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Professional Development

UWF is committed to empowering each individual we serve with knowledge and opportunities to contribute responsibly and creatively to a complex world.

Professional Development Programs offered by Human Resources meet this value by offering a wide variety of courses. Workshops offered by the Professional Development team provide specific procedural and technical training. These trainings cover the areas of university policy and procedures, supervisory and interpersonal skills development and personal improvement. With appropriate supervisory approval, employees are encouraged to attend professional development. Hours spent are considered regular work hours. Registration priority is given to full-time University Work Force staff employees.

Mandatory University Professional Development

Certain trainings are required for all new employees of the University of West Florida. These particular trainings are listed below and should be completed within the first days of employment at UWF. Your department may also have additional required training you will access through SCOOP.  Please see your direct supervisor or Departmental Information Security Representative (DISRep) for assistance.

Knowledge Worker (FERPA)

  • Required for every UWF Employee
  • You may access this course via SCOOP (MyUWF)

Harassment & Discrimination Prevention

  • Required every 2 years for all University Work Force staff, Faculty and, Other Personnel Support (OPS) employees
  • You may access this course via SCOOP (MyUWF)

Protection of Vulnerable Persons (Child Abuse)

At-Risk Mental Health Training

  • Required for all new employees and accessible through SCOOP (MyUWF).
  • If you would like to repeat this course, you may access it through the Professional Development Learning Library.

New Employee Orientation (NEO)/New Employee Orientation for Other Personal Services (OPS)

  • Required for all new/returning University Work Force staff, Faculty, Executive Service, and Other Personal Services (OPS) employees (Excluding Student employees). Employees hired for less than 30 days are not required to take the course, but all others must complete it within 30 days of their hire date.
  • You may access the course via Canvas (MyUWF).

For more information contact Human Resources at staffdev@uwf.edu or by calling 850.474.2694.

Online Professional Development

The LinkedIn Learning Platform is free and available to faculty and staff. This leading online learning company helps employees learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.

Online professional development is available for UWF’s employees. Please visit the Professional Development Learning Library or your SCOOP account for more information. 

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) also offers monthly webinars on a variety of topics such as communication, stress management, coping skills, parenting, relationships, healthy living and more. Each webinar is one hour, which includes the presentation and allotted time for questions and answers. You may also click on the "Sign up for a Webinar" at the bottom of the page to sign up. Your user name is UWF and the password is UWF.

UWF's Recreation has put together some at-home workout routines on their Facebook page. There is also a prerecorded meditation video posted for your enjoyment. Please visit their page to view the workouts.

Verification of Professional Development Program Completion Form

Upon completion of the required courses for any of the certificate programs, the participant must complete a Verification of Professional Development Program Completion Form and submit it to Human Resources to receive a certificate.

 

Request for Educational Leave with Pay (when funded)

Full-time University Work Force staff or Faculty employees with three (3) or more years of continuous service with UWF may apply for educational leave. Educational leave programs are announced to staff each spring. Educational leave may be taken in one semester of full-time school attendance with no work requirements or two semesters of half-time school attendance with half-time work requirements. This is an excellent educational opportunity to earn your full salary, accrue leave, and pursue your educational goals. When funding is available, the Educational Leave with Pay program can be requested by using this form‌.‌

Request for Professional Development

The Professional Development team in Human Resources supports new professional development opportunities for the campus community. If you or a representative from your department would like to develop and deliver a professional development course for your area of expertise, please complete the Request for Professional Development Form.