Civil Service Professional Development Fund

The Civil Service Professional Development Fund was originally established by the generous support of friends and coworkers in honor of a retired University civil service staff member. The CSC has elected to continue the program and sets aside funds from its budget. At the beginning of each fiscal year, July 1, $2,000 in grant money is available from the Civil Service Committee budget for distribution to civil service staff members who wish to enroll in a professional development program. The allocation and distribution of this fund will be the responsibility of the Civil Service Committee, which will serve as the review board, apply the guidelines, and make interpretations and exceptions when appropriate. Preference will be given to applications from employees who are not receiving reimbursements from their department for professional development program expenses.

Guidelines

Professional Development Requests: The purpose of the fund is to reimburse employees for out-of-pocket expenses. Funds may be requested by any non-bargaining unit University civil service staff member who is employed at least 75% time. The funds may be requested for registration fees for one seminar, workshop, conference, or course. Funds will not be granted to pay for travel, hotel or meal expenses, general career planning seminars, association dues, University and other college credit courses, books or course supplies, certification tests, or student-preparation tests (such as GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT).

Funds can be requested by a current civil service employee for programs that enrich skills and knowledge. Applications for training for required job duties (e.g. computer classes for software currently used) will not be considered.

The Civil Service Committee will review requests and make awards on a monthly basis. Applicants may apply for a one-time grant of up to $200.00 per year; an employee receiving an award must wait 12 months to re-apply for additional funds. Awards will be made when funds are available and criteria have been met.

Timing of applications: Applications must be received by the Civil Service Committee by the 15^th of each month for consideration and action at its monthly meeting. Applicants are encouraged to send applications via fax or U.S. mail, versus campus mail. Requests must be received by the committee 4 weeks prior to the date of the seminar or course. Awards are made after reimbursement requirements have been met and received by the Committee, no later than 2 weeks after the class occurred. Reimbursements will be made to employees only. Departments will NOT be reimbursed. Applicants who receive an award will be asked to write a brief statement about their experience, after the course is finished. Notification of award status will be sent via email. If you have any questions, please contact Roxy McCann at: doni0007@umn.edu.

This program is for non-bargaining unit civil service employees only.