
classes offered by Extension or the OARDC Development Committee (Wooster
classes), links to scholarship information, as well as applications and
awards for staff.
· Fund a competitive scholarship alternative tuition program to cover
tuition costs equivalent to OSU tuition for staff who do not have access
to classes at OSU Columbus.
Approved by SAC 7/18/01
http://cfaes.osu.edu/staffadvisorycouncil
