Music Staff Travel Award for Professional Development

Objectives and Criteria:

This professional development (travel) award program aims to enhance the growth, skills, and knowledge of the
College of Music employees. This aligns with the University’s strategic pillar: “create an environment in which
excellence and opportunity thrive, attract and keep talent, and create conditions where staff can do their best work,
individually and collaboratively.” The opportunities available in receiving this award are:

1. the enhancement of new skills and gaining new
   knowledge for your current or future positions;
2. facilitating professional growth that leads to career advancement;
3. encouraging the innovation of new ideas and development of leadership skills;
4. promotes sharing of knowledge
   among other team members, which fosters a culture of collaboration; and
5. address performance gaps which
   enhances the ability to contribute effectively to the College and University’s vision and mission.

This program is designed to supplement the funding of the Educational Assistance/Professional Development
benefit offered to Support Staff by the University. Administrative Professionals (APA) and Administrative
Professional Supervisors (APSA) are awarded up to $900 per academic year. Clerical-Technical (CTU) Staff are
allocated up to $800 per academic year.

Application Form

Application Submission:

The Music Staff PD travel awards are allocated during the academic year (July 1 through June 30th). The steps to
completing the process include:

• Fully complete the application, sign it, and submit it to your supervisor for review and approval. Application
  should be submitted at least 90 days prior to the date of event and/or travel.
• Once approved by the supervisor, the application is forwarded to the Selection Committee** through the
  HR Director for review and approval.
• If approved, the notification is made by email to the employee, the Supervisor, and the Finance Director.
  Awarded funds are arranged through the College/University travel and reimbursement policy.

Note: some employment categories require staff to be employed for at least 12 months prior to being eligible for this benefit.

Post-Travel Reporting

Upon return from the professional development event, the Staff member must prepare a short (10-15 minute)
presentation or report addressing the objectives of the award. Time will be allocated at a future College Staff
meeting for this presentation and the Staff member must present.

Continuous Feedback and Improvement:

For budgeting purposes, a specific staff travel sub-account or object code should be established to report annual
expenses easily.

If a Selection Committee is formed, it is recommended that service terms be established to rotate out members
periodically. This is to ensure a systematic and transparent application process for the professional develo