CDOP funding for staff renewed

23 July 2003

The Career Development Opportunity Program (CDOP) will continue for at least another year and a half, allowing staff to request funds for training that will broaden their skills and enhance their UC careers.
Extending the program — which now moves from pilot status to regular operation — was approved by the Vice Chancellors’ Academic Council in the spring.

The only significant change in the program, says CDOP director Steve Overcashier, is that awards to staff now will be based on a calendar year instead of a fiscal year, as was done during the pilot phase. Each staff person can use up to $5,250 per year to pay for training and classes.

“This shift affects those staff who received CDOP funds between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2003,” he explains. “For example, if an employee used $2,000 for classes during that time period, then they have $3,250 left for the rest of 2003. Starting on Jan. 1, 2004, these staff will then have the full $5,250 available.”

Staff who haven’t used any CDOP funds between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2003, can use their full 2003 award of $5,250 between July 1 and the end of the year.

“We know this policy change may seem restrictive,” says Overcashier, “but it keeps us within guidelines put forth by the Internal Revenue Service.”

Other hallmarks of the program remain intact:
• Funds are intended for career and professional development for future job opportunities within the UC system

• Awards cover the cost of instruction, books and course materials, and non-local travel;

• Eligible staff can receive up to 40 hours of release time with the approval of their supervisor

• Part-time, limited appointment, Temporary Assistance Program (TAP), and casual-restricted staff may apply

• Staff may also use the money for career-counseling sessions.

Applications for funds are reviewed by a committee of staff members and take about four weeks to process. Applications for the career-counseling sessions are reviewed directly by CDOP administrators and are usually processed within a week.

During its pilot phase, which began last August, the program provided more than $2.4 million in funds to nearly 2,000 staff. The awards were used for a wide range of learning activities, such as classes at UC Berkeley Extension, courses towards undergraduate and graduate degrees, and workshops at trade-specific conferences.

Visit the CDOP website (hrweb.berkeley.edu/learning/cdop.htm) to view a complete list of guidelines or to download an application form. Questions about the program may be sent to cdop@uclink.berkeley.edu.