Carolina Performing Arts: Requesting Professional Development Funding Procedure

The Executive Director for the Arts (EDA) encourages permanent full-time employees to participate in professional development opportunities and offers funding when resources allow.

Unit Procedure

Title

Carolina Performing Arts:  Procedure for Requesting Professional Development Funding

Introduction

Purpose

Carolina Performing Arts encourages permanent full-time employees to participate in professional development opportunities and offers funding when resources allow.

Scope

Permanent full-time employees.

Procedure

CPA budgets funding for professional development opportunities annually. CPA approves requests for professional development funding on a case-by-case basis. Funding for professional development opportunities must come from the administration budget line when approved by the Executive and Artistic Director (EAD). Individual budget managers may not use budget from other lines towards professional development. Professional development opportunities funded by the organization must support the mission and goals of CPA and relate to the employee’s job responsibilities.

Planning

As part of the annual goal planning process, senior directors should discuss potential upcoming professional development opportunities with their team members. For opportunities that include expenses, such as registration fees or travel, the employee must secure senior director approval before making the request to the EAD. Senior directors should strategically plan for and consider coverage of duties during employee absences and ensure that each team member can apply for professional development funding.

For example:

• Consider alternating employees/years for annual conferences,
• Prioritize team members who have not had the opportunity for professional development in the previous year,
• Consider organization and department goals, and
• Consider time sensitive training opportunities.

Request Form

Eligible employees must secure their senior director's approval prior to submitting a request for funding to the EAD. The professional development request form requires details of the professional development opportunity, estimated budget, and benefit to the organization. Employees are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible in the fiscal year, but no later than 30 days before the start of the professional development activity. Professional development that includes travel must follow University travel policies.

• Link to request form

Approval

Only the EAD can approve professional development funding. The EAD considers budget availability and business benefit when evaluating requests. Employees may not commit any funds until the EAD approves the request. The employee receives approval via email. Expenses incurred by the employee must comply with University policy.

Reporting

After an employee completes the professional development, they will report what they learned and how it relates to or benefits EDA via a written summary or presentation to all staff.

Related Requirements

University Policies, Standards, and Procedures

• Finance Policy 1501: Policy on Business Travel
• Finance Policy 1505: Policy on Travel and Expense Card Program
• Finance Policy 1506: Policy on Travel and Expense Card Infractions

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Name: Mya Nguyen

Title: Director of Operations and Strategy

Unit: Carolina Performing Arts

Email: CPABusinessOffice@unc.edu

Important Dates

• Effective Date and title of Approver:
  1. Effective Date: 30 July 2024
  2. Approver: Allison M. Friedman, Executive and Artistic Director
• Revision and Review Dates, Change notes, title of Reviewer or Approver:
  1. Last Revised Date: 30 July 2024
  2. Revised by: 
  3. Substantive Revisions:
• Next Review Date: July 1, 2026