ADMINISTRATIVE RULE NO: 6145-01

RELATED TO POLICY SERIES NO: 6145

TITLE: SHORT-TERM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

PURPOSE
To illustrate the college’s administrative processes for approving and reimbursing employees for short term professional development activities.

STATEMENT
BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES
Professional development opportunities that are accessed by bargaining unit employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements and shall be governed by the respective agreements.  Failing such provisions, Board policies and Administrative Rules shall apply.

NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES

1. Definition
   Short-term learning opportunities for staff which advance the mission of the college and strengthen its ability to serve students.  The college encourages participation in such activities for all staff.
2. Activities may include but are not limited to:
   workshops
   seminars
   conferences
   travel
   intermittent educational course work
   research, projects
   work experience programs

 Professional development opportunities which require prolonged absence from an employee’s duties are discussed in Administrative Rule 6145-02, Professional Development Leave.  

PRE-APPROVAL
Participation in short-term professional development activities require prior approval from the employee’s supervisor, or department leadership.  With regard to such pre-approval, employees must determine and follow the guidelines of their individual work groups.  In an approval decision, primary consideration will be given to the question of whether the opportunity meets the goal of advancing the mission of the college, and the fiscal responsibility of the request.

REIMBURSEMENT / COMPENSATION
When fiscally capable, the college allocates funds from appropriate budget lines, to enable employees to participate in professional development activities which require monetary payment.  Depending on the circumstances, and available funding, costs may be covered by the departmental budget, or from allotted professional development funds.  Employees shall follow the appropriate application procedures for such funds, as specified by the LBCC Professional Development Guidelines.

When participation in professional development activities is required or assigned by the supervisor, the cost of attendance will be paid in full by the college.  For all assigned short term professional development activities, the time spent in the activity will be considered time worked for the purpose of compensation.   Such reimbursement is, generally speaking, not applicable to training which makes an employee minimally qualified to perform their position.  Exceptions to this principle may be made with Vice-Presidential approval. 

DATE OF ADOPTION: 6/8/12;
DATE(S) OF REVISION(S): 1/10/18; 12/2/21
DATE OF LAST REVIEW: