Supervisor Development Incentive Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Program Overview
What is the Supervisor Development Incentive Program?
The Supervisor Development Incentive Program is designed to support the professional growth of supervisors and aspiring leaders within the College of Engineering and Applied Science. By completing five targeted training modules, eligible participants receive a $500 incentive (subject to tax) upon completion.
Eligibility
Who can participate?
- Any faculty or staff member with supervisory responsibilities over faculty, staff or students—formally or informally.
- Staff who do not formally supervise but advise students or lead teams formally or informally.
- All faculty with unit approval for any associated fees, assuming their role includes leading undergraduate courses, graduate students or research teams.
Leaders developing future supervisors are encouraged to support their participation.
Registration & Course Completion
Do I need to sign up for the incentive?
No separate sign-up is required. Starting January 2026, the HR team will review monthly reports to verify completion of all five modules. Eligible employees will be notified by email, and payment will be processed in the following possible payroll cycle.
How do I register for the required courses?
- Visit Supervisor Development at CU Boulder
- Click Learning Journey 1: Establishing your foundation as a supervisor
- Select each module tile and use the “Register” button to view class availability and enroll.
- Note: Courses fill quickly; you may need to register for future sessions.
What if I completed a course with a group and it’s not recorded in my ‘Learning Activity’ profile?
Contact Perri Longley (perri.longley@colorado.edu) from the HR Organization and Employee Development team. Provide your training date and verification (e.g., calendar invite or email) to have your attendance recorded. For future group trainings, ensure the trainer records your completion.
Can I substitute other campus training for these modules?
No. The five modules were carefully selected and must be completed as listed to qualify for the incentive.
What if I completed the module before 2026?
We will accept completed modules designated in Learning Journey 1 that were listed in your profile before 2026.
Funding & Incentives
Can I use the college’s staff employee development fund for these courses?
Yes, college staff may use their development fund (with department matching) for both campus and non-campus training expenses. Faculty are not eligible for this fund and should seek approval from their unit for training costs.
Can I receive both the $500 incentive and use the staff development fund?
Yes. These are separate funds. The staff development fund supports professional development with a 1:1 or greater cost share from the staff member’s unit (up to $500), while the incentive is awarded upon completion of the five modules. The staff development fund is available annually until the budget is exhausted. The Supervisor Development Incentive is available as long as the program is active.
Participation Scenarios
If I supervise students, am I eligible?
Yes. The program is open to anyone supervising faculty, staff or students.
Can faculty participate?
Yes. Faculty are encouraged to participate, with their unit covering any fees upon approval. Examples of eligible supervision include overseeing staff, faculty, undergraduate or graduate students, serving as a PI, advising graduate students or holding a faculty leadership role.
Can staff who do not formally supervise others participate?
Yes. Staff identified for leadership development, or those who advise students or informally lead teams, are encouraged to join.
Course Format & Scheduling
Are all trainings in-person?
No. Four modules offer both virtual and in-person options (though not always in the same month). The “Inclusive Staff Hiring” module is fully online and asynchronous.
What if I want to schedule training for my team?
If you wish to arrange a session for a larger group, contact Monique McCloud (monique.mccloud@colorado.edu) for assistance coordinating with campus HR.
Additional Resources & Contacts
Where can I find more information?
- Supervisor Development at CU Boulder
- Learning Journey 1: Establishing your foundation as a supervisor
Direct links to the five required modules:
- Employee Management and Compliance Essentials
- Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue
- Leading at the Speed of Trust
- The 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team
- Inclusive Hiring
Key Contacts:
- For attendance verification: Perri Longley (perri.longley@colorado.edu)
- For group training coordination: Monique McCloud (monique.mccloud@colorado.edu)