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Faculty Handbook

Professional Development

Professional development refers to skills and knowledge attained for both individual development and career advancement. Professional development encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from formal coursework to conferences and webinars, to informal learning opportunities situated in professional or pedagogical practice. 

Donnelly's Professional Development Program is intended to enable faculty, staff, and administrators to better serve students by increasing knowledge and skills and to progress professionally in individual disciplines. The program also seeks to foster an atmosphere wherein learning is valued and shared among colleagues. Donnelly College will provide resources necessary to support a commitment to ongoing professional development.

 

Eligibility:

  • First year faculty and instructors are eligible for professional development funding after teaching is completed for the fall semester.
  • All other non-nursing faculty, full-time and part-time adjuncts, are eligible to participate in this program.
  • Program participation is voluntary, but funding preference will be given to those who have developed an Individual Development Plan (IDP). Full-time Faculty Instructors are expected to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with their supervisor.
  • The nursing program will follow their own professional development policy.

Professional Development funds policy: Funds for Professional Development will be restricted for first-year full-time faculty policy until after they have completed a full semester in their first year. The nursing program will follow their own professional development policy.

IDPs/Individual Development Plans must be submitted by July 31st for the academic year fall semester. At least one IDP per every other academic year is required for full-time faculty. Copies of completed IDPs (with the Department Director's signature) should be kept in the faculty's rank and promotion dossier and in the employee's Personnel File in Human Resources. Refer to #1 below for additional details.

 

Participating in Professional Development:

Those interested in serving on the Professional Development Committee should contact the current Chair of the Committee or their immediate supervisor for more information. More information about Professional Development can be found on the Donnelly College website LINK www.donnelly.edu/staff/professional-development 

Professional development varies enormously from field to field and includes any activity that enhances or aids individuals in performing their duties in any teaching, research, or service capacity at Donnelly College. Professional development activities may include, but are not limited to, participation in professional organizations and activities; research, scholarship, and service activities; improvement and enhancement of teaching and pedagogy; learning about teaching methods and technology issues. Individuals with questions about what counts as professional development should contact the current Chair of the Professional Development Committee.

A wide variety of professional development sources, both internal and external, are available. Internal sources include on-campus workshops, Faculty Senate professional development presentations, and department or program presentations and/or workshops. External professional development opportunities include discipline-specific conferences, seminars, symposia, and other training efforts, professional journals, and webinars.

Applying for Professional Development Funds

  1. Those wishing to apply for funding for professional development activities must follow the steps listed below.
    Fill out an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and submit it to immediate supervisor, (located on the Human Resources webpage - LINK www.donnelly.edu/staff/human-resources).
  2. For out-of-town activities, the applicant should contact the College Chief Financial Officer to determine the per diem for the city traveled.
  3. Fill out a Professional Development Request Form (located on the Professional Development Webpage - LINK www.donnelly.edu/staff/professional-development) to apply for advance funds to cover travel and conference registration.
  4. After the Professional Development Request is approved, complete a Travel Request Form (located on the Professional Development Webpage - LINK www.donnelly.edu/staff/professional-development) with your estimated expenses.
  5. IMPORTANT: While traveling, SAVE ALL RECEIPTS.
  6. Upon return, the attendee must complete a Travel Reimbursement form (located on the Professional Development Webpage - LINK www.donnelly.edu/staff/professional-development) and submit it to the Department Director.