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UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH STAFF ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

RESEARCH AND INFORMATION COMMITTEE

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The Staff Association Council (SAC) of the University of Pittsburgh is an officially recognized organization of University governance system.  SAC has the responsibility to address issues and concerns, which affect the welfare of the staff of the University.

 

The Staff Association Council recognizes the importance of continued professional development for all staff members regardless of the type or classification of the employee’s position.  The Council encourages staff to take advantage of educational and skill advancement opportunities.  SAC also promotes the expansion and growth of opportunities for staff in their quest for professional development.

 

In 2003, SAC established a new committee, specifically the Research and Information Committee.  This committee is responsible for providing the SAC Officers, Steering Committee, and other SAC committees with valid information that is pertinent to operation of SAC duties and issues.  One of the projects of the Research and Information Committee is to promote professional development for University staff members.  The University of Pittsburgh has numerous established options for undergraduate and graduate degrees that are developed and promoted by their respective school.  Because these degreed programs are volumous and well marketed, The Research and Information Committee strategically set goals to educate staff members of alternative training and development options.  These options may be less known, yet very valuable to staff in their current position and future career paths.  These options include training classes, workshops, and certificate programs.  Some of the advantages of these types of professional development programs are: that most are free or at minimal fees, require less of a time commitment, and are strategically geared towards the specialized and propriety duties of University positions.

 

PROJECT GOALS

 

1)      Promote training and professional development options that are currently available

i)        Links to information at SAC website

ii)       Information distributed at SAC meetings

iii)     Articles in University Times and the SAC Newsletter

 

2)      Solicit information of what kind of training/skills are needed for the of duties from staff, directors, and supervisors

3)      Make presentation of viable requested training options for University of Pittsburgh staff members to University administration

 

SWOT ANALYSIS OF PRESENT HUMAN RESOURCE WORKSHOPS/TRAINING SESSIONS

STRENGTHS

Established workshops are well attended

Established workshops are informative

 

OPPORTUNITIES

No learning curve required for University to add to inventory of training

Logistics for classes are available

Many new and expanded classes are needed and requested

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES

No learning curve required for University to add to inventory of training

Logistics for classes are available

Many new and expanded classes are needed and requested

THREATS

No follow through on summarizing the courses needed

No follow through by administration in expanding inventory of workshops

 

 

 

SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

 

The Staff Association Council (SAC) recognizes that it is essential for all employees to update their skills regardless of the type or classification of the employee’s position.  At the University of Pittsburgh, many options are open for staff to increase their skills and broaden their knowledge through the attendance of various workshops and training sessions.  Some of the many benefits of these sessions are: most are free or require a minimal fee, they do not require a large time commitment, and they will you assist you in your present position and also be a resume builder for future career paths.

 

Office of Human Resources

The Office of Human Resources offers development courses in five major areas: University Business and Financial Services, Professional Development, Personal Development, Health and Safety, and Financial Planning.  Details can be found at the HR Website or by going directly to www.hr.pitt.edu/orgdev/FSDPfall03.htm

 

Survival Skills and Ethics Program

This program provides monthly workshops to enhance professional development.  Details can be found at http://www.edc.pitt.edu/survival/

 

Computer Training

Computer Services and Systems Development (CSSD) provides Computer Software Training for University of Pittsburgh students, faculty, and staff.  Details can be found at http://www.technology.pitt.edu or by calling (412) 624-0341

 

Certificate Programs

 

Certificate Programs provide an option for those not willing or able to

devote the time to pursue a degree, yet want more extensive training than

a workshop will provide.  Both credit and non-credit certificate programs

are available, on both the undergraduate and graduate level. They

generally run from fifteen to twenty credits, depending on the school and

the program.

 

The College of General Studies provides one of the most extensive

options for certificate programs including accounting, communication, and

information system design (www.pitt.edu/~cgs/certificate.htm). Certificate

programs are also offered by the College of Arts and Sciences and at the

graduate level from various schools including the Graduate School of

Public Health and the School of Social Work.  Additional information

regarding certificate programs can be obtained at the website of the

respective schools.

 

Other workshops on a variety of subjects are offered at Pitt.  Routinely check the SAC Website for updates.  (www.pitt.edu/~sac)

 

 

 

Some requested training sessions requested/proposed by staff, directors, and administrators sent to the Staff Association Council’s Research and Information Committee as of December 2003:

o       Reestablishment of the computer “Quick Start” classes

o       Basics of student financial affairs

o       Policies and laws relevant to foreign applicants and students

o       How to read and interpret research grant awards from: HIH, NSF, Commonwealth of PA, etc.

o       How to set up research grant accounts once award is received

o       How to read and interpret various University account level reports (02, 03, 04, 05)

o       Setting up a “gift” account; procedures and policies of “gifts”

o       Processing Salaried Personnel Activity Reports (SPARS)

 

Ann Ostroski, aostroski@gsphdean.gsph.pitt.edu, X 89417
Staff Association Council,
University of Pittsburgh
Research and Information Committee
December 2003

 

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