General Information About Flex

Purpose and Rationale

The purpose of the Staff Development Program is to provide time for all staff to participate in activities that are related to "staff, student, and instruction improvement" (Title 5, Section 55720). Irvine Valley College is committed to a comprehensive staff development program with an institutional focus.

All staff are eligible for and are encouraged to participate in professional development activities.

The Flex calendar is a component of the Staff Development Program and the major vehicle for faculty participation in professional development activities. It provides for instructional improvement activities through the shortening of the instructional calendar and is predicated upon the belief that college students benefit from the faculty's investing of this time outside the classroom. The exchange of time in the academic calendar moves faculty from the role of teacher to that of learner for a brief period. There is strong evidence that this opportunity generates enhanced learning experiences for students.

Goals and objectives

The primary goal of the Irvine Valley College Staff Development Program is to provide faculty and staff with professional development activities that promote student learning and enhance the campus climate. The program's objectives are as follows:

To motivate professional staff to become involved in a program of professional development.
To encourage faculty members to extend their knowledge in their own and related disciplines.
To encourage professionals to innovate, experiment, and create.
To increase the understanding of the teaching/learning process.
To promote awareness of changing student characteristics.
To promote awareness of the relationship between community and campus.
To promote the exchange of ideas among college schools, disciplines, and service areas.
To enhance management, instructional, and support staff skills.
To promote all college employees as important partners in the educational experience of the student and in the implementation of a functioning academic program.

Sources of Professional Development Funds

Possible sources of funds are listed below by type of activity.

Do you want to attend a conference or retreat?

Individual college travel funds are available in your school or work area, and it is recommended that these funds be pursued first so that Staff Development funds may be used in a more effective manner.

Faculty funds are allocated by the Academic Affairs Committee, which is made up of faculty representatives from each school.
Classified staff funds are allocated by the Classified Staff Development Committee.
Classified management funds area allocated by the Management Council.
Administrative funds are allocated by the Administrative Council.

The Staff Development Funding Application Form is available through the Staff Development Office, your school secretary, or the Office of Instruction.

Would you like to consult colleagues at another college or university or in business?

Staff Development mini-grants are available for faculty and staff to use to visit a college or business for subject-matter updating.

Do you want to bring an expert into your department?

Mini-grants are available to pay a small stipend for speakers to come to a department or school for subject-matter updating or to fund other types of Staff Development activities, e.g., research projects.

Obtain a Staff Development Funding Application and the Individual/Group Project Proposal Form from the Staff Development Office, your school secretary, or the Office of Instruction for more details about requesting funds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flex

What is Flex Credit?

If you're a full-time faculty member, you must 38 Flex credits for the 1998-99 academic year. One Flex credit equals one hour of pre-approved activity.

What are my Flex Obligations?

Full-time faculty are expected to complete 21 hours of Flex for the Fall semester and 17 hours of Flex for the Spring semester, or a total 38-hour obligation for the fiscal year. Adjunct faculty again have no Flex obligation for the 1998-99 year, but are invited to participate.

What are Flex Days?

Flex Days are for professional development meetings, workshops, individual projects, etc., "in lieu of" days of instruction.

If I teach overload and/or have reassigned time, is my obligation adjusted?

Overload assignments are equal to adjunct faculty assignments and carry the same obligation-e.g., a 3-hour class equals a 3 hour flex obligation. Faculty with nonclassroom assignments have reduced Flex obligation (subtract the percentage of your assignment from your full load; e.g., if you are 40% reassigned, your Flex obligation of 60% of 38 hours, or 23 hours).

Why do I have to fill out an agreement form?

The District is required by the Education Code to account for the hours "in lieu of" days of instruction for which ADA apportionment will be claimed.

Where do I get the form and what are the deadlines?

Flex Agreement forms will be available at Flex Week activities, or you can print one out now by clicking here. Due dates will be posted on the forms.

What is a desirable Flex activity?

Any activity which promotes the improvement of instruction at the individual, school, or institutional level is a desirable Flex activity. State regulations recognize activities that contribute to the effective operations of the institution, such as recruiting, advising students, conducting appropriate departmental business, and dealing with issues of college-wide concern. For most people, the bulk of Flex time is devoted to activities designed to improve instruction at the individual level, including developing new skills, promoting and awareness, interacting with colleagues, and improving course delivery.

Do all of my activities have to be on-campus workshops?

Not necessarily. You can design your own independent study project and use it for Flex credit, with the approval of your school chair. You may also take a short-term class, attend a conference, mentor, etc. You may also participate in Flex activities at Saddleback or at other area colleges.

Can I design my own Flex activity?

Yes. In fact most faculty members meet their Flex obligations in exactly this way. Faculty members may create unique and useful projects that help them serve their students better. Individual/Group Projects are those activities not scheduled as a Flex activity. Individual or Group Project Proposal forms are available in the Staff Development Office, your school secretary, or the Office of Instruction.

Who decides what is acceptable as and individual Flex activity?

Your School Chair and the Academic Affairs Committee will approve individual and group activities.

When can individual flex activities be scheduled?

You may schedule an approved individual Flex activity during the fiscal year at any time other than when you are scheduled to teach or hold office hours.

How can I suggest a Flex activity that I'd like to see happen?

If the activity is for your School, develop your plan in consultation with your School Chair. If the activity if for all faculty and/or staff, submit your suggestion to the Staff Development Office.

Can I present a Flex activity?

Yes. Send a proposal to the Staff Development Officer. The Staff Development Office will provide assistance in the planning and conducting of your proposed activity. As a presenter, you will receive Flex credit of three hours for every hour you present.

Am I paid for meeting my Flex obligation?

Yes. The Flex obligation is part of your regular contract. You are teaching less than you would be if we were not on Flex, but you are being paid as if you were in the classroom on Flex days. If you were not involved in Flex activities, you would be in the classroom on those days.

What happens if I don't do what I agreed to do?

Your agreed-upon Flex activities are considered a contractual obligation. If you are unable to fulfill your Flex obligation, you have the same options available as when you are unable to meet your class-i.e., submit an absence report for illness, personal necessity, or bereavement.

How do I verify my attendance at scheduled workshops?

Attendance is confirmed by your signature on the Flex Activity Agreement Form certifying your attendance. The form is due on designated dates after each Flex Week and at the end of each term.

Can my entire Flex obligation be met by completing an individual project?

No. No more than one-half of your Flex obligation can be completed on any one activity.

I serve on the Committee on Courses. Can I count the hours I spend at this committee's meetings toward my flex obligation?

No. Your faculty responsibility includes serving on committees.

Are Flex Credit and Salary Advancement Credit the same?

No. They're mutually exclusive-which means you can't earn credit in both areas for the same work. You can't get salary advancement credit for activities that either (a) occur on official Flex Days or (b)have been supported by AB 1725 funds, or (c)for which you are earning Flex Credit.