5: Development and Training

The University supports job advancement and continual learning for all employees by providing access to a variety of staff training courses, continuing education activities, and academic programs. Each employee shares in the responsibility for identifying job-specific training needs and available resources to support achievement of performance goals.

Organizational Development & Effectiveness (ODE) is a professional development resource for all GW employees. ODE focuses on team and individual development; just-in-time learning and performance support; facilitating learning among employees; and executive and management development. ODE supports leadership at all levels, connects staff to university training offerings, and provides self-guided learning opportunities, including opportunities and tools to help employees learn on the job.

Non-credit and certificate continuing education programs are sponsored by the Division of Academic Development and Continuing Education through the Center for Career Education and the Continuing Engineering Education Program. Tuition for these programs may be fully reimbursed if the program or course is job-related. For more information about these programs consult Section 13, "Resource Guide" for telephone numbers.

Hands-on computer learning programs are offered through Information Technology Services (ITS) and, for Medical Center personnel, through the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library. ITS offers short "getting started" seminars on the use of a variety of software. These seminars are free for members of the University community. In addition, more intensive training for office software and Internet applications is available through ITS from a local computer training firm. These all-day workshops are available at substantial discounts to participants from the University. For additional information about training sessions, visit the ITS Web site at http://www.gwu.edu/iss/its.

The Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library publishes a calendar of computer training seminars at the beginning of each semester. These seminars are available at no cost to Medical Center employees. The calendar may be found on the library's Web site at http://www.gwumc.edu/library.

Employees often enroll in academic degree-granting programs to enhance current knowledge and to support individual career development goals. Tuition reimbursement is available for these programs according to the guidelines provided in Section 9, "Your Benefits." You need to work actively with your supervisor to identify resources, plan a skill-building or career development program, and coordinate class attendance at times that do not conflict with the operational schedule of your work unit.

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© September 1999 The George Washington University. If you have questions or comments about the Employee Handbook, please fill out the Comment Sheet or email gwujobs@gwu.edu.