James Madison University
EN-9: Staff Professional Development

A workshop is offered at least annually in person as an introduction to green office best practices. Participants view short (5 to 15 minute long) online modules, such as the Big Picture, Energy, the 6Rs, and Purchasing/Procurement, which were created by Dr. Maria Papadakis and Dr. Jennifer Coffman, faculty members in the Department of Integrated Science and Technology. Participants have the option of completing all of the modules independently at any time. Participants also watch a brief video about campus sustainability highlights and complete a worksheet recording implementation of certain actions. Approximately 27 staff (~1% of staff) per year take this training. The training counts toward the Administrative Assistant Certificate, but those in other roles also participate as the training also counts as training credit more broadly. Those completing the training receive a certificate in addition to JMU training credit. This training was originally called "Greening Your Office." The modules are collectively still called that but the overall title of the training will be changed to "Greening Your Workspace - Oak Level" as of January 2019 to be more inclusive and, importantly, to indicate it is the second step available after completing the Employee Educator's "Greening Your Workspace - Acorn Level" program, which is described in EN-7. Separately, a landscape-focused training was coordinated by Landscape Office Manager, LaVern Dillard. The event was held May 23-24, 2016 and was hosted by the Virginia Turfgrass Council. Sponsors included Virginia Tech, Site One Landscape Supply, Trinity Turf, Sports Turf Management, Landscape Management, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 40 JMU employees attended and received pesticide, fertilizer, and/or other training, some of whom received certifications/recertification.

Funds are available through Talent Development http://www.jmu.edu/talentdevelopment/trainingfunds.shtml and an employee tuition waiver https://www.jmu.edu/humanresources/benefits/tuition-assistance/index.shtml Staff members can use these funds for sustainability-related training and courses, respectively.

Information about tuition waiver and professional development funds entered by Ms. Melissa Altman. Responsible party for performance review information: Mr. Rick Larson, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, Training and Performance Responsible parties for professional development: Ms. Suzanne Vance, Training Coordinator, Talent Development and Ms. Amanda Bodle, Sustainability Specialist, OESS Responsible party for facilities training: Ms. LaVern Dillard, FM Landscaping Office Manager.