I16: Training and Development Policy

Responsibility for Maintenance: Human Resources 

Date of most recent changes: June 17, 2024

I. Policy Statement

The College supports the efforts of individual employees to undertake qualifying course work and training to improve their job-related skills and knowledge, subject to the controls and conditions established within this Training and Development Policy.  To the maximum extent possible, training resources are available through and within the institution.

II. Reason for Policy

Employees of the College are encouraged to continuously update skills and participate in professional development opportunities through resources made available by the institution.  This is best accomplished through a joint effort to identify whether an employee’s current job responsibilities require training and development to improve skills and perform present job assignments or to remain current with innovations and emerging trends and developments in their field. 

III. Applicability of the Policy

Employees who are utilizing College resources for training and development may be subject to specific eligibility requirements in addition to the approval of the responsible Vice President including the Collective Bargaining Agreements and being in "good standing" as determine by the Vice President of Human Resources. 

Non-College Training Resources - The availability and use of non-College resources for training is subject to the following:

Employee Eligibility Criteria

Employee eligibility may be determined by FTE status (for example, a part-time, non-benefit eligible employee is not eligible except for post-probationary adjunct faculty); the respective Collective Bargaining Agreement; whether the employee is in good standing as determined by the Vice President of Human Resources; must not be on unpaid leave of absence; and receive approval from their supervisor and area Vice President/Senior Vice President. 

Qualifying Course Work 

Training/coursework through non-College resources must meet one of the following criteria to be paid for by the College:

• Training/coursework required by either New York State or by law, rule, or regulation to maintain employment status or job; or
• Training/coursework that directly supports or improves skills required for current job assignments, duties, or responsibilities 
• Approved Non-College Training Resources 

The policy is primarily intended to support training/development undertaken within New York.  The institution offering the training/development must meet academic standards as defined by NYS or US Education Departments.  Qualifying training/development offered by non-profit private or college/university affiliated consulting groups or by nationally recognized professional associations and their state or local chapters are also approved.

Required Training

All employees of the College are subject to mandatory trainings as required by local, state, and federal law. Training frequency, delivery, methods, outcomes, and those required to attend are determined by the applicable laws. Participation in mandatory training is determined by the employee's position at the College. Employees who, given the opportunity and fail to complete the training requirement, may be subject to disciplinary action as allowed by OCC policies and the respective Collective Bargaining Agreements. 

IV. Contacts 

V. Procedures

In the event existing College resources cannot meet identified training needs, the College may authorize the use of non-College training resources to be paid for by the College subject to (a) availability of funding and (b) prior approval by the supervisor, department head, and/or department chair by means of the Travel and Training Authorization Form. 

VI. Forms/Online Processes

• Travel and Training Authorization Form 

Approved by President May 23, 2006

Update and approved by the President April 16, 2012

Updated and approved by the President June 15, 2020

Updated and approved by the President June 17, 2024