Recognizing the importance of continued training and development for classified staff, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) encourages participation in work-related classes, seminars and training sessions. "Work-related" is defined in a broad sense to include personal and skills development not strictly applicable to current job functions, but which may improve performance through employee growth and development.

Each .5 FTE or above, non-probationary classified staff employee is encouraged to attend at least 16 hours of class, seminar or training per fiscal year in addition to any mandatory orientation, safety or training class.

RELEASE TIME

• Supervisors are encouraged to grant release time to attend a class or training session unless it would conflict with an essential and irreplaceable function of the employee. The supervisor must, however, make a concerted effort to arrange for a replacement to allow the employee to attend the class or training session.
  
  
• If the department requires an employee to attend a class or seminar, the department will grant release time. If the required class is held outside regular work hours, compensatory time off will be given or overtime will be paid for non-exempt employees.
  
  
• If the course is directly related to the employee's job, but is not required, the supervisor will grant release time to attend.
  
  
• If the course is neither required nor related, the employee will make up the missed time.

PAYMENT FOR FEES, BOOKS, SUPPLIES, OR TRAVEL
(Contact your unit's business office for details on procedures to obtain funding.)

• Each department will contribute at least $50 per year per employee toward fees, books, supplies, or travel for classes, seminars, or training sessions. Any costs incurred above the $50 benefit may be paid by the department or employee as deemed appropriate. (Contact unit business manager for details on how payments can best be processed.)
  
  
• If the department requires an employee to attend a University of Arizona credit course, the department will pay the total cost after the fee waiver.
  
  
• If the department requires a non University of Arizona course, the department will pay fees and costs related to the course.

These guidelines are intended to encourage the training and development of the classified staff of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and are not intended to limit nor restrict training opportunities. In addition, they are intended to encourage widespread participation and to supplement and clarify the position of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in regard to the University Classified Staff Personnel Policy and Procedures.