Section 1. Purpose

Employees shall be allowed the opportunity, within the limits of this Agreement, to continue their education, improve their performance and expand their promotional possibilities by taking courses.

Section 2. Work Related Education

If an employee is required by the Employer to take a course, attend conferences, seminars, workshops, professional and scientific meetings or training as a condition of continuing employment, the Employer shall pay for the course and the time attending shall be treated as paid work time and associated expenses shall be reimbursed in accordance with existing University policy. Employees shall be granted paid time off to be trained in new technology or equipment required in the employee's current job.

Employees attending conferences, seminars, workshops, professional and scientific meetings or training shall be compensated for attendance and travel time in conformance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The appropriate administrator/supervisor has the discretion to determine whether a leave of absence with pay will be granted for:

1. Attendance at conferences, seminars, workshops, professional and scientific meetings and other approved educational activities.
2. Educational leave during work hours for not more than four (4) hours per week (or more if make-up schedule for additional time is approved by the appropriate administrator/supervisor) to be used for such purpose as attending class at the University of Minnesota. Proposals to use flexible hours to make up the time and work while attending class shall be considered by the supervisor based on staffing needs, availability of supervision, hours of operation, and other legitimate business reasons. If a supervisor determines it is necessary to limit the number of employees who can be gone for classes, approval, which is at the supervisor’s discretion, shall be in the order of University seniority.

Section 3. Tuition Waiver, Reduced Tuition Programs

When University reduced tuition/tuition waiver programs exist, the following guidelines apply:

1. Employees shall be granted the opportunity to make application to enroll, under existing program policies, in University courses held during non-work hours.
2. Departments shall establish written guidelines for how employees may utilize these programs.
3. These guidelines shall be provided to employees at the time of hire or upon request.

Proposals to use flexible hours to make up the time and work while attending classes shall be considered by the supervisor based on staffing needs, availability of supervision, hours of operation, and other legitimate business reasons. If a supervisor determines it is necessary to limit the number of employees who can be gone for classes, approval, which is at the supervisor's discretion, shall be in the order of University seniority.

Section 4. Career Development

Information on University career development programs which may exist shall be provided at employee orientation programs.

The appropriate Human Resources administrator and the Union agree to meet and confer, upon request, at a mutually agreed time to review information on current career development programs and to hear Union reactions.