When are Catalogs Published?

Three catalogs are published each year. Spring catalogs are available in December for courses running in March through June.  Fall catalogs are available in June for courses running in September through December.  Summer Catalogs are distributed in May for courses running July-August. Course information is available on-line in Word, PDF and Excel formats and all documents can be downloaded.

Where are classes held?

Courses are held at the Community Colleges located throughout the state.  Each college works with local 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 seat reservations are done using the online system. In most cases applications will have to be approved by a supervisor and a fiscal authority.

How does the registration process work?

Each term after the Training Approval Officer has approved the applications, they request seats using the online system.  Seat requests from across the state are combined and then it is determined whether courses will “run” or be “canceled” based on the number of seats requested for each class.  The Training Approval Officers confirm seat totals and 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?

Each agency can request as many seats as they need, even if the total seats requested will exceed the number of seats available. Each agency will receive a  maximum of five seats initially when there are seats available, giving other agencies opportunity to request seats. At the end of registration any seats that are still available will be confirmed with the agency(s) who requested them first as determined by a time stamp in the system.

What happens to the extra seat requests that exceed seats available?

 If an agency requests more seats than available, they will become "wait seats". Each college will evaluate the demand for seat requests, and if possible, add new course sections. As soon as new course sections are available, colleges will first notify agencies with "wait seats" and contact the in-service coordinator to move the "wait seats" into the new course sections.

How will agencies know there are new course sections available?

On the website navigation bar there will be a link for "New Course Sections". Any agency with or without "wait seats" can register for seats in the new course sections.

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. 

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 College Coordinators for specific course information.