Staff Service and Professional Development

It is expected that all Wright State University employees have the opportunity to participate in shared governance, professional development and lifelong learning. The following are guidelines for supervisors as they provide opportunities for all staff to be engaged university citizens.

1. All Staff (both classified and unclassified) can be released for a minimum of 15 hours per year* for activities such as the following:
    
   1. Staff Development Day (4 hours twice per year) or relevant professional development experiencesTown Halls/Open Forums (2 hours twice per year)
       
   2. We Serve U
       
   3. University Programs (Faculty & Staff & Retirees events, April Craze, Fall Fest, Move-In day, President's Award for Excellence reception, Convocation, etc.)
       
   4. Any Staff Senate or university sanctioned committee/subcommittee

                    (These are examples. This is not an exhaustive list.)

                    * Individual staff and office needs should be considered by supervisors in making determinations regarding staff participation in a particular activity.

2. Wright State University encourages supervisors to support staff in taking advantage of the General Education Benefits Program Policy.  This supports lifelong learning as well as the advancement and retention of the university workforce.
    
   1. Employees are permitted to take one Wright State University course per semester during working hours.
       
   2. Additional options for more courses include use of vacation or compensatory time which may be preferred by employees and is permitted but subject to workload and supervisory approval.
       
   3. Employees are required to receive supervisory approval before taking a class during work hours.  Supervisors are responsible for ensuring work outcomes and optimal staffing levels continue.  Therefore, proactive advance notice of at least 90 days is required.
       
   4. Any dispute between the supervisor and employee on the taking of a course during work hours should be addressed by the Dean and/or functional leader of the admistrative unit.

Elected members of Staff Senate (3-year term) be released, in addition to the above, an additional minimum of 48 hours per year for the activities such as but not limited to the following:

1. Monthly meetings (in general 2 hours per month)
    
2. Monthly committee meeting i.e. University and Staff Senate committees, such as Welcome Committee for orientations and new employee visits, Vision and Strategic Planning committees (in general 2 hours per month)