Professional Development
Team members are encouraged to dedicate time to participate in opportunities for ongoing learning and development, particularly surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Team member attendance at conferences and helps to perpetuate the Division’s mission and further its core values. Professional development allows team members to expand their understanding and further explore their role at the university, as well as understand how it creates a diverse and inclusive environment, improving connections with all they interact with, fostering community, organizational excellence, accountability, and appreciation of differences.
Collaborative Learning Initiative (CLI) Curriculum Trainings
No upcoming events found.
Professional Development Opportunities
Upcoming Conferences
FY27+ Travel Guidance
What is Travel?
- “Travel” refers to transportation (e.g., mileage, bus fare, airfare), lodging, and per diem expenses incurred in addition to a registration fee.
- Travel is governed by the University-Sponsored Travel Policy and related UW–Madison travel policies.
- Expense reports must include a clear justification explaining how the expenses qualify as essential or required travel.
- DEM recognizes three types of travel: Essential, Business, and Professional Development. The Professional Development page has more details.
Essential Travel
University travel that, if not undertaken, would directly and negatively impact the division’s enrollment strategy to attract, enroll, support, and graduate the most talented students. Examples include, but not limited to:
- Recruitment and yield activities
- Outreach activities
Business Travel
University travel necessary to uphold a commitment or travel deemed critical to advocating for the best interests of UW–Madison and maintaining the university’s reputation. Examples include, but not limited to:
- Board meetings
- Committee meetings
- Presentations or panels
- Big Ten Academic Alliance meetings
Professional Development
Professional Development Travel: University travel that supports the development of team members by advancing their knowledge, skills, abilities, and professional networks in ways that benefit the university and help DEM achieve its mission. Examples include, but not limited to:
- Conferences (local, state, regional, national)
- Workshops
- Compliance-related trainings
- Leadership or skill‑building institutes
Additional Approval Requirements
Business and Professional Development travel outside the lower 48 states—including Hawaii, Alaska, U.S. territories (e.g., Puerto Rico), and any international destination—requires prior approval from Cori Splain.
Accountability
Directors are responsible for ensuring that all travel in their unit, including their own:
Aligns with the unit’s approved budgetual division-wide team engagement and development days.
Aligns with unit, divisional, and institutional mission and priorities
Uses funds strategically and responsibly
Supports team member development in a fiscally appropriate manner