CDP frequently asked questions

NEW!

6.11.09
Will I be charged for tuition and/or books if I participate in the CDP?
No, tuition (instructional and general fees) and books will be covered under the Pilot Program (September 2009 through March 2012).

6.3.09 

What if I have taken some of the cohort classes and some of the classes to be taken with the general student population (the concentration and secondary classes)?
Because this is a program designed to increase skills and provide a professional network of Ohio peers, four of the six cohort classes must be completed with the cohort group.  However, because the concentration and secondary classes are designed as classes to be taken with the general student population, then previously taken classes that the OU Office of Admissions considers to be equivalent will be accepted in lieu of the program classes including and up to the three classes.  In the spirit of the program, the three classes have been taken with traditional students thus meeting the programmatic design.  Lastly, CDP participants will be required to take the capstone course with the cohort class. 

Will this be offered to the regional campuses?
We have tentatively scheduled the fall class to be available on the videoconferencing system (OULN) in order to make it available to all interested staff members. However, if regional campus staff do not apply for the program, are not selected for the program, or there are not enough participants to justify the additional cost for videoconferencing then we will modify the offering or postpone offering it to the campuses.  Provided there are participants who apply and are selected for the program from the regional campuses then we could make some acceptable accommodations for this initial class.  For example, this fall the scheduled course is MIS 201B and it can be taken online.  Then one additional cohort class could be offered online or taken with the local regional campus students provided the four remaining classes are offered on the videoconferencing system meeting the program requirements for this component.  Ideally, we would have the first day of each of the cohort classes held in one physical location to enhance the networking face-to-face component.  If we do not offer the program for the regional campuses during this pilot phase (Fall 2009) then we will make it available for the next program (Fall 2011 is the next projected CDP class).

Can more than one person from the same department apply for the program?
Yes, from a programmatic standpoint and provided the supervisor(s) support the applicants, then more than one person from a department can apply for the program.  However, each unit needs to realistically assess their operations to determine if more than one classified person can be out of the office and in class four hours each week.

Will I be taxed on the tuition waiver as an educational benefit?
No, educational benefits are not taxable for employees taking classes.  For further information on this, please contact Human Resources at 593-1636.

WHAT is the Classified Development Program (CDP)?
As a component of Vision Ohio, this is a structured professional development certificate program provided for Ohio University classified (non-bargaining unit) staff.  The CDP is composed of University classes with the first half of classes completed as a 20-member cohort then taken with the general student population.  Staff will be better prepared to meet the changing needs of technology, higher education, and position responsibilities with more knowledge, flexibility, and skills.  As well as opportunities for upward mobility. 

WHY should a classified employee participate in the CDP?
The CDP will enable a participant to:

• increase technical skills in computer software and application;
• polish written and oral communication skills;
• better understand the dynamics of a higher learning institution;
• learn more about management theory and apply these skills on the job;
• improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the office;
• create a cross-campus network for problem-solving and addressing needs;
• establish a better understanding of the student's role;
• gain increased recognition and respect for initiative and dedication; and
• enhance the skills, knowledge, and confidence of each participant.

WHEN will this happen?
The first cohort class will start Fall 2009.  Staff members will be spending four (4) hours each week in class during work hours (as outlined in OHIO policy) and four-eight (4-8) hours per week outside of work reading, studying, and preparing for class.  Classes will generally be conducted during the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Successful program completion will require ten (10) quarters or two-and-a-half years to complete the ten courses.  The first cohort will graduate April 2012 provided one of the course requirements is met each successive quarter.

WHO will select the program participants?
The Classified Development Program (CDP) Committee will select the program participants.  The CDP Committee (8 members) consists of the Classified Senate Executive Counsel, the Classified Senate Executive Counsel-elect; the most recent past Chairperson; and the Human Resources liaison with final approval by the Chief Human Resources Officer.  The scoring criteria for the application and selection process will be based on the professional appearance, content, and commitment to the university as stated in the applicant's Application Packet of Materials. 

HOW do I apply for the program?
The CDP application form, program overview, and a sample of the class schedule is available on the Ohio University Human Resources Web site.  In addition, each Classified Senate representative has a complete CDP packet of information available for potential applicants and interested parties.  The application form and required information is due June 10, 2009.