Professional Development / Training

Kutztown University supports continuous growth through professional development and training for all faculty and staff. Employees can apply for programs to expand their expertise and gain new technical skills. Available opportunities vary based on your specific work unit.

AFSCME PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • AFSCME Professional Development Guidelines

    You may submit one request per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) in one of the following categories:

    1. Individual Study (Credit-Bearing Courses)

    • What it covers: Tuition and required fees for courses that improve your job-related skills.

    • Funding Limit: Up to $500 per fiscal year.

    • Requirements: * Must be a permanent full-time or part-time employee in active pay status.

      • Must earn a "C" or better (Undergraduate) or "B" or better (Graduate) to receive reimbursement.

    2. Travel Assistance (Workshops & Seminars)

    • What it covers: Travel to meetings, workshops, or seminars that directly enhance your current position at the university.

    • Funding Limit: Up to $500 per fiscal year.

    • Requirements:

      • The event must focus on professional skill enhancement or service delivery.

      • Must be approved by your immediate supervisor and cabinet-level supervisor.

    HOW TO APPLY:

    The Professional Development Committee (APDC) will only consider complete applications. Incomplete forms will be returned.

    Step 1: Gather Your Documents

    • For Study: Course title, description, brochure/outline, and an itemized cost statement.

    • For Travel: University Travel Request form, purpose of the trip, and benefit to the University.

    • Signatures: You must upload the approval forms from your supervisor and cabinet-level lead.

    Step 2: Submit Online

    Complete the official application form here: AFSCME Professional Development Application

    Step 3: Reimbursement

    Once your request is approved and completed, submit your receipts and/or grade report to Human Resources for reimbursement.

  • AFSCME Tuition Waiver: Employee Guide

    Eligible AFSCME employees receive a 100% tuition waiver for undergraduate credits taken at Kutztown University.

    ELIGIBILITY AND COVERAGE:

    • Who: Permanent full-time employees who have completed their 6-month probationary period.

    • What: 100% of Tuition is waived.

    • Where: This waiver is only valid at Kutztown University.

    • Academic Level: Undergraduate credits only.

    • Credit Limits: * Maximum of 6 credits per semester (Fall, Spring, and Winter or Summer).

      • Lifetime limit of 128 total undergraduate credits.

    KEY RESTRICTIONS:

    • Space-Available Basis: You may only enroll in a course if there is an open seat (space available).

    • No Independent Study: The waiver cannot be used for Independent Study or Individualized Instruction (IS/II) courses.

    • Withdrawn/Incomplete: Courses marked as "Withdrawn" or "Incomplete" on your transcript still count toward your 128-credit lifetime limit.

    WORK SCHEDULE AND MAKE-UP TIME:

    Courses must be taken during non-working hours. If a class overlaps with your shift, you must submit an Alternate Work Schedule with your application.

    • Approval: Requires approval from your Supervisor and HR.

    • Make-Up Rules:  You cannot start your shift early to make up time.

      • You cannot use paid break time to attend class.

      • Make-up time is limited to lunch hours or time after your regular shift.

      • Travel time is calculated as 10 minutes each way (20 mins total).

    HOW TO APPLY:

    1. Register: Sign up for your undergraduate classes through the Registrar.

    2. Submit Form: Complete the AFSCME Tuition Waiver Form.

    3. Deadline: Submit the application no later than eight weeks before the semester payment deadline to avoid billing issues.

    4. Frequency: You must submit a new form for every semester (Fall, Spring, Summer I, or Summer II).

MANAGEMENT (NON-REPRESENTATIVE) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Management Professional Development Guidelines

    Kutztown University supports permanent full-time and part-time Managers in their professional growth. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

    APPLICATION TIMELINE:

    Applications must be submitted at least 30 calendar days before your event or course begins. The Committee votes monthly to review requests.

    • Review Date: The 15th of every month.

    • Notification: You will receive an email decision shortly after the committee vote.

    FUNDING CATEGORIES:

    Managers may apply for one grant per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).

    CATEGORY I: INDIVIDUAL STUDY GRANT (Courses)

    • Funding Limit: Up to $1,000 per fiscal year (Prorated for part-time managers).

    • Covers: Tuition and required fees for credit-bearing courses.

    • Exclusions: Does not cover conferences, certifications, or workshops (use Category II).

    • Grade Requirement: Must earn a "C" or better (Undergraduate) or "B" or better (Graduate).

    CATEGORY II: FUNDING ASSISTANCE (Conferences and Seminars)

    • Funding Limit: Up to $500 per fiscal year (Prorated for part-time managers).

    • Covers: Professional meetings, conferences, seminars, or workshops directly related to your role.

    • Process: Funding is typically handled via a budget transfer to your department’s cost center.

    ELIGIBILITY AND RULES:

    • 6-Month Rule: You must have successfully completed your initial six-month probationary period.

    • Status: Must be a permanent manager not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

    • No "Double-Dipping": You may split your allocated funds between Professional Development and Out-Service Training; however, these funds cannot be applied to a course already fully covered by Out-Service Training.

    • Changes: Any changes to an approved request must be re-approved by the committee and your supervisor before you spend the money.

    HOW TO APPLY:

    1. Prepare Your Proposal: Include the course/event title, dates, and a description of how it benefits the University.

    2. Submit Online: Use the Management Professional Development Application.

    3. Required Documentation: For Individual Study, you must provide an itemized cost statement and a course description.

    4. Reimbursement Process: Upon completion, submit your grade report or itemized receipts to Human Resources along with the MPD Direct Payment Form issued by HR. Please note that travel-related reimbursements are processed via a budget transfer to your department’s cost center rather than a direct payment.

    💡 MANAGER Tip:

    Unlike other staff grants, the Management fund allows you to split your $1,000 Category I grant across multiple semesters (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) as long as you don't exceed the $1,000 total for the fiscal year.

  • Management Out-Service Training Guidelines (Departmental Funding)

    Out-Service Training is specialized professional development provided by a qualified outside agency (such as a professional organization or educational institution) to help you gain skills specifically needed for your current role.

    ELIGIBILITY:

    • Must have successfully completed the probationary period.
    • Training cannot be used to compensate for not meeting the minimum qualifications of the job; those are the employee’s responsibility.

    BEFORE APPLYING:

    • Training needs must be identified and discussed with your supervisor at the beginning of your performance evaluation period.
    • Internal training options must be considered first (e.g., courses available at Kutztown University).
    • Employee and supervisor should agree on the year’s development plan and appropriate training options.

    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

    • Submit a completed Out‑Service Training Request Form with supporting documentation.
    • Supervisor must approve the request and confirm:
      • The training fits the agreed-upon development plan.
      • Budget source information is provided.
      • Whether the training is for the current role or future promotional/transfer needs.
    • Divisional Vice President must approve based on:
      • Policy compliance
      • Budget availability

    FUNDING LIMITS AND PAYMENT RULES:

    • Maximum funding: $3,000 per occurrence/semester (Fall, Spring, and Winter or Summer).
    • Funding is not guaranteed and depends on available resources.
    • For non‑academic courses: payment goes directly to the training provider; travel reimbursement goes to the employee.
    • For academic courses:
      • Payment is made after successful completion, directly to the employee.
      • Required grades:
        • Undergraduate: C or higher
        • Graduate: B or higher
        • Dissertation credits/fees are not eligible.

    AFTER COMPLETING THE COURSE:

    • Employees must submit final grades and a direct pay form issue by Human Resources during the semester.
      • KU courses: payable to Kutztown University with deferal request to Student Accounts
      • External courses: payable to the employee with invoice and receipt

    TAX CONSIDERATION:

    Employer‑Provided Education Assistance
    Your employer can offer up to $5,250 per year in educational assistance that is not counted as taxable income to you. This benefit comes from Internal Revenue Code Section 127, which allows employers to pay for qualified education expenses, including graduate‑level coursework, without the amount being treated as taxable wages.

  • Management Tuition Waiver Guide

    Permanent Management staff are eligible for 100% tuition waivers on coursework that supports job-related professional development.

    ELIGIBILITY AND COVERAGE:

    • Who: Permanent full-time Management employees (permanent part-time employees on a pro-rated basis).

    • What: 100% of Tuition is waived.

    WORK SCHEDULE RULES:

    • Courses should be taken outside of your regular work hours.

    • If a course is only offered during your regular work schedule, you must:

      1. Require approval from your supervisor.

      2. Create a plan to make up the missed work time.

      3. Ensure the course does not interfere with your job performance.

    HOW TO APPLY:

    1. Register: Enroll in your job-related course(s) at Kutztown University.

    2. Submit Form: Complete the Tuition Waiver Form for each semester or summer session.

    3. Timeline: Submit the form to the Kutztown HR office before the semester begins to ensure your bill is credited properly.

SCUPA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • SCUPA Professional Development Guidelines

    The SCUPA Professional Development Guidelines at Kutztown University outline the following key requirements for State University Administrators (SUA):

    GENERAL ELIGIBILITY AND RULES:

    • Eligibility: Open to permanent full-time and part-time SCUPA employees in active pay status. Employees on leave without pay are not eligible.

    • Frequency: Limited to one request per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).

    • Review Committee: Applications are reviewed by the SCUPA Professional Development Committee, which consists of two SCUPA representatives, two administrative representatives, and one HR representative.

    • Budgetary Note: All awards are contingent upon available budgetary allocations and are processed in the order received.

    CATEGORY I: INDIVIDUAL STUDY GRANTS (Credit-Bearing Courses)

    • Purpose: To cover tuition and required fees for credit-bearing courses that improve the applicant's professional development.

    • Funding Limit: Maximum of $750 per person, per fiscal year.

    • Academic Requirements: To receive reimbursement, you must achieve a grade of "C" or better for undergraduate courses or a "B" or better for graduate courses.

    • Restriction: Professional conferences are not eligible under Category I.

    CATEGORY II: FUNDING ASSISTANCE (Conferences, Seminars, Workshops)

    • Purpose: To support attendance at meetings, seminars, workshops, and non-credit courses that enhance job-related skills or knowledge.

    • Funding Limit: Maximum of $500 per person, per fiscal year.

    • Requirements: Must provide a clear explanation of how the activity benefits the university, improves service delivery, and enhances professional skills. 

    APPLICATION TIMELINE:

    • Reviewed on a first‑come, first‑served basis subject to available funding.
    • Required committee votes
    • Decisions communicated via email.

    SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

    Requests must be submitted through the online application system and include:

    • Course/Event Details: Title, institution, and start/end dates.

    • Narrative: Explanation of the purpose and benefits to the university.

    • Costs: Itemized cost statement and/or University travel request form.

    • Modifications: Any changes to an approved grant must be authorized by the committee before funds are spent.

  • SCUPA Tuition Waiver: Employee Guide

    Eligible SCUPA employees receive a 100% tuition waiver for undergraduate and graduate credits taken at any PASSHE university.

    ELIGIBILITY AND COVERAGE:

    • Must be a permanent full‑time SCUPA employee in active pay status.
    • Certain leave statuses can remove eligibility for the waiver.
    • Eligibility is verified at the start of each semester.
    • A pre‑approved waiver does not guarantee payment if employment status changes. 

    KEY RESTRICTIONS:

    • Credit limits include:
      • Up to 128 undergraduate credits, or
      • Up to 60 graduate credits, or
      • Any combination up to 60 credits.
    • Courses must be taken on a space‑available basis.
    • Independent Study / Individualized Instruction courses are NOT eligible.
    • Employees may take up to 6 credits per semester (Fall, Spring, and Winter or Summer).
    • Courses must be scheduled outside regular work hours unless an alternate schedule is approved by supervisor and Human Resources.

    REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS:

    • The tuition waiver form does NOT register the employee for classes. Registration must be completed through the Admissions Office or Registrar.
    • The tuition waiver form is used only to verify eligibility with Human Resources.

     HOW TO APPLY:

    1. Register: Sign up for your undergraduate classes through the Registrar.

    2. Submit Form: Complete the SCUPA Tuition Waiver Form.

    3. Deadline: Submit the application no later than eight weeks before the semester payment deadline to avoid billing issues.

    4. Frequency: You must submit a new form for every semester (Fall, Spring, Summer I, or Summer II).

OTHER WORK UNIT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT  OPPORTUNITIES:

APSCUF FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 
Apply through the Grants and Sponsored Projects Office 

OPEIU NURSES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
See Article 40 for training opportunities