Service in Professional Organizations

Employees are encouraged and supported in their participation in their professional organizations. Participation in a national association's activities and organizational structure fosters professional growth and provides an opportunity to serve the university with distinction.

Individuals serving in major positions such as Western Director or National President, may attend meetings as part of university business. Taking leave is not necessary. However, it is important that before individuals apply for such positions, they visit with their immediate supervisor and department chair/district director about the possibility and the resulting time commitment. Many of these positions take a good deal of out-of-state travel. Care must be taken not to jeopardize the person's local program effectiveness. If properly approved, administrators will support time taken to perform at the national level.

It is assumed that expenses incurred while in these positions will be supported by the individual organizations and not the university. The exception is any support normally provided to attend a national professional meeting (See Professional Development: State Support.)