PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is a single college, multi-campus institution which is establishing itself as a single identity. For over forty years, the campuses which make up the College functioned as three independent colleges with very different programs, procedures and organizational initiatives. This history as well as current realities shape the professional development program being proposed in this document.
The outcome of professional development planning should be the creation of comprehensive, effective and efficient systems, methods and activities for the personal and professional growth and development of all employees. In a learning-centered institution, every employee is a learner while also a facilitator of learning. The professional development program of the College will build upon its institutional strengths.
For purposes of this plan, the term "professional development" is defined as opportunities for personal renewal, growth, change and continuous improvement for all individuals employed within the College in ways that fulfill the mission, goals and objectives of the organization. Professional development includes organized programs and activities as well as individualized services and means for independent learning.
In order to maximize the institutional and individual benefits derived from professional development expenditures, these activities need to be tied to the strategic mission of the College as well as the professional growth needs of employees. These activities also need to be coordinated with each other to stretch resources as far as possible.
Professional development planning represents a way to address these concerns responsively while retaining the flexibility to innovate and collaborate regarding the future directions of the Learning College. As such, the professional development plan will always be a work in progress as the College's program evolves and as further resources become available for these activities.
Historical Footnote:
This plan represents the historical underpinnings of CCBC's current Professional Development Program. It was originally written by members of the '98-'99 Professional Development Team, Michael Carroll from Catonsville, Karen Olson from Dundalk, Adrienne Koram and Linda Zeidman from Essex and Judy Snyder from the system office. This plan represents the ideas of not only its authors but also a cross-section of faculty, staff and administrators from across the College. In January and February of 1999, focus groups were convened to assist with the planning effort. The ideas advanced during those focus groups are interwoven throughout this document.
Funds from auxiliary services profits were set aside to support professional development activities. The most significant amounts of funds were campus-based--dispersed by the campus presidents. Only a small portion was designated for the activities called for in this plan. Judy Snyder was assigned responsibility for implementing the plan by Chancellor McPhail. With minimal funding and no full-time staff to implement the plan, a voluntary group (the Professional Development Team) was formed to design professional development activities for the entire college. They chose to concentrate on a one-day internal conference for all employees on a day when college activities would be suspended and offices closed for the most part. Over the years, the Adjunct Winter Conference was created and the PDT was given responsibility for coordinating the Fall Focus academic year kick-off.
The plan was revised in 2003 and again in 2005. It is currently being updated in light of the various recent structural changes at CCBC.
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