Processes (P)

5P7 Encouraging, Developing and Strengthening Leadership Abilities

Western is committed to providing faculty and staff opportunities for professional development. Western’s Foundation offers funds for travel and professional enrichment. Other institutional funds provide faculty and staff development, including sabbaticals, attendance at workshops, and at conferences. Faculty participates actively in a variety of professional societies appropriate to their disciplines.

Through 2004, Western used a merit system to recognize and award merit to its best performing employees. An Outstanding Staff Award program now recognizes exceptional employee performance (4P7). The Governors’ Distinguished Faculty Award (4P7) now focuses on and rewards exceptional performance in the areas of teaching and professional growth.

Western encourages employees to take undergraduate credit courses for degree completion and professional development and provides a tuition waiver for full-time employees. Western also makes available a partial tuition waiver to half-time employees.

Involvement in strategic planning and AQIP help develop institutional perspectives and create opportunities for leadership.