The CIRES Professional Development Fund is intended to support broader professional learning experiences that enhance skills, expand perspectives, and contribute to long-term career growth. It is not intended to fund professional training, certifications, or other development activities required to perform the essential duties of an employee's current role. Requests for role-specific technical or mandatory job-related training should be discussed with your supervisor and may be supported through other funding sources. See details below.

Because Professional Development Fund resources are limited, employees are encouraged to prioritize the many professional development opportunities already available through CU and CIRES at little or no cost, including:

• University of Colorado professional development and training opportunities
• Self-Directed Learning (LinkedIn Learning, Percipio, and Coursera)
• CIRES Training Catalog

The Professional Development Fund is intended to complement, rather than replace, these existing learning resources.

Unallowable Costs:

• Professional certifications: Per CU System policy, CIRES cannot fund costs associated with professional certifications and recertifications that are not required for the position. Examples include, Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Research Administrator (CRA), HR Professional / Sr. HR Professional, etc.
• Technical trainings: If you are a software developer and need to take a coding course, this is likely a requirement for your role and should be supported by unit funds. Please talk with your supervisor or finance manager.

Allowable Costs: Include certificates of completion in a subject matter area that does not require recertification. For example, completing a course in People Analytics or Compensation, is allowable. Additionally, if you want to build project management skills, there are courses at CU and online, including Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager and RIO's Project Management Office hosts an ongoing training and discussion series that are allowable and not considered the professional certification.

How to Apply

• Discuss the professional development opportunity with your supervisor to ensure alignment with work responsibilities, timing, and development goals.
• Submit a request through the Professional Development Request tab on the InsideCIRES homepage.
• Once submitted, requests will be routed to the supervisor for approval and then to CIRES HR for funding review and final approval.
• If approved, CIRES HR will provide additional information regarding payment and next steps.

We encourage employees who are considering professional development opportunities to explore how this funding may support their goals. Investing in learning strengthens both individual growth and CIRES's ability to advance its mission.

If you have questions, please contact CIRES HR at cireshr@colorado.edu.

Thank you,

CIRES Human Resources