To harmonize policies, procedures and standards in the matters of professional development across the UP System, the UP Office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs prepared a manual "In Support of a Culture of Scholarship and Excellence: Faculty Development, Grants and Awards" in 2004.

Although the manual is targeted for faculty, REPS can also avail, where it is possible, of the opportunities given by the UP System especially when it comes to grants and awards.

We are providing the sections of the manual (in PDF) for download:

1. Introduction
2. System Faculty Development Program
3. Inter-campus Program
4. Creative and Research Scholarship Program
5. Academic Distinction Program
6. Application and Nomination Forms

In the light of the professionalism program of UP, several staff development programs for academic and administrative personnel are implemented. The following opportunities are available/ provided for research and extension staff.

Graduate studies

REPS and faculty involved in RDE can pursue graduate studies at the masters or doctoral levels in local or foreign universities to strenghten their capabilities. The following options are available:

Scholarship available on a limited and competitive basis

Some local and/or foreign institutions provide scholarship support/financial assistance for graduate studies in specific fields of specialization. The scholarship is a package of financial support for the duration of the study, the institution where the recipient will pursue his/ her study, service contract to the mother institutions or employer, etc.

Study leave with pay or study leave without pay

Non-teaching staff (which includes REPS) with permanent appointment status and with at least very satisfactory performance rating for the last two rating periods prior to the application are qualified to apply for the full-time study leave with pay/fellowship to enable them to pursue graduate studies (Memo dated January 18, 1999 issued by UP VPFA J. R. Licuanan)

Others may prefer to enjoy study leave without pay which will not entail signing of a contract of service agreement.

Graduate study under the reduced fee program

REPS and faculty involved in research and extension can also enjoy the privelege to study at reduced fee. Under this program, an employee is allowed to register a maximum of six (6) academic units per semester for a minimal fee set by the university. Any personnel who wishes to study under this program is required to get permission from his/her immediate supervisor or unit head and to prepare a revised work schedule.

Participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, and conventions

REPS are allowed to attend/ participate in activities that promote exchange of knowledge and scientific information. They either serve as resource speaker, poster paper presenter, or oral paper presenter. Agencies/ organizations that sponsor such activities send invitation to the university, including the particulars for participation. Expenses are either provided by these agencies (partially or fully), charged to project funds, or solicited from other sources.

Special detail assignment to outside agencies (full-time or part-time)

As part of the university's commitment to support other agencies that need technical assistance, other faculty members or REPS are allowed to work under special detail arrangements without taking a leave of absence from the university. Under this scheme, they still receive their regular pay from the university while getting additional remuneration from the agency where they will be detailed. They may be given attractive compensation packages in case they no longer get their pay from the university.

Training

Traiing for specialized skills here or abroad may be available at times to REPS and faculty members as part of a certain project requirement. Individual staff may scout for training opportunities. Training participants are required to sign a service contract with the university for specific periods depending on the duration of the training.

Exchange visit or study tours

Some academic or research institutions request from the university exchange visits or study tour arrangements for their researchers, faculty and students. The common objective of this activity is to widen the staff's exposure to researches and extension programs being conducted in specific areas of interest. Specific provisions for the participants are agreed upon by host agencies.

Conversion of REPS items to REPS-Faculty items

REPS with teaching experience (i.e thos have been appointed affiliate faculty) and those with outstanding research and extension accomplishments can be appointed to teaching positions in units where their qualifications are best suited.

Limited practice/ exercise of profession

The university allows appointment of faculty and REPS to other agencies for special detail, secondment, or teaching in other institutions with which UPLB has MOAs subject to existing university rules and regulations. Details about their terms of reference, payment and other benefits are covered in the specific MOA.