DAHLONEGA - To support staff members in professional development, Dr. Bonita Jacobs, president of the University of North Georgia (UNG), has increased staff development funding from $15,000 for the past two years to $25,000 for the 2015 fiscal year. She also revealed new awards for staff during the university’s recent fall faculty and staff assemblies.
“To underscore the value of staff members to student success and their diverse and indispensable contributions, this year, I will award seven Presidential Excellence Awards,” Jacobs said. “We will recognize seven staff members from separate human resources categories who have demonstrated excellence through outstanding performance in accordance with the strategic goals of the university. Additionally, I am working with Staff Council to ensure they have appropriate resources to support professional development programs and opportunities for staff.”
Professional development encompasses learning opportunities such as work-related seminars, conferences, workshops and continuing education classes on and off campus. To receive funding, staff need to fill out a Staff Development Funding Reimbursement Request — forms and more information can be found here.
“Staff development is vital to the University of North Georgia; it keeps our staff current with their profession and also educates them about new products and services that help them to advance in their careers,” said Tim Aldridge, chairman of UNG’s Staff Council. “Staff Council has a committee dedicated to staff development and oversees applications for staff to receive up to $250 each to attend conferences, work related seminars or certifications. I would like to thank President Jacobs for her continued support of the staff – UNG has made an investment, and the staff needs to take advantage of these funds.”
Staff development funds can pay the cost of registration fees, gas, meals and lodging. All travel expenses must follow current state rules and regulations. Requests will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be accepted only during the current fiscal year. Aldridge advised that staff members submit requests as early as possible to ensure funding.
Posted by Jeremy Dye on September 11, 2014
