26.1 GENERAL.
It is a policy of the University to encourage and assist staff members to update their work skills and to assist them in the achievement of their career aspirations. To that end, staff members are encouraged to participate in training programs, conferences, short courses, and workshops held on or off campus that relate to the service rendered to the University by the participant. University staff are encouraged to register for academic courses, with or without credit, that are work-related and advance the organizational efforts of the University. To this end, supervisors are asked to broadly design "work-related" course work to include the attainment of undergraduate degrees through the Tuition Assistance Program. Such staff members may also participate in programs such as conferences, short courses, or workshops that do not relate specifically to their work assignments but which will contribute to their overall educational development.

In all cases, a prime requirement for participation in University-sanctioned educational and training programs is that the participation will not interfere with the staff member's ability to carry out regular duties. It is also necessary that departmental executive officers approve participation in educational and training programs in addition to flex work time arrangements.

Orientation sessions are offered to new hires at The University of Iowa. Learning and Development sponsors the New Faculty and Staff Orientation and extends invitations to those employees who:

a. Have regular status.

b. Work at least 20 hours per week.

c. Are not paid on the following MFK accounts: Hospital, Student Health and Wellness, University Hospital School, and Child Health Specialty Clinics.

UI Healh Care Human Resources sponsors an orientation session for faculty and staff who work at UI Health Care and who are paid from those accounts mentioned in paragraph c above.

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26.2 NON-CREDIT WORK-RELATED TRAINING PROGRAMS SUCH AS CONFERENCES, SHORT COURSES, OR WORKSHOPS FOR STAFF OTHER THAN FACULTY.
(Amended 8/99)

Each month, Learning and Development will publish in fyi a list of training programs on a variety of topics including workplace effectiveness (policy, procedures, and UI systems training); leadership and management; health, safety, and wellness; and personal development (career development, retirement planning, campus tours, etc.). Additionally, subscriptions are available for on-line access to computer-based training ranging from soft skills to software applications. Information of upcoming offerings is also available through Learning and Development's newsletter, listserv, or web site at www.uiowa.edu/~fusstfdv.

Participation is governed by the following guidelines:

a. Approved training programs are available to staff throughout the University, but enrollment in any given training program is limited because of the work needs of the college, department, or unit. If demand for a specific training program is high, every consideration will be given to repeating the program.

b. Training programs may be offered on or off campus, and the University may contract with outside agencies to provide additional training as well. The fee to participants or their departments, if any, will be indicated when the programs are announced.

c. Staff who participate in work-related programs are considered to be in a work status during such participation and are not required to make up time. Obtaining departmental approval to attend Learning and Development courses may be required by individual units at their discretion.

26.3 ATTENDANCE AT NON-CREDIT CONFERENCES, SHORT COURSES, AND WORKSHOPS THAT ARE NOT WORK RELATED.
University staff may participate in non-credit programs such as conferences, short courses, or workshops, which are not work related if such participation will contribute to their overall educational and professional development. Such programs may be offered on or off campus. The following guidelines apply:

a. Participation in the program does not interfere with the performance of regular duties.

b.If programs occur during regular work hours, a supervisor's approval may be needed.
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26.4 INTERNSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM.
Internship Program. Staff members interested in learning new skills may self-elect to apply for the Internship Program. The program enables participants to gain insight and experience in areas that interest them but which may differ from their work responsibilities. Staff members are encouraged to pursue avenues that will result in their professional growth.

The expectation is that the skills gained in this program will be beneficial to the University and to the employee. Department administrators must also consider the knowledge and skills gained from the experience to be an asset to the department as well as to the employee. All professional and scientific and merit University of Iowa staff members who meet the following qualifications may apply for an internship placement within a cooperating department or unit:

a. Applicant must be a current University of Iowa employee who is employed 50-percent time or greater.
b. Applicant must be employed by the University for two years.
c. Applicant must be successful in his or her current University position.

26.5 COURSES FOR ACADEMIC CREDIT.
Human Resources and University of Iowa Staff Council sponsor the Tuition Assistance Program.

Tuition Assistance Program. All eligible staff may receive University support for course work that the employing member's department certifies will contribute to the staff or faculty member's professional development in his or her current position. This course work can be completed at either The University of Iowa or other accredited universities or colleges. University employees who meet the eligibility requirements and are working on undergraduate degrees will be considered to meet the work-related eligibility requirement. For eligibility requirements and information on how to access the online application form located in the Human Resources Self-Service Center, visit www.uiowa.edu/~fusstfdv/stgtap.htm.
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All faculty and staff are eligible to audit (i.e., register for zero semester hours) one University of Iowa course per semester without being assessed tuition and mandatory fees for that course, subject to the following:

a. The applicant is auditing the course to enhance professional development in his or her current position.

b. The applicant must receive permission to audit the course from the instructor.

c. The applicant must receive permission from his or her departmental executive officer. Faculty also must receive permission from the college dean.

26.7 COURSES FOR MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
A staff or faculty member who holds a professional license and must participate in training and/or educational programs to maintain such license may participate in accordance with the requirements of local, state, and/or federal law. A licensee may participate during regular working hours without using paid leave when the employing department requests the employee to participate in the educational or training program for University employment related purposes.

Faculty or staff must use paid leave to attend educational programs for professional licensing requirements when the above conditions are not met. Participation in any educational or training program for licensing purposes must be in accordance with the general requirements of this section.
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26.8 OTHER AWARDS FOR STAFF.

a. Professional Development Award. Staff may be eligible to receive free admission to a fee-required Learning and Development-sponsored offering through the Professional Development Award drawing. Permanent staff members who work at least 50-percent time or more receive application forms outlining the award parameters two times a year through campus mail.

b. Mary Jo Small Fellowship. Financial assistance is also available through the Mary Jo Small Fellowship, an award that University of Iowa staff may use to help defray costs of course work, regional, national, or international meetings or workshops, training opportunities on and off-campus, and/or work-release time to prepare publications. Specific award guidelines (listed on the application form available through Learning and Development's web site or office) include:

(1) All professional and scientific and merit staff members who hold a regular appointment of 50 percent or greater and have been employed for two or more years at the University are eligible for the Mary Jo Small Staff Fellowship.

(2) Selection for the awards will be based upon documentation of recognized contributions that support the University's mission and goals.