Effective May 29, 2014, the Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM), Chapter 7, Training and Development, is revised to reflect changes in Postal Service™ policies. Some revisions are not significant; these include changes in section titles, job titles, and organization names as well as improvements in grammar or style. Significant changes include the following:
n 714.122 — Justification — eBuy requisition must be approved for training. This policy changed per Management Instruction EL-710-2013-1, dated June 21, 2013.
n 716.11 — Expenses>General — Provide clarification on payment and reimbursement through eTravel.
n 732.11 — Training Tracking System — All Postal training must be recorded in the Learning Management System (LMS).
n 741.22 — Other Related Expenses — Policy clarification on non-postal training.
n 741.23 — Eligibility for Tuition Reimbursement for college or university courses, including degree programs and Certification Programs.
n 742.2 — ebuy Approval Process — The eBuy approval process is now automated.
n 742.313 — Reimbursement to Employees — Provide clarification on payment and reimbursement through eTravel.
n 743.2 — Nonpostal Training Application Form — Form changed to include Certification Program language and process.
n 743.43 — Continued Service Agreement (CSA) — Clarifications on CSA process regarding reimbursement by employees.
n 744.31a — Contribution Award — Conditions for Acceptance or award offered by a nongovernmental organization to defray part or all of the nonpostal training expenses.
n 753.3 — Procurement of Memberships — Sentence updated to reflect policy.
Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM)
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7 Training and Development
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710 Overview
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711 Policy, Goals, Objectives, and Categories
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711.2 Purpose and Goals
[Revise the text of 711.2(a) to read as follows:]
a. Organize and facilitate learning and development.
711.3 Objectives
[Revise the text of 711.3(d) to read as follows:]
d. Develop knowledge, skills, and abilities as part of the succession planning and leadership development process.
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711.413 Examples
[Revise the text of 711.413 to read as follows:]
Specific examples of Job Training are:
a. Postal orientation for a new employee.
b. A Postal Employee Development Center (PEDC) course in electricity and mechanics for a mail processing equipment mechanic (MPE).
c. A driver training program for a motor vehicle operator.
d. A PEDC financial transaction course for a Sales and Services Associate (SSA).
e. A NCED Networking course for an electronics technician.
f. A SSA training program for a distribution clerk who is the senior bidder for a SSA position.
g. A Postmaster course taken in preparation for a specific officer-in-charge (OIC) assignment.
h. Scheme training for an employee in the deferment period established by Article 37 of the USPS-APWU National Agreement when the employee qualifies for and accepts the preferred assignment.
711.42 Self-Development Training
711.421 Description
[Revise the 2nd sentence of 711.421 to read as follows:]
***This training is noncompensable for FLSA nonexempt employees and must be approved by management in advance if postal resources are to be used.***
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711.423 Job Relatedness
[Revise the 2nd sentence of 711.423 to read as follows:]
***If the subject matter of a training program is directly related to an FLSA nonexempt employee’s current job or definite future assignment subject to selection requirements, the time spent by the employee in training is considered “Job Training” subject to the provisions of 711.41 and compensable under FLSA.
711.424 Examples
[Revise the text of 711.424(b) to read as follows:]
b. A General Equivalency Diploma test preparation program for a SSA.
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711.433 Outside Current Job Assignment
[Revise the 1st sentence of 711.433 to read as follows:]
The temporary assignment of an employee to work or to a position outside his or her current job and location is a productive way to serve both employee development and organizational needs.***
712 Training Compensation Guidelines
712.1 General
[Revise the 2nd sentence of 712.1 to read as follows:]
***Only FLSA nonexempt employees are covered by the compensable training time policies.***
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712.22 Scheduling
[Revise the text of 712.22 to read as follows:]
Unless otherwise specified, all training programs delivered to FLSA nonexempt employees are designed and scheduled to conform to a training day of no more than 8 hours and a training week of no more than 5 consecutive workdays.
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712.24 Management Responsibilities
[Revise the text of 712.24 to read as follows:]
Management must inform each employee of all factors relevant to the training program being taken, such as allotted time, nonavailability of supplemental training time, and the prohibition on removing training materials from postal premises.
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713 Selection
713.1 Equal Opportunity Policies
[Revise the text of 713.1 to read as follows:]
The selection or non-selection of employees to participate in training must not be based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, mental or physical disability, military service, or genetic information. As part of its program of equal employment opportunity, the Postal Service prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any of these categories. In addition, it is also the policy of the Postal Service to prohibit discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, past, present, or future military service, or factors unrelated to merit.
713.2 Selection Considerations
[Add 713.2(f) to read as follows:]
f. The employee’s career goals and the knowledge and experience required to achieve them.
713.3 Assignment After Training
[Revise the 2nd sentence of 713.3 to read as follows:]
***Many learning experiences that are considered beneficial to the individual and to the organization do not necessarily lead to advancement.***
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714.12 Choices of Training Source
714.121 Considerations
[Revise the 1st sentence of 714.121 to read as follows:]
Most employee training is provided in-house by the Postal Service.***
714.122 Justification
[Revise the text of 714.122 to read as follows:]
To ensure compliance with Postal Service training requirements, an eBuy requisition must be approved for training delivered by nonpostal vendors and contractors if a cost is associated with the training.
The employee, the supervisor, or the manager submits an eBuy requisition and must include the Manager, Learning Development & Diversity (MLDD) in the approval process if the employee is from the district.
The MLDD will ensure that the employee’s selection is consistent with published training policies and that the training prerequisites have been met.
714.2 Postal Training Delivery
714.21 Delivery Modes
[Revise the 2nd sentence of 714.21 to read as follows:]
***This includes web-based delivery and other online provisions, computer-based interactive delivery, and classroom delivery.
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714.221 Headquarters
[Revise the text of 714.221 to read as follows:]
Headquarters Employee Resource Management (ERM) and Leadership Development and Talent Management (LDTM) develop and maintain national training programs and provide delivery through a variety of media and resources at many locations. ERM and LDTM use available technology to enhance delivery options.
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714.224 William F. Bolger Center for Leadership Development
[Revise the text of 714.224 to read as follows:]
The Postal Service’s corporate center for leadership, the William F. Bolger Center for Leadership Development (the Bolger Center) provides facilities and support for national leadership, management, and professional programs, and provides a forum for Postal Service meetings and conferences.
714.225 Strategic Learning Services
[Revise the text of 714.225 to read as follows:]
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Postal Inspection Service have established the Joint Mission Support Center to leverage the strength of some of their administrative and support functions. A component of the center, Strategic Learning Services, administers training programs for postal inspectors, postal police officers, OIG special agents, and the technical and administrative support staff of both agencies.
[Delete 714.226 in its entirety.]
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715 Postal Training Systems
715.1 Explanation
[Revise the 2nd sentence of 715.1 to read as follows:]
***Individual courses within these training systems are described in ERM and LDTM web pages, Postal Service learning portals, and the literature about specific training programs.
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715.43 Delivery
[Revise the text of 715.43 to read as follows:]
The location and method of delivery depends on the type of maintenance training. For example:
a. Some maintenance courses and on-the-job training are delivered locally.
b. Advanced maintenance courses are taught in combined classroom and laboratory courses at NCED.
Note: Local management and the PEDC are responsible for ensuring that an employee has taken and passed required prerequisite training before enrolling in courses at NCED.
c. Maintenance training may also be delivered by vendors and vocational or technical schools (subject to an approved eBuy requisition) when Postal Service training is not available.
715.5 Management and Professional Training
715.51 General
[Revise the text of 715.51 to read as follows:]
The Bolger Center and NCED provide training and development facilities, support, and activities for Postal Service professionals, specialists, supervisors, managers, and executives.
715.52 Curriculum Guides and Enrollment
[Revise the 2nd sentence of 715.52 to read as follows:]
***Curriculum guides are available through a variety of sources, including the ERM, LDTM, and NCED Intranet sites, publications in support of strategic programs, and the literature about specific training programs.
715.53 Executive Education
[Revise the text of 715.53 to read as follows:]
Selected, experienced Postal Service managers receive opportunities to participate in leadership programs designed to improve and expand their performance in current and future positions.
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716 Expenses
716.1 Travel
716.11 General
[Add a 3rd sentence to 716.11 to read as follows:]
The Postal Service pays necessary travel expenses (transportation, lodging, and per diem) in accordance with Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation, to compensate employees for costs directly related to authorized off-site training and development activities. Employees must use the eTravel system for reimbursement of regular and local travel expense reports. Employees must select Travel for Training as the Purpose of Travel when filling out the eTravel Expense Report.
716.12 Intermediate Travel Home
716.121 General
[Revise the 3rd sentence at the bottom of the table in 716.121 to read as follows:]
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716.124 Spouse Traveling in Lieu of Employee
[Revise the text of 716.124 to read as follows:]
Instead of the employee taking an intermediate trip home, the employee’s spouse may travel to the training site, with the Postal Service paying for the spouse’s round-trip fare in accordance with Handbook F-15.
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716.3 Tuition, Fees, Books, and Supplies
[Revise the text of 716.3 to read as follows:]
The Postal Service pays approved expenses for tuition, fees, books, and supplies for authorized training (see 740).
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717 Nonpostal Personnel Participation in Postal Training
[Revise the text of 717(b) to read as follows:]
b. Other. All other nonpostal personnel participation in postal training must be approved by the Vice President, ERM.
720 Training and Development Responsibilities and Functions
721 Organizational Responsibilities and Functions
721.1 Headquarters
[Revise the text of 721.1 to read as follows:]
The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is responsible for Postal Service training and development systems. This responsibility includes:
a. Analyzing training requests and designing, developing, validating, delivering, and evaluating national Postal Service training and development programs.
b. Developing policies, including pay practices, applicable to structured employee development programs for specific populations or functional groups, such as career ladder programs and management, professional, and specialist training programs.
c. Providing career information on specific occupations for use by craft and other employees for career planning and decision making.
d. Analyzing the career needs of specific populations in order to design and provide programs tailored to improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
e. Facilitating a communication network between Headquarters and field training professionals.
f. Standardizing and supporting the PEDC physical and technological infrastructure.
g. Providing Corporate Leadership Programs for managers and executives.
h. Providing Tuition Reimbursement.
i. Supporting Corporate Succession Planning (CSP) and EAS Leadership Development (ELD) Programs for the organization.
j. Providing Individual Development Planning (IDP) processes.
721.2 Areas
[Revise the text of 721.2(d) to read as follows:]
d. Monitoring districts’ compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws by ensuring that talented individuals are being developed in a fair and equitable manner, without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, mental or physical disability, military service, or genetic information.
721.3 Districts
[Revise the text of 721.3(d), 721.3(h), and 721.3(j) to read as follows:]
d. Ensuring that national training courses taught locally are not changed in objective, length, or content without the prior approval of ERM.
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h. Coordinating district training requirements with ERM.
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j. Ensuring that talented individuals are being developed in a fair and equitable manner, without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, mental or physical disability, military service, or genetic information.
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722.22 PEDC Reporting Relationships
[Revise the text of 722.22 to read as follows:]
PEDC reporting relationships are as follows:
a. One area staff member serves as a liaison with headquarters staff for the Manager, Learning Development & Diversity (MLDD). This staff member interacts periodically with ERM staff.
b. The MLDD reports functionally and administratively to the Manager, Human Resources (District).
c. The Human Resources specialist assigned to the training function at the district level reports functionally and administratively to the MLDD.
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730 Training Procedures
731 Nomination and Registration
[Revise the 3rd sentence of 731 to read as follows:]
***Curriculum guides are available from a variety of sources, including the ERM, LDTM, and NCED Intranet sites, publications in support of strategic programs, and the literature about specific training programs.
732 Training Records and Reports
732.1 Individual Training Records
[Revise the title and text of 732.11 to read as follows:]
732.11 Training Tracking System
All Postal training must be recorded in the Learning Management System (LMS) as the system of record. The LMS is used to document and maintain individual training records for all Postal employees.
[Revise the title and text of 732.12 to read as follows:]
732.12 PS Form 2432, Individual Training Progress Report
PS Form 2432, Individual Training Progress Report, is used to document and record every hour that an employee is engaged in postal training that needs to be entered into the LMS manually.
[Revise the title and text of 732.13 to read as follows:]
732.13 PS Form 2548, Individual Training Record
PS Form 2548, Individual Training Record, is used to document training of new employees.
The training agent (PEDC and/or the employee’s job instructor) and the immediate supervisor complete the PS Form 2548. The PEDC retains the form at one central location, which is determined by the training supervisor or manager.
[Revise the title and text of 732.14 to read as follows:]
732.14 eBuy Requisition
Preparation of an eBuy requisition is the basic process used to request, approve, and finance training. It must be completed for postal and nonpostal training when costs are associated with attendance at the training.
[Delete 732.15 and 732.16 entirely.]
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741.22 Other Related Expenses
[Revise the text of 741.22 to read as follows:]
b. The nonpostal training is not for the sole purpose of obtaining one or more academic degrees, even if an academic degree is required to qualify for appointment to a particular position.
Exception: See 741.23.
[Revise the title and text of 741.23 to read as follows:]
741.23 Eligibility for Tuition Reimbursement for College or University Courses, Including Degree Programs and Certification Programs
Nonbargaining employees are eligible for tuition reimbursement as follows:
a. Individual courses:
(1) All PCES and EAS employees with more than 18 months of service subject to 741.22 and 741.241.
(2) Participants in a specific program that provides such opportunities.
b. Degree and Certificate Programs:
(1) PCES and EAS-18 or higher EAS positions.
(2) Potential successors identified by CSP or those who demonstrate the ability to be accepted into CSP if they are not yet eligible.
(3) Participants in a specific program that provides such opportunities.
(4) Trainees for professional and specialist positions.
Note: Approval will not be granted for participation in a doctoral program.
741.24 Restrictions
741.241 Authorization
[Revise the text of 741.241 to read as follows:]
Employees do not have a right to have nonpostal training paid by the Postal Service. Such training must be approved in advance by an authorized official.
741.242 Prohibited Training Vendors
[Revise the text of 741.242(a) to read as follows:]
a. Discriminates because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military service, or genetic information.
742 General Procedures
742.1 Request and Approval
742.11 Standard Training
[Revise the text of 742.11 to read as follows:]
All requests for nonpostal training (to include individual college courses, academic degree programs, and medical training) must be approved through an eBuy requisition. The employee, the supervisor, or the manager submits the eBuy requisition. The MLDD must be included in the approval process if the employee is from the district.
The MLDD will ensure that the employee’s selection is consistent with published training policies and that the training prerequisites have been met.
742.12 Approval Process for Individual College Courses
[Revise the text of 742.12(a) and 742.12(b) to read as follows:]
a. Training must be documented on the employee’s IDP.
b. An eBuy requisition must be completed by the employee for each course.
[Revise the title and text of 742.13 to read as follows:]
742.13 Approval Process for Academic Degree Programs or Certification Programs
The approval process for an employee to enroll in an academic degree program or Certification Program is as follows:
a. The degree program must be documented on the employee’s IDP.
b. The Nonpostal Training Application Form (Exhibit 743.2) and an eBuy requisition must be completed by the employee.
c. The employee must complete a Continued Service Agreement.
d. The eBuy and the application form must be approved by the employee’s manager and forwarded to the responsible PCES manager, who will submit the documentation to his or her Vice President for approval.
e. The documentation is then forwarded to the Manager, LDTM who reviews the application and Continued Service Agreement and secures approval from the CHRO.
Note: Approval will not be granted for participation in a doctoral program.
[Revise the title and text of 742.2 to read as follows:]
742.2 eBuy Approval Process
The normal eBuy approval process must be followed. The MLDD must be included if the employee is from the district.
742.3 Payment
742.31 Tuition, Fees, Books, and Supplies
742.311 General
[Revise the 2nd sentence of 742.311 to read as follows:]
***While an approved eBuy requisition is required, expenses should be charged to the individually billed travel card and reimbursed through the eTravel system.
742.312 Payment to the Training Vendor
[Revise the text of 742.312 to read as follows:]
The eBuy requisition is retained at the billing address office (the employing postal facility and unit of the employee to be trained) until the employee completes the training and the Postal Service receives an invoice from the training vendor. (See 742.314 for the procedure to use when the training vendor requires advance payment.)
The MLDD (or designee) at the district or the employee’s supervisor/manager/budget coordinator at the Area or HQ, must check the invoice for accuracy and certify it for payment. The PCES executive who approved the training is not required to certify the invoice. In the certification statement, the words “approved eBuy requisition” are entered instead of a contract or order number.
742.313 Reimbursement to Employees
[Revise the text of 742.313 to read as follows:]
If the employee has paid for approved nonpostal training expenses with personal funds, the employee must submit certified receipts or canceled checks with the approved eBuy to be reimbursed.
Payment and reimbursement for tuition, course fees, books, and supplies (for commercial courses and college and university tuition) should be made through the eTravel System.
Employees with access to eTravel and who paid with a Postal Service individually-billed travel card or by personal means (i.e., personal credit card or check) must use eTravel for reimbursement as follows:
a. Use of the individually-billed government travel card is preferred to pay for properly approved nonpostal training (for any dollar amount) with reimbursement to be made to the card service through eTravel.
b. If the employee made payment using a personal credit card or check, they may also be reimbursed through eTravel.
c. Payments manually entered on the expense entry page of eTravel, as opposed to pre-populating the data from the credit card page, may require submittal of receipt(s).
d. Ensure Travel Expenses is selected as the expense type when claiming reimbursement through eTravel. See travelhelp website for additional information at http://blue.usps.gov/travelhelp.
742.314 Payment in Advance
[Revise the text of 742.314 to read as follows:]
If a training vendor requires payment in advance, then an eBuy requisition must be prepared and approved before training begins. The procedure is as follows:
a. The training vendor prepares an invoice for the training.
b. The MLDD (or designee) at the district or the employee’s supervisor/manager/budget coordinator at the Area or HQ, certifies the invoice as correct for payment.
c. When nonpostal training payments are within the responsible manager’s local buying delegation authority (cannot exceed $10,000), payments may be made with the responsible office’s purchase card (may be an advance payment or after an invoice is received) using the requirement below.
d. A copy of the approved eBuy requisition or the Nonpostal Training Application Form (Exhibit 743.2) and some type of delivery documentation must be kept with the cardholder’s records. (See Handbook AS-709, Credit Card Policies and Procedures for Local Buying, section 335.1 for further guidelines.)
742.32 Travel
[Revise the 1st sentence of 742.32 to read as follows:]
Approved travel expenses (transportation, lodging, and per diem) for participation in nonpostal training are reimbursed using the eTravel system as authorized in Handbook F-15, Travel and Relocation.***
742.4 Documentation
[Revise the text of 742.4 to read as follows:]
District employees furnish evidence of completion of nonpostal training, including certificates and grade reports, to the MLDD, who maintains copies of the documents and the approved eBuy. If the training provider does not furnish such evidence of completion, the MLDD verifies completion of training. Area and Headquarters employees forward copies of their documents to their supervisors or nominating managers, who maintain copies of the documents and the approved eBuy.
743 Reimbursement of College Tuition — Nonbargaining Employees
[Revise the text of 743 item b to read as follows:]
b. Degree programs:
(1) PCES and EAS-18 or higher EAS positions.
(2) Potential successors identified by CSP or those who demonstrate the ability to be accepted into CSP if they are not yet eligible.
(3) Participants in a specific program that provides such opportunities.
(4) Trainees for professional and specialist positions.
Note: Approval will not be granted for participation in a doctoral program.
* * * * *
743.1 Roles and Responsibilities
[Revise the text of Exhibit 743.1 to read as follows:]
Exhibit 743.1 Roles and Responsibilities
Nonpostal Training: Individual Courses
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Roles
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Responsibilities
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Employee
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n Complete eBuy requisition in accordance with guidelines set forth in 742.311.
n Complete college/university application process.
n Submit grade reports or evidence of course completion to Manager, Learning Development & Diversity, at district level and supervisor or nominating manager at area or headquarters.
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Manager, Learning Development & Diversity (District)
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n Review and forward eBuy requisition to PCES manager for approval.
n Ensure that eBuy and supporting documentation are submitted to LDTM.
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Supervisor or Nominating Manager (Area and Headquarters)
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n Ensure invoices are certified in a timely manner.
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PCES Manager (Area and Headquarters)
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n Receive grade reports or evidence of course completion.
n Provide list of students to the Manager, Leadership Development and Talent Management at the end of each semester.
n Approve eBuy requisition.
n Follow up on employee’s performance in courses.
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Manager, Leadership Development and Talent Management
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n Serve as coordinator and point of contact for nonpostal training.
n Maintain reports for CHRO.
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Nonpostal Training: Academic Degree Programs & Certification Programs
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Roles
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Responsibilities
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Employee
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n Complete Nonpostal Training Application Form (Exhibit 743.2).
n Complete eBuy requisition accordance with guidelines set forth in 742.311.
n Complete college/university application process.
n Sign Continued Service Agreement for Nonpostal Training (Exhibit 743.43).
Submit grade reports or evidence of course completion to Manager, Learning Development & Diversity, at district level and supervisor or nominating manager at area or headquarters levels.
|
Manager, Learning Development & Diversity (District)
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n Review and forward eBuy requisition to PCES manager for approval.
n Ensure that the eBuy, Nonpostal Training Application Form, and Continued Service Agreements are signed and submitted to area or headquarters representative.
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Supervisor or Nominating Manager (Area and Headquarters)
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n Ensure invoices are certified in a timely manner.
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PCES Manager (Area and Headquarters)
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n Review and forward eBuy requisition and Nonpostal Training Application form to Vice President for approval.
n Ensure that the Continued Service Agreements are signed and submitted to Manager, LDTM.
n Receive grade reports or evidence of course completion.
n Provide list of students to the Manager, LDTM at the end of each semester in a report that is sent out by LDTM.
n Approve eBuy requisition.
n Sign Nonpostal Training Application Form.
n Follow up on employee’s performance in program.
|
Officers
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n Approve eBuy requisition.
n Sign Nonpostal Training Application Form.
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Manager, Leadership Development and Talent Management
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n Serve as coordinator and point of contact for nonpostal training.
n Maintain reports for CHRO.
n Receive and validate Nonpostal Training Application Forms and Continued Service Agreements before forwarding to the CHRO for approval.
n Forward approved Continued Service Agreement accountable information to the HR Shared Services Center (HRSSC) for entry into the Human Capital Enterprise System
(HCES).
n Maintain records of all approved Nonpostal Training Applications and Continued Service Agreements.
n At the end of each semester, report tuition costs for the Postal Service.
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Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
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n Approve Nonpostal Training Application Forms and Continued Service Agreements.
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743.2 Nonpostal Training Application Form
* * * * *
[Revise Exhibit 743.2 to read as follows:]
Exhibit 743.2 Nonpostal Training Application Form
Leadership Development & Talent Management Non-Postal Training Application Form (v.2 – Aug 2013)
Return form to: Leadership Development and Talent Management, 475 L’Enfant Plaza, Room 9317, Washington, DC 20260-9301.
743.3 Minimum Grade Requirement
[Revise the text of 743.3 to read as follows:]
A grade of B or higher, or a grade of pass in a pass/fail course, is required for all courses. See 744.1.
743.4 Continued Service Agreement and Certification
743.41 Condition for Signing
[Revise the text of 743.41 to read as follows:]
Employees who enroll in an undergraduate, graduate, or certification program must sign a Continued Service Agreement and certification statement and submit it to the Manager, LDTM before starting the program (see Exhibit 743.43). The Manager, LDTM forwards the Continued Service Agreement accountable information approved by the CHRO to the HRSSC for entry into the HCES.
If an employee completes more than five nonpostal training courses within three consecutive years, the employee will be:
a. Considered to be working toward the completion of an academic degree; and
b. Required to complete the tuition reimbursement process prior to taking additional courses at Postal Service expense.
Employees do not have to sign the agreement and certification when:
a. Training is provided by a manufacturer as a normal service incidental to the initial purchase or lease of products under a procurement contract.
b. There are no expenses to the Postal Service other than salary.
743.42 Period of Commitment
[Revise the text of 743.42 to read as follows:]
The commitment period begins immediately upon completion of training. Employees who separate from the Postal Service before completing a degree program will be required to reimburse the Postal Service for all expenses the Postal Service incurred in connection with the employee’s pursuit of the degree. The commitment for each type of program is as follows:
a. 2 years for programs that have a cost range from $5,000 - $50,000;
b. 3 years for programs that have a cost range from $50,000 - $75,000;
c. 4 years for programs that have a cost range from $75,000 - $100,000; and
d. 5 years for programs costing in excess of $100,000
Note: Approval will not be granted for participation in a doctoral program. When an employee enrolls in an executive-level graduate program (i.e., the Sloan Fellows Program) the employee’s status is changed to “Executive in Training.” This becomes the participant’s work assignment and governs the terms and conditions of employment.
743.43 Continued Service Agreement
[Revise the text of 743.43 to read as follows:]
Employees scheduled to complete an undergraduate, graduate, or executive-level graduate program must sign a Continued Service Agreement (see 743.41 and Exhibit 743.43).
743.431 Procedure
[Revise the text of 743.431 to read as follows:]
Employees must sign and date the Continued Service Agreement prior to the start of the training. At the time the certification is signed, the employee must submit the signed certification to the Manager, LDTM.
743.432 Reimbursement
[Revise the text of 743.432 to read as follows:]
If an employee gives voluntary notice to leave the Postal Service prior to completing the service agreed to in the Continued Service Agreement for a reason other than non-career military service, then the employee’s supervisor provides written notification to the official who approved the eBuy requisition for the training. The supervisor indicates the reason for failure to fulfill the agreement and recommends either of the following:
a. The employee should be required to reimburse the Postal Service under the terms of the agreement; or
b. Reimbursement should be waived because recovery of the money would be contrary to equity, good conscience, or public interest.
If the official who approved the training decides to require reimbursement, the official notifies the Accounting Service Center of the amount due by submitting PS Form 1902, Justification for Billing Accounts Receivable, in duplicate. The Accounting Service Center bills the employee and collects the funds due to the Postal Service.
[Revise the text of Exhibit 743.43 to read as follows:]
Exhibit 743.43 Continued Service Agreement and Certification Statement
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
CONTINUED SERVICE AGREEMENT
FOR
NONPOSTAL TRAINING
|
l understand that the Postal Service’s payment for this training or development is subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in Employee and Labor Relations Manual (ELM) Sections 744.2, Double Payment, and 743, College Tuition Reimbursement. References to these sections are included in this agreement.
Employee’s initials: _____
I agree that after completing this training associated with a College, University, or Certificate Program, I will continue serving in the United States Postal Service for (a) 2 years for programs that have a cost range from $5,000 - $50,000; (b) 3 years for programs that have a cost range from $50,000 - $75,000; (c) 4 years for programs that have a cost range from $75,000 - $100,000; and 5 years for programs costing in excess of $100,000. I understand that the obligated years of service will begin at the start of business on my first workday after completing the training/learning program.
Employee’s initials: _____
If I voluntarily leave the Postal Service before completing the obligated period, I agree to reimburse the Postal Service for the full cost of all expenses incurred by the Postal Service in connection with this training or educational program or certification which are in addition to my salary, pay, or compensation.
Employee’s initials: _____
I understand and agree that I waive the provisions of the Debt Collection Act and ELM subchapter 450, Collection of Postal Debts From Nonbargaining Unit Employees, and ELM subchapter 470, Administrative Offsets for Former Postal Service Nonbargaining Unit Employees, 39 CFR Part 961, 39 CFR Part 966, and 31 USC 3716. In the event I must reimburse the training-related expenses described above, the Postal Service will immediately collect the entire amount from my forthcoming pay check, and, if necessary, from any subsequent pay checks or payment of any kind due to me from the Postal Service, including any payments that may be issued to me after I leave the Postal Service. If the Postal Service is unable to collect the entire gross amount that I owe from my forthcoming pay check(s) or payment of any kind, I will be invoiced for any outstanding debt and agree to pay the Postal Service within 30 days of receipt of any such invoice.
Employee’s initials: _____
I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, I will not receive payment from other sources (including payment under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 34, Veterans’ Education Assistance, commonly called the GI Bill) for the training that will be provided by the Postal Service. I agree that, if I subsequently do receive and accept such payment from other sources, I will promptly remit all such amounts to the Postal Service. I understand and agree that if I do not remit all such amounts to the Postal Service, the Postal Service may collect those amounts from me pursuant to the process specified by the preceding paragraph of this agreement.
Employee’s initials: _____
This agreement does not in any way commit the Postal Service or the federal government to continue my employment.
Name (printed or typed):
Position Title:
Signature:
Date:
Name of University:
Dates Scheduled to attend: From: To:
Please sign the agreement and return it to:
MANAGER, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND TALENT MANAGEMENT
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND TALENT MANAGEMENT
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE
475 L’ENFANT PLZ SW, RM 9317
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20260-9317
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743.5 Reporting Requirements
[Revise the text of 743.5 to read as follows:]
At the end of each semester, the Area and Headquarters organizations must submit to the Manager, LDTM a list of the employees who have been approved to attend nonpostal training. This report will be sent out by LDTM. The report must include the following:
a. The employee’s name, grade, title, and PCES manager or executive sponsor; and
b. The college or university, course level, course title, start date, completion date, and cost.
744 Special Factors
744.1 Failure to Enroll in or Complete Approved Training
[Revise the text of 744.1 to read as follows:]
Employees who fail to enroll in or to successfully complete approved training for reasons that are unacceptable to the approving official may be required to: (a) pay any cancellation fee required by the training sponsor; and (b) reimburse the Postal Service for costs or liabilities incurred for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, and per diem (but not for salary) unless the employee failed to enroll in or complete approved training because the employee was performing non-career military service, in which case the Postal Service may not request reimbursement of any costs or liabilities incurred. The MLDD, supervisor/manager, or LDTM promptly notifies those who have received copies of the approved eBuy requisition that the employee has failed to enroll in or complete approved training. Notification is important so that:
a. Accounting Service accounts may be adjusted.
b. The training vendor does not bill the Postal Service for payment of tuition and fees.
c. The Postal Service and the training vendor may consider other candidates for the training.
* * * * *
744.31 Conditions for Acceptance
[Revise the text of 744.31(a) to read as follows:]
a. The employee’s manager must obtain an ethics opinion to ensure that acceptance of such a contribution or award does not violate the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. See 5 CFR Part 2635, Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch.
* * * * *
751.1 Purpose
[Revise the text of 751.1(c) and 751.1(d) to read as follows:]
c. Developing and publishing standards of professional performance and responsibility.
d. Furthering the career development of members.
* * * * *
753 Payment of Membership Dues or Fees
753.1 Individual Memberships
753.11 Voluntary
[Revise the text of 753.11(b) to read as follows:]
b The employee requesting the individual membership is in an FLSA exempt position with a level of EAS-17 or above.
* * * * *
753.2 Institutional Membership
[Revise the 2nd sentence of 753.2 to read as follows:]
***Vice Presidents are authorized to define and approve institutional memberships for specific functional areas and/or organizational units reporting to them.
753.3 Procurement of Memberships
[Revise the text of 753.3 to read as follows:]
The Vice President, Supply Management, is responsible for the procurement of memberships that cost greater than $10,000, or in certain cases where the cost of the membership is less than $10,000, and a written contract is necessary to reflect the benefits, obligations, and responsibilities associated with the membership. An approved eBuy requisition must include either:
a. The individuals designated by name or position title to represent the Postal Service; or
b. The total number of individuals included in the membership.
* * * * *
We will incorporate these revisions into the next online update of the ELM, which is available on the Postal Service PolicyNet website:
n Go to http://blue.usps.gov.
n Under “Essential Links” in the left-hand column, click PolicyNet.
n Click Manuals.
The direct URL for the Postal Service PolicyNet website is http://blue.usps.gov/cpim.
— Learning & Development,
Employee Resource Management, 5-1-14
