Professional Development
Professional development is that continuing growth which enables an individual to perform their duties more effectively. The professional growth includes the improvement of instructional effectiveness and technical skills, academic achievement, and university services.
It is the policy of Purchase College to encourage the continuing development of the professional and classified staff. This policy shall be implemented by:
- Recommendation for leave for professional development purposes whenever the services of the staff member can be spared;
- Approval of requests for travel reimbursement for professional purposes within budgetary limitations;
- Endorsement of grant applications and tuition waivers for course enrollment, and
- Encouragement of research and individual study and other methods traditionally employed by institutions of higher education for this purpose including periods of full-time employment outside the State University.
Training
Periodic training opportunities are provided to college faculty and staff on a variety of topics and at a variety of locations, on and off-campus. Contact the Human Resources Office for further information.
In addition, programs are frequently offered to supervisory and support staff through various programs and collective bargaining agreements. For information regarding registration and current offerings by the various bargaining unions, please visit the following website for your respective bargaining union:
- Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)
- Governor’s Office of Employee Relations
- Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU)
- Management Confidential - M/C
- NYSCOPBA
- United University Professions (UUP)
Labor Education Action Program (LEAP)
Members of the CSEA bargaining unit are eligible to apply for a tuition voucher that may be used at a variety of New York state colleges and BOCES centers to take a credit or non-credit course. Based upon available funding, vouchers are awarded once each year. For additional information please visit the following website: NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training
Clerical & Secretarial Advancement Program (CSEAP)
Dedicated to helping NYS clerical and secretarial employees reach their full potential, the program targets employees in the Administrative Services Unit (ASU) of CSEA. Eligible employees can use the general career mobility information and job-related training and development opportunities that CSEAP provides, to meet the challenges and demands of their current positions and future occupations. For additional information please visit the following website: NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training
SUNY Tuition Waiver Program
This program waives employee tuition expenses for career-related, credit course work as determined by your supervisor, taken at SUNY institutions. Recreation, hobby or personal interest courses, whether or not required for a degree, are not eligible for tuition waiver. Partial tuition, and sometimes full tuition, is authorized subject to the availability of funds. Individuals are expected to provide their own books and course supplies.
Course Auditing
At no direct cost, employees may audit classes that are held on campus subject to the availability of space and at the discretion of the individual instructor. No grades or transcripts will be provided to those sitting in on classes. Individuals are expected to provide their own books and course supplies.
Tuition Waiver Program for UUP represented employees - Article 49 of the Agreement between UUP and the State of New York
The current contractual agreement provides for tuition assistance on a “space available” basis. When space is available, UUP represented employees may enroll in a course on a tuition free basis at SUNY Purchase or any other unit of the State University. A one-course per term maximum is imposed. Individuals must provide their own books and course supplies, and are responsible for other course fees as required.
E-Learning Program for UUP-represented employees
The New York State/United University Professions Joint Labor-Management Committees (NYS/UUP JLMC) is pleased to announce the Empire Knowledgebank (EKB) eLearning Program for UUP-represented employees. Employees who apply to the EKB Program will be issued a license to access eLearning products provided by Enterprise Training Solutions, Inc. With the EKB license, employees will have the opportunity to access thousands of eLearning courses, eBooks and short course videos for opportunities to enhance their professional and career development, for certification preparation and continuing education in a variety of areas.
The EKB eLearning Program can be accessed anytime and anywhere with an internet connection and is provided at no expense to the campus or the employee.
This is a terrific opportunity to learn new skills, stay one a step ahead of peers and advance your career! You choose how to learn! Your account is loaded with a wide selection of multi-media courses, videos, simulations, live mentors, and job aids These resources will help you learn new skills, prepare you to pass certification exams, and earn continuing education units (CEU/PDU).
Employees interested in using the EKB license must complete the EKB application and submit it to the NYS/UUP JLMC. Application and Guidelines can be found on the NYS/UUP JLMC website. Applications may be submitted on an ongoing basis and EKB licenses will be issued on a first come basis. Users will be notified via email with instructions on how to access the EKB Program along with a password.
Since there are a limited number of EKB licenses available, any EKB license that is not used within 60 days of the date issued may be deactivated.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the NYS/UUP JLMC staff at 518.486.4666 or visit there website.
E-learning Program for GSEU- represented employees
Article 30 Professional Development Committee of the 2016-2019 Agreement negotiated between New York State (State) and the Communications Workers of America, Local 1104/Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU) provides funding for teaching and graduate assistants represented by GSEU to further their professional development.
Professional Development Program
Funds are awarded for a variety of professional development projects or activities to assist eligible teaching assistants and graduate assistants represented by GSEU to develop their full professional potential or prepare for advancement.
Empire Knowledgebank eLearning Program
The Empire Knowledgebank (EKB) eLearning Program allows employees represented by GSEU to access eLearning products provided by Enterprise Training Solutions, Inc. through the EKB license. Employees will have the opportunity to access thousands of eLearning courses, eBooks and short course videos for opportunities to enhance their professional and career development, for certification preparation and continuing education in a variety of areas. The EKB license can be accessed anytime and anywhere with an internet connection.
If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Bradshaw in the Human Resources Department at 914-251-6090.