Purpose

Lindenwood University is committed to providing professional and personal success and wellness of all employees from the time of application through retirement. Our faculty and staff are to feel equipped and motivated to positively impact student learning outcomes and overall experience, as well as, to pursue their own full potential. 

Scope

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, and individuals employed by or seeking employment with the University.

Policy

Faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in 40 hours of professional development each year in areas of knowledge and skills, compliance, safety, and wellness. All employees are eligible to participate in development opportunities offered through the Lindenwood Learning Academy. Additionally, Faculty and staff are eligible to apply for support for professional development/travel. Funding is approved based on the evaluation criteria established by each college or department and based on the funding available within each budget cycle for professional development. Staff work directly with their supervisor to request approval and funding for external professional development. Faculty work with their supervisor and dean to request approval and funding for external professional development.

Examples of supported professional development opportunities for faculty include but may not be limited to:

• Tier 1: Attending a conference or training course to advance or expand subject area expertise: Assuming funding is available and approved, faculty seeking this type of development opportunity may be reimbursed for approved expenses up to $750 per event.
• Tier 2: Presenting a paper, poster, or performance at a conference: Assuming funding is available and approved, faculty seeking this type of development opportunity may be reimbursed for approved expenses up to $1,500 per event and up to a total of $2,000 for two events per fiscal year.
• Tier 3: Attending a conference or training course at the request of the supervisor: The employee is reimbursed for all approved expenses.
• Tier 4: Accompanying a student who is presenting a paper, poster, or performance: Each proposal will be evaluated by the respective dean. Funding is approved at the discretion of the deans and may fluctuate depending on budgetary factors.

Employees are encouraged to work with their supervisors and deans to construct their professional development plans in advance for the upcoming fiscal year. Faculty and staff must complete and submit a Spend Authorization form (found on Useful Links in Workday) well in advance of the date of each event. Employees will not be reimbursed for travel occurring before final approval.

After the approved travel is complete, the employee must complete an expense report in Workday, attaching receipts for all approved expenses. The Workday Expense Report form includes a link to the Travel and Expense Report Policies and Guidelines document.