University of Victoria
EN-9: Staff Professional Development

University of Victoria requested that AASHE Staff correct a mistake in this reporting field for the reason specified below.

Previous Value: UVic provides sustainability training that concentrates on pro-environmental behaviours to staff through several means. UVic Human Resources provides courses in understanding diversity relative to cultural beliefs, and in cooperation with the Bike to Work Week Society UVic offers free cycling safety seminars to all staff members. The primary sustainability and professional development program is the UVic Staff Sustainability Network, which falls under the broader Sustainability Action Team initiative. This group meets on a monthly basis and consists of staff from various units around campus. They are provided sustainability training and professional development through designing and implementing various workplace sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, members of this network act as liaisons between the Sustainability Office and their workplaces. Meetings are also a forum where members can discuss sustainability issues and opportunities around campus, broader/ topical sustainability issues, and also offers the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals. Regular meeting attendance ranges from 20-25 people. This initiative is funded and facilitated by the Campus Planning and Sustainability Office. The previous UVic Sustainability Action Team "Green Office (GO!)" program, which has evolved into the Staff Sustainability Network, also provided sustainability training and support to all staff working in offices across campus on an ongoing basis. Past programs have involved specific offices and buildings participating in structured competitions between or amongst themselves organized by the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability and the enlistment of employee educators, but those programs were built upon a sustainability training seminar that helps staff understand how to be more sustainable at work. This training seminar was made available to office or staff group with support materials including a UVic Green Guide, posters, stickers, energy meters, and access to other online resources. Training designed specifically for staff who work in laboratories through the Green Labs program was designed and is implemented in conjunction with UVic Occupational, Health, and Safety through lab orientation and presentations. This program is ongoing throughout the year and is targeted towards new lab users, but reinforces the importance of laboratory best practices with continuing staff and students.

Explanation: Revised as per request of Monika Urbanski. Reexamined the criteria and removed reference to training programs that are included in EN7. Expanded on the actual training programs that are recognized by HR and employee performance plan/reviews. Links included.