This program is designed to foster professional growth and enable Classified Staff to advance their skills through college courses and work-related conferences, workshops, or seminars.
What is staff development?
A committee of unit members will continue to work with the Human
Resources Department to administer standards and procedures for a staff development program. In order to participate in this program, an employee must request and receive appropriate authorization from the employee’s immediate supervisor and the staff development committee. The activity must be applicable to the employee’s duties or to the District’s needs as determined by the immediate supervisor. Approval for this program will not be Approval for this
program will not be made for activities for which the employee will receive Professional Growth credit. ( Article 8.14)
What is professional growth?
The Professional Growth Program is intended to improve employees’ skills and abilities resulting in benefit to the operation of the District. As a publicly funded educational institution, the District supports continuing education that is linked to institutional goals and strategic plans. The Professional Growth Program is designed to reward employees for their efforts to improve job performance and their value to the District. (Appendix C)
Classified staff development funds are available to all classified employees on a fiscal year basis (July 1 to June 30). At this time, applicants can request up to $3,000 with CCEU Board approval. To determine fund availability, all requests must be submitted at least two weeks before the start of the conference, workshop, or tuition reimbursement opportunity. Please note that last-minute or urgent requests will not be accepted, and advance approval is strictly required. Thank you for understanding!
- courses taken and completed with a passing grade so long as the course is related to job (Reimbursement shall be limited to one class per year )
- Participating members shall be responsible for textbooks and materials fees. Classes taken under this provision do not count toward professional growth credit.
- duties, skill building for job advancement or career development
- health & wellness, or
- Spanish or other language acquisition.
Credit: Dizain / Shutterstock.com © 2019
| Prior to the Staff Development Event | After the Staff Development Event |
| Complete the Staff Development Reimbursement Request Form (required at least 2 weeks before start of event) | Compile all itemized receipts for reimbursement (travel, lodging, meals, registration, etc); copy of event agenda (if applicable); copy of mileage maps (if applicable); and/or proof of payments for events |
| Check In with Staff Dev Committee Member (identified in your approval email) | Email all supportive documents to Staff Dev Committee Member (identified in your approval email) |
Are You Taking A Class?
Ensure that you have completed the reimbursement request form and have received approval from the committee before you register for your class.
After you complete your course, your reimbursement will be processed when we have received your signed reimbursement form, transcript, and proof of payment.
What travel guidelines exist?
If you are requesting staff development reimbursement for an event that requires travel, you must abide by the employee travel policies and procedures established by the district.
Meal allowances: Meals will not be reimbursed for travel that begins and ends on the same day unless travel is greater than 40 miles. Exceptions may be considered on a case‐by‐case basis by the employees supervisor. The maximum per-person daily allowance for meals shall be $40 for breakfast, $50 for lunch, and $70 for dinner (including reasonable/customary gratuities and applicable local tax) any expenses in excess will not be reimbursed by the District.
Lodging: Reasonable and necessary lodging will be reimbursed as supported by receipts. All lodging must be in the geographical area of the event and must be approved in advance by the supervisor or designee. When a traveler shares lodging with a non‐District traveler, a reimbursement to the traveler is limited to the rates for the District traveler only.
Carrier Travel: The expense of traveling by public carrier (airplane, bus, rail etc.) will be allowed on the basis of actual cost. Travelers will be expected to use the most economical mode of transportation where practical and in the best interest of the District. First class, business class, and premium travel are not authorized.
Emergency Contact: It will be the responsibility of the District traveler to inform their immediate supervisor of their contact information while traveling. This is necessary so that the employee can be contacted in case of an emergency.
Claims shall be submitted within 60 calendar days following completion of travel. The only exception is travel at fiscal year-end; the claim form must be turned in no later than July 8.
You will receive a copy of the travel guidelines if your submission is approved.
What process do I follow to request use of classified staff development funds?
- Fill out the staff development request form.
- The staff development committee will assess your request.
- Applicant will be notified with an update via email.
- Once approved, pay for your development activity.
- Fill out the reimbursement form that CCEU will send you. We will coordinate administrator signatures.
- CCEU will submit final form to HR for final approval.
- Check is printed!
Where can I find professional development opportunities?
We have a spreadsheet with ideas of some popular conferences that may apply to your role. This is an editable form- add in your favorite professional development opportunities!
We recommend using Google or LinkedIn to look into other opportunities. Ask your colleagues on campus, too!
Who to contact if you have questions?
Contact the committee members:
Michel Hernandez (mihernan@cabrillo.edu)
Jasmine Northcutt (janorthc@cabrillo.edu)
Cabrillo Classified Employees Union 