Want to get out from behind your desk and meet more APSA members? Looking to brush up on your job skills and acquire new competencies? APSA offers you a number of ways to achieve your professional and personal development goals.
Courses offered by APSA to our members
From learning about all the features on your point and shoot camera to leadership coaching groups and workshops on how to keep your paper and electronic files organized, APSA provides professional and personal development events for members throughout the academic year. In addition, social events like the annual End of Summer BBQ create opportunities for APSA members to mix and mingle with their colleagues in a casual environment that fosters collegiality across all three campuses.
Upcoming Events
Additional courses and workshops for all staff or specifically for supervisors and managers are offered by SFU Human Resources.
Negotiated Benefits
An important part of the APSA mandate is to negotiate with the University the terms and conditions of employment for administrative and professional staff, which are contained in the AD 10 Policies. The following recaps professional development opportunities offered by the University for APSA staff members. Please refer to the applicable policy for eligibility criteria and other specific information.
Reimbursement of Professional Development Expenses
(Policy AD 10.11)
Administered by Human Resources, this non-taxable benefit provides $700 per year, bankable to a maximum of $2,100, for expenses incurred by an employee for personal professional development expenses that are not directly related to his/her department. Eligible expenses include home computer equipment, professional fees, conference fees and airfare. For eligible items, what to claim and more please see the June 2011 PD Fund information sheet.
Tuition Waiver
(Policy AD 10.12)
For continuing full and part-time APSA employees, their spouses and dependants, the tuition waiver covers all academic programs and credit courses offered by the University. Employees must meet all requirements for admission and pay all student fees. This is a taxable benefit.
Under reciprocal agreements, a few student positions at Carleton and York universities are available for the children of SFU faculty, staff and retirees. Questions should be directed to Shannon Pitney at extension 24686 or by email at shannon_pitney@sfu.ca.
Professional Development Leave
(Policy AD 10.09)
For employees who have at least 6 years of services and can demonstrate value to be gained by both the University and themselves, up to 12 months of leave may be granted to pursue a course of studies that will significantly contribute to their ability to fulfill the duties of their position.
Tuition Reimbursement
(Policy AD 10.10, section 4.01)
With approval of their supervisors, continuing employees are eligible to apply for reimbursement of up to $1000/year for expenses for off-campus job-related courses that can be shown to enhance their performance in their positions.
In-house Professional Development courses offered by SFU Human Resources
(Policy AD 10.10, section 5.02)
Programs made available in-house by Human Resources will be advertised
by e-mail and on the HR Web site.
Position Rotations and Cross Training of Employees
(Policy AD 10.10, section 5.03)
With approval of their supervisor and supervisors of the departments affected, employees are eligible to exchange positions within or between
departments for a duration of three (3) months to one (1) year.
Staff Mobility Initiative
Staff members have the opportunity to work abroad by "trading places" with an individual at another university or participate in a one-way movement. Staff members will engage in professional development activities and will walk away with international exposure.
