Professional Development

Helena College > Human Resources > Professional Development
Professional Develpoment

Helena College recognizes the importance of professional development and encourages faculty and staff to grow in discipline and knowledge through a variety of opportunities. Funds to attend professional development opportunities, such as training, conferences, or workshops are available through the institutional Professional Development Committee.

For faculty, professional development hours are a recognized part of evaluation, promotion and tenure. Faculty who are interested in participating in professional development activities should work with their Division Director to develop their Professional Development Plan.

Professional Development Funding

The college encourages professional development and provides significant funding resources to administrators, faculty, contract professionals, and staff members on an annual basis through a competitive application process.

For AY 2023-24, $7500 is available for each of the fall and spring semesters. The remaining balance is shared regularly in the Monday Morning Memo.

 Applications are submitted through Vector Solutions. Follow these steps to access and complete the application:

  1. The Vector Solutions login is located in the Employee Portal in the Professional Development Box.
  2. Log into Vector Solutions with your NetID and password.
  3. Click on “New”, then “Apply for PD Funding”
  4. Fill out the application form and select your supervisor from the dropdown menu
  5. Click on the resources icon (book) in the upper right and download the Leave Request Form and RAT Form (if applicable).
  6. Complete the forms and attach to the PD Funding request at the bottom of the page as well as any supporting documentation for the request
  7. Click on “Submit” at the top of the page
  8. The application form will then be sent to your supervisor for approval automatically by Vector Solutions.
  9. Once approved by the supervisor Vector will notify the PD committee chair
  10. You will be notified by email of the outcome of the application from the PD committee chair.

Resources at Helena College

Helena College provides access to the following training resources as part of our commitment to helping all faculty and staff succeed.

LinkedIn Learning: Over 15,000 self-paced courses available on a variety of topics, from business and technology to personal and career growth. Watch a few short videos on a topic or complete an entire course or learning path.

Directions for logging in to LinkedIn Learning

Kognito Online Interactive Training: Evidence-based virtual simulation training module that teaches how to recognize and respond to someone who may be experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts. 

  • Enrollment key for faculty and staff: helenaemployee

Faculty/staff tuition waiver: Employees of 0.75 FTE or greater are eligible to receive a tuition waiver for courses at any MUS institution.

AIMA (Indian Education for All in Montana for One MUS)

Quality Matters

Vector Solutions: Access mandatory trainings, record all professional development activities, and apply for funding from the Professional Development Committee.

Vector Solutions Instructions: Helena College attempts to provide accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person's ability to participate in any service, program or activity of the College. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources at 406-447-6925.