Requests For Continuing Education, Learning And Development

Upon the identification of a specialized technical need by the agency, an employee may be eligible for continuing education from higher education, vocational, and professional institutions. Agencies shall submit requests for continuing education for courses not offered by the Department to the Commissioner for approval. Employees, in consultation with the agency, may select one of the following continuing education options: (1) Full-time Education. Full-time education lasts for more than eighty (80) work days and may require residency at an institution or facility. During the program, the employee is relieved of regular job responsibilities; (2) Part-time Education. Part-time education lasts for less than eighty (80) work days and is held during the employee’s regular work hours. The employee maintains regular job responsibilities during this program; (3) Short-term Learning. Short-term learning consists of seminars, short courses, and educational workshops that last for less than eighty (80) work days. The employee maintains regular job responsibilities during this program; and (4) After Work Hours Education or Learning. After work hours education, learning and development consists of seminars, short courses, and educational workshops and is held outside the employee’s scheduled shift. The employee maintains regular job responsibilities during this program.