REDWOODS COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Administrative Procedure
AP 7160
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(Updated to add linkage to ACCJC standards. Incorporates BP 7243, Release Time for
Confidential Staff; and BP 7163, Professional Development Staff Leaves.)
The District plans for and provides all personnel with appropriate opportunities for continued
professional development, consistent with the District’s mission. The District will evaluate these
programs and use the results of the evaluation as the basis for improvement.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RELEASE TIME:
 Release time shall be consistent with established collective bargaining agreements for
represented employees.
 Up to three hours of release time per week will be provided for unrepresented
confidential employees to participate in professional development directly related to their
position and work activity. (note: from BP 7243)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEAVE: (note: from BP 7163)
Professional leaves for Administrative, Management, and Confidential Management employees
shall be for the purpose of improving professional capabilities and knowledge, thereby
enhancing the potential for contribution to the college. Such leaves may be used for activities
such as visiting other colleges, attending classes, research/writing for publication, going to
extended conferences, etc.
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Length of Leave: Employees may combine 40 working days paid management leave with
unused vacation time to permit a maximum leave of 80 working days with administrative
approval.
Eligibility: To be eligible for professional leave, the applicant must have completed four
or more years of full-time or part-time permanent employment with College of the
Redwoods in a management position. An employee may participate in such a leave no
more than once every four years.
Applications for Professional Leave: Persons who wish to apply for professional leave
must submit their requests for leave through established administrative channels the
Office of Human Resources at least three full months in advance of the proposed leave.
Requests must be in writing and contain full documentation of the manager's plans and
qualifications for professional leave, and how the leave will benefit the college.
Granting Leaves: The decision to grant a professional leave to an eligible candidate rests
with the Board of Trustees, based upon the recommendation of the President. The
decision shall take into consideration all cost factors for the leave. All management
leaves will be scheduled at the convenience of the District and in a manner which
normally will preclude the need for a replacement. However, a $1,000 annual account
will be established to cover necessary costs.
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Written Report: Recipients of a professional leave must submit to the Office of Human
Resources President, through established administrative channels, a comprehensive
written report concerning professional leave activities within 60 calendar days after
returning from leave. This report may be shared with the recipient’s supervisor, the
President and Administrative Cabinet, and the Board of Trustees.
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Former Board of Trustees Policy No. 341, number change only on August 7, 2012
Former Board of Trustees Policy No. 339, number change only on August 7, 2012
Former Board of Trustees Policy No. 7243: Release Time for Confidential Staff
Former Board of Trustees Policy No. 7163: Professional Development Staff Leaves
Adopted by Board of Trustees: October 7, 1985 (AP 7160)
Adopted by Board of Trustees: August 1, 1988 (BP 7163)
Adopted by the Board of Trustees: October 7, 1985 (BP 7243)
Reference:
ACCJC Accreditation Standard III.A.14 (formerly III.A.5)