Staff Professional Development

Credit Language

EN 9: Staff Professional Development & Training – version 2.2

Frequently Asked Questions

How has this credit changed from STARS 2.1 to 2.2?

Minor edits were made.  The credit title was updated, and a definition of non-academic staff was added. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the 2.2 Summary of changes.

What is the difference between professional development training and a peer educators program or an outreach campaign?

Professional development training programs are formally recognized by the institution as professional development and training, for example in employee performance reviews. Peer-to-peer educator programs and employee outreach campaigns are counted under the Employee Educators Program and Outreach Campaign credits, respectively and should only be reported in this credit if such programs meet the criteria linked above.

Do informal sustainability training programs count for this credit?

This credit focuses on formal professional development and training opportunities, for example as delivered by trainers, managers, sustainability staff, and external organizations. Informal programs are not sufficient.

Example Responses

  • Cornell University – Solid responses in all sections, and clarifications on COVID-19 impacts on programs has been added. Institution has recently incorporated sustainability into every staff member’s job description.
  • University of Michigan – Great example of a sustainability-focused employee training program that has top-level support from the president.
  • University of California, Berkeley – Describes a formal UC Berkeley Sustainability Staff Training and Certification that is composed of ten comprehensive modules, addressing sustainability in a comprehensive way.

Common Issues Identified During Review

  • This credit focuses on formal professional development and training opportunities, for example as delivered by trainers, managers, sustainability staff, the Human Resources office or external organizations. Informal programs are not sufficient.
  • Peer-to-peer educator programs and employee outreach campaigns are recognized in the Employee Educators Program and Outreach Campaign credits, respectively and should only be reported in this credit if such programs are formally recognized by the institution as professional development and training, for example in employee performance reviews.

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