Planning and Approval Information

Background Information

The Office for Workforce, Professional & Community Education serves as the link between the University and the public for workforce training and professional development programs. The office exists to ensure the most cost-effective use of University resources and staff time, and to ensure University activities appropriately and consistently reflect the University's mission. Also, we are responsible for preparing an annual report of all of the activities that award professional development education and creating a community calendar. This process allows us to more effectively track these activities.

Submission Process:

The planning and approval process is an online form. The form asks for the following information:

  • Program Name
  • Type of Program/Event
  • Target Audience
  • Expected number of attendees
  • Start Date & Time
  • End Date & Time
  • Description of the Program
  • If it is a new program or a recurring program
  • Funding Sources for the Program
  • If you are requesting award of contact hours, CEU鈥檚, credit, etc.
  • Contact information for Person

When you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation showing your submission. The Dean/Director listed on the form and the Office of Workforce, Professional & Community Education will receive a copy of your submission.

Your submission will be reviewed within 1-2 Business days. If additional information is needed concerning your program, an individual from the Office for Workforce, Professional & Community Education will be in contact.

A determination will be made if your program is Exempt or Nonexempt. If you receive an email indicating your program is exempt you may proceed with planning and marketing.

If you are notified that your program is Nonexempt you will be asked to schedule a meeting with the Office for Workforce, Professional & Community Education to discuss your specific program.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How long does it take to get approval?
Planning and Approval forms are typically reviewed within 1-2 business days.

2. Will I have to pay a fee to the Office for Workforce, Professional & Community Education?
If your program is exempt there will not be a fee. If your program is nonexempt, the office will work with you to determine the most cost effective use of university resources. As the office is funded primarily by RU funds we do charge a fee but it is often incorporated into the fee charged to participants.

3. I have been offering this same program in the past without working through your office am I required to go through your office?
We require that all programs that are new and reoccurring complete the planning and approval form. Many of these programs will be exempted from working with our office based upon their history and the type of program they are.

4. If I disagree with a non-exempt status who can I contact?
Your first step is to contact the Director of WPCE who will review the request with the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Alternatively, the divisional vice president may grant an exemption. Please provide WPCE with a copy of your exemption.