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On the Job with Professional Development & Training

The Bulletin spoke with Kim Harrington, Coordinator of Professional Development and Training, in the Office of Human Resources.

What do people think you do?
“People tend to think that this office only administers the CSU Fee Waiver program for employees of the University.”

What do you really do?
“The office provides opportunities for professional and personal development to campus employees. Our employees also use the CSU Fee Waiver to complete a degree or pursue coursework to enhance promotional opportunities. Fee Waiver program services are also offered to spouses, dependents, and domestic registered partners of our eligible employees, and the office helps with them as well. Of the approximately 260+ participants in the fee waiver program each semester, about half are employee family members. We also provide NoonTime Wellness programs, which offer aerobics, yoga, weight training and more, and financial & retirement planning programs."

Describe your office.
“I’m the entire staff for Professional Training and Development, so people know to come directly to me for service.”

What surprises people?
“People are surprised that I coordinate all these programs. They are also surprised at how much I enjoy what I do. I get to help people pursue their ambitions, aspirations and see the accomplishment and growth. It’s truly rewarding.”

What is your biggest challenge?
“It can be a challenge trying to keep up with the constantly shifting needs of the workplace. I seek to tailor the training and development programs to keep up with our continually changing environment.”

What questions do you get asked the most?
“Does Fee Waiver cover graduate school?”
“What are the University’s admission policies?”