UUP Professional Development Opportunities

• Certification and Licensure Exam Fee Reimbursement Program (CLEFR)*  
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  • The CLEFR Program assists employees with the cost of attaining initial certifications, licenses or designations which are related to their profession or necessary for promotional opportunities and career mobility within the State University of New York (SUNY). Examination fees to renew certifications, licenses, or designations previously obtained by an employee are not reimbursable. Maximum reimbursement is $1,000

    Guidelines: HERE
    Application: HERE

  
  
• Certification and Licensure Reimbursement Program – Renewal (CLRP-Renewals)*  
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  • The CLRP-Renewals reimburses the cost of certification, licensure, or designation renewal fees. This program enables employees to continue to retain certifications, licensures, or designations required for their position within the State University of New York (SUNY).
  
  
• Program for Tuition Assistance**  
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  • This negotiated benefit, also known as the “space available” program, allows for full- or part-time bargaining unit members to take one course each semester and special session (e.g., summer session and intersession) from a UUP-represented campus tuition free. Fees other than tuition are paid by the employee. Those interested in learning more about the process should contact Human Resources at the institution they will be attending.
  • SUNY Tuition Waiver Program

    SUNY employees may be able to have a percentage of the tuition of one course discounted, to a maximum of three credits reimbursement through the SUNY Employee Tuition Waiver Program. The Tuition Waiver Program may only cover courses not already covered by another program. Employees interested in participating in this program should contact their Human Resources office for an application, deadline and other information.

  
  
• Empire Knowledgebank (EKB) eLearning Program*  
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  • This program allows UUP-represented employees access to eLearning products provided by Enterprise Training Solutions Inc. through the EKB license. Employees have the opportunity to access thousands of eLearning courses, eBooks and short course videos for opportunities to enhance their professional and career development, for certification preparation and continuing education in a variety of areas. The EKB license can be accessed anytime and anywhere with an internet connection and is provided at no expense to the campus or the employee. Program details and application information is available:

    Guidelines: HERE
    Application: HERE

  
  
• Campus Grants Program*  
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  • An individual employee, a campus group or committee, or a multi-campus group or committee may apply for this program. This is intended to supplement campus funding for projects or activities that would develop or enhance cooperative problem solving, professional development, creative use and understanding of technology, safer working conditions, and understanding and facilitating diversity in the workplace. Except in extraordinary circumstances, the maximum amount awarded per application is $15,000. Program details and application information is available:

    Guidelines: HERE
    Application: HERE
    FAQ: HERE

  
  
• Dr. Herbert N. Wright Memorial Safety and Health Training Award Program*  
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  • This program provides employees with safety and health and environmental responsibilities the opportunity to update and refine the skills and knowledge needed to recognize, control and correct potential hazards in the workplace and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Funds are available educational, training, and skill, building activities at local or remote sites. The maximum individual award under this program is $3,000. An individual may apply for more than one award within the current contract period. Program details and application information is available:

    Guidelines: HERE
    Application: HERE

  
  
• Dr. Nuala McGann Drescher Leave Program*  
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  • This program, open to full-time term employees, seeks to promote a broad diversity of award recipients with preference given to minorities, women, employees with disabilities, or employees with military status who are preparing for permanent or continuing appointment. Types of support available include: payment of employee's regular salary by the campus; salary for a replacement; and other related expenses for research or study with a justification. Program details and application information is available:

    Guidelines: HERE
    Application: HERE

  
  
• Employment Counseling and Placement Program*  
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  • This program provides financial support for employment coaching, placement fees and related expenses to employees whose employment has been terminated due to retrenchment, or who have been notified of retrenchment, or who are perceived to be at high risk of retrenchment. A maximum of $3,500 may be awarded for a one-year period, depending on the employee's plan and availability of funds. Program details and application information is available:

    Guidelines: HERE
    Application: HERE

  
  
• Grants for Employees with Disabilities Program*  
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  • This program establishes a fund for full- or part-time employees with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The funds cover out-of-pocket expenses incurred for a work-related project or activity where such assistance is not provided by the ADA. They are not intended for accommodations that the campus must provide under the ADA. The maximum individual award is $5,000 for each application. Program details and application information is available:

    Guidelines: HERE
    Application: HERE

  
  
• Individual Development Awards (IDAs)*  
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  • IDAs are designed to support a variety of professional development projects or activities, assisting eligible employees in developing their full professional potential and to prepare for advancement. Campus Professional Development Committees, comprised of chapter UUP members and management representatives, are formed to review applications and award funding. Funding is available to full- and part-time bargaining unit members. Maximum award amount is $2,000 per employee per award period. Interested employees should reach out to their UUP chapter office for specific award timelines. Program details and application information is available:

    Guidelines: HERE
    Application: HERE

  
  
• Leave for Calendar Year Employees*  
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  • This program for full-time employees with a calendar-year (12 month) appointment is intended to provide release time and salary replacement to assist eligible employees in developing their full professional potential and in preparing for advancement. Only expenses for salary for a replacement for a period of at least five days will be considered for funding. All other expenses that might be required to conduct the project or activity must be provided by other sources. Employees who accrue annual leave are not required to charge those credits for any project or activity funded by this program. A maximum of $4,000 for salary replacement only may be awarded to eligible employees once in each award period. Program details and application information is available:

    Guidelines: HERE
    Application: HERE

  
  
• Retraining Fellowship Program*  
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  • This program provides financial support to employees who have been terminated due to retrenchment, who have been notified of retrenchment or perceived to be at high risk of retrenchment, or whose retraining would accommodate shifting program needs. Funding is provided for employees to pursue an organized course of study to attain other employment opportunities or to maintain their current employment. If course work is pursued at an accredited institution other than a SUNY institution, the maximum amount reimbursed for tuition is at the SUNY rate in effect at the time. Program details and application information is available:

    Guidelines: HERE
    Application: HERE

  
  

*Programs are funded through negotiated Joint Labor-Management Funds (JLM). Guidelines and applications can be found at: https://oer.ny.gov/nysuupjlmc

**Program is a negotiated benefit of the Agreement between UUP and NYS, contract Article 49.