Professional Development 9.01 Continuous professional development is a hallmark of professional nursing practice. As a self-regulating profession, nursing recognizes the importance of maintaining a dynamic practice environment which includes ongoing learning, the maintenance of competence, career development, career counselling and succession planning. The parties agree that professional development includes a diverse range of activities, including but not limited to formal academic programs; short-term continuing education activities; certification programs; independent learning committee participation. The parties recognize their joint responsibility in and commitment to active participation in the area of professional development.
Professional Development and Training 4.1 The purpose of professional development and training requirements for interpreters is to maintain the skill levels interpreters possess at the time they pass their interpreter certification examination, and to further enhance their skills and knowledge. Both the State and the Union encourage interpreters to complete training and continuing education activities.
Professional Development Fund A budget item equal to one-half (½) of one (1) percent of employees' salaries shall be set aside annually to be used to:
Professional Development Leave A. Policy. Professional development leave shall be made available to employees who meet the requirements set forth below. Such leaves are granted to increase an employee's value to the University through enhanced opportunities for professional renewal, educational travel, study, formal education, research, writing, or other experience of professional value, not as a reward for service.
Academic Freedom and Responsibility 6.1 The University and United Academics agree that academic freedom is essential to the mission of the University and that providing an environment of free and honest inquiry is essential to its functioning. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to limit or abridge any individual's right to free speech or to infringe upon the academic freedom of any member of the University community.