University of Virginia
EN-9: Staff Professional Development

Many departments participating in the Green Workplace Program have requested educational sustainability events for their staff. Some are fulfilled by presentations from representatives in the Office for Sustainability, and others bring in guest speakers or faculty members to highlight relevant topics in sustainability. Sustainability Partners bi-monthly lunch-and-learn meetings also provide sustainability education to any interested UVA employee. In addition, the University supports employee career development, including education, vocational and professional development. Educational and career development opportunities encourage growth and commitment from employees, often resulting in greater engagement, enhanced capabilities and improved performance. The University also offers $2000 per employee per calendar year in tuition benefits for academic and related coursework, including vocational and professional development opportunities. Education Benefits may be used for academic degrees or courses at UVA and other accredited institutions, and non-credit courses, certificates and licenses at UVA and other education providers. The flexibility of UVA's education benefits allow employees to pursue coursework in any area of interest. For employees interested in sustainability, significant sustainability-related coursework exists at UVA and employees may also pursue external coursework and professional development opportunities using their education benefits.

All UVA students & employees now have free access to USGBC's unlimited education platform. Subscription access to Education @USGBC features more than 600 hours of green building and sustainability education, at no cost to participants. This library highlights best-in-class courses and resources to establish foundational knowledge of green building and sustainability concepts, as well as numerous resources to support those looking to attain and maintain LEED professional credentials.