Professional Development Policy

Responsible Unit: Human Resources | Executive lead: CHRO 
Created: 2008 | Reviewed/Revised 08/20/2019, 4/28/2023 | Effective: 06/13/2023 
Compliance: COCA 7.6, NWCCU 2.F.2, 2.G.6 
Approving Body: PAC | Classification: Local: Employees 

Policy:  
PNWU recognizes the importance of providing professional development (PD) and training opportunities to all of its employees. In addition to development and training provided by PNWU, allocation of funds for professional development occurs each fiscal year, based on employment role, and is managed by the budget director of each unit. The budget director shall manage professional development funds in a fair and transparent manner with their direct reports. 

All employees with an FTE of 0.5 to 1.0 are eligible for professional development funds. 

Each employee seeking professional development funds shall have professional development activities preapproved by their direct supervisor. Such activities shall align with the mission and/or goals of the University, program, and/or unit to which the employee is assigned and/or align with the employee’s position. 

To access professional development funds, employees must follow approved procedure.  

Only qualifying expenses will be funded/reimbursed with allocated PD funds and in accordance with the Expenditure and Disbursement Policy. 

Qualifying expenses are those directly related to all preapproved professional development activities and material approved by the individual’s immediate supervisor and budget director. For example: 

  • Travel  
  • Accommodations/lodging 
  • Registration fees (conference, workshop, webinar, etc.) 
  • Professional dues and memberships 
  • Meals (per diem) 
  • Continuing Education Units 
  • Courses or training that will enhance employee development relative to their profession 
  • Course tuition, fees, and supplies in support of PD goals (not associated with a degree program) 
  • Research materials/supplies 
  • Books, journals, subscriptions 
  • Abstract fees and costs associated with presentation materials 
  • Publication costs 

Definitions:  
Professional development is learning that advances individual competence, skill, and effectiveness in alignment with the mission and/or goals of the University, program, and/or unit to which the employee is assigned and/or align with the employee’s position. 

Procedure:  
Preapproval and Reimbursement for PD, Required/Necessary Activities, and Licensure/Certification 

Related Documents: 
Expenditure and Disbursement Policy 
Licensure and Certification Policy 

Policy Resources

For assistance with policies and procedures contact:

Lori Fulton
lfulton@pnwu.edu