Professional Development

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:

The NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training is a joint labor-management organization that provides education and training services to NYS agencies and CSEA-represented employees. The Partnership is funded through the collective bargaining agreements between the State of New York and the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA).

The Partnership’s programs and services meet a range of employee and workforce needs:

Individual CSEA-represented employees enroll in job skills and professional development courses offered at training sites across the state and can also access an extensive online learning program.
Thousands of employees use tuition benefits and advisement services to pursue their educational and career goals.
Labor-management committees work with Partnership staff to learn how to strengthen their structure and relationships to address issues of mutual concern more effectively.
A wide range of other programs and services are also available to employees and agency labor and management representatives.

To view a list of programs and services they offer, please visit the NYS CSEA Partnership for Education and Training Website

Example of programs and services they offer:

Tuition Benefits, Online Learning Certificate Programs, Skills for Success Courses and Webinars, Adult Education Basic Courses and Administrative Traineeship Resources

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.

If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at 914-251-6090.

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.

Guidelines and Application

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.

Guidelines and Application

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Bradshaw in the Human Resources Department at 914-251-6090.

Human Resources

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