When are Catalogs Published?

Two catalogs are published each year. Spring catalogs are distributed in December for courses running in March through June.  Fall catalogs are distributed in June for courses running in September through December.  Course information is mailed and sent electronically to all agency-designated Training Approval Officers.

Where are classes held?

Courses are held at the Community Colleges located throughout the state.  Each college works with instructors to put together a wide variety of courses to suit the needs of state employees. 

When are classes held?

Typically courses are scheduled from 9:00am to 4:00pm, with two short coffee breaks and one lunch break.  No courses are held on the weekends or during the evening.

Who teaches the classes?

Our instructors are top-notch!  Highly qualified individuals with a love for teaching lead each class. Instructor names and biographies are published in the catalog. We reserve the right to make instructor substitutions when necessary without notification, and we will not give refunds or allow course substitutions if instructors change.

How do I register?

Each state agency has designated a "Training Approval Officer" (TAO) who oversees the process within that agency.  In addition, each agency has unique policies and procedures when it comes to the In-Service Program. Generally, approved applications are collected by the TAO and submitted as a group to the In-Service coordinator. In most cases applications will have to be approved by a supervisor and a fiscal authority.

How does the registration process work?

Each term the Training Approval Officer submits approved registrations to the In-Service Coordinator.  Seat requests from across the state are combined and then it is determined whether courses will be “run” or “canceled” based on the number of seats requested for each class.  The In-Service Coordinator assigns seats in all courses running, and then communicates the information to Training Approval Officers. Those individuals notify staff of course status.

Why are classes canceled?

Classes are only canceled if we have insufficient enrollment.  Cancellations are done early in the term and Training Approval Officers are notified right away.  If courses must be postponed due to severe weather cancellations, instructor illness, or some other circumstance, sessions will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

How are seats assigned?

In most cases all seats are assigned when courses have sufficient enrollment to run.  When courses are “over-requested” seats are assigned as fairly as possible by agency.  Registration is done by agency and in most cases individual seats are anonymous.

What happens if a seat is assigned but the person cannot attend?

Agencies “own” reserved seats and are required to pay for reserved seats even if a staff member does not attend.  If a slot is reserved and the original registrant cannot attend, a substitute from the agency may be sent.  It is the responsibility of the original registrant and the agency Training Approval Officer (TAO) to identify and select the substitute.  No waiting lists for classes are generally kept by the In-Service Coordinator.

How are classes paid for?

One Transfer Invoice is mailed to each participating agency at the conclusion of the registration period. 

I have more questions – who do I ask?

Individuals should direct all questions about the program to their Training Approval Officer.  Training Approval Officers should contact the In-Service Coordinator, or coordinators at each college for specific course information.