D.6 — Professional Development for Faculty and Staff

Document Control Information

Policy Code

D.6

Standard

D. Faculty and Professional Staff

Status

published

Version

2

Process Owner

HR

Prepared By

HR

Reviewed By

QAIE

BOT Approval

approved

First Issue Date

20 Sept 2023

Last Review Date

12 Nov 2025

Relevant To

DMU Faculty,Staff

Used With

—

Modification History

Purpose and Scope

Abbreviations and Definitions

Policy Statement

• Equitable access to professional development activities.
• Inclusion in workshops, training, and institutional development programs.
• Orientation to enhance teaching and clinical effectiveness.

• Effective and Innovative Teaching in Health Professions Education
• Clinical Education Excellence and Patient Safety
• Assessment for Learning and Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME)
• Research, Scholarship, and Mentorship Development
• Accreditation Excellence and Continuous Quality Improvement
• Digital Health, Data Literacy, and AI in Healthcare
• Simulation-Based Education and Clinical Skills Innovation
• Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Collaborative Practice

• All full‑time faculty and staff are eligible for funded PD and protected time after completing the probation period listed in the contract.
• The sponsorship of the Workshop shall be taken from the relevant budget based on its nature and the purpose of faculty/staff participation.

• Be a permanent employee with at least 18 months of continuous service.
• Maintain a satisfactory performance record with no major disciplinary actions.
• Enroll in a recognized and accredited university.
• Pursue a field of study directly related to their current position or to a career path that aligns with organizational needs.
• Obtain written approval from their Head of Department, HR Department, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
• An approved budget must be available.

Policy Statement — Continued

1. Annual PD Allowance

• Faculty (FT): up to AED 8,000 per annum (Including research support and faculty development).
• Staff (FT): up to AED 5,000 per annum.

2. Protected Time

• Faculty: up to 10 days/year.
• Staff: up to 5 days/year.

3. Bond Period (Service Commitment):
   1. Programs < 6 months: no service commitment.
   2. Programs 6 - 12 year: 1-year service commitment.
   3. Programs > 1 year: 2-year service commitment.
   4. In the event of resignation or termination before completing this period, the employee must reimburse the organization for the proportional amount of financial support received.

• Payment may be made directly to the university or reimbursed upon proof of payment and course completion.
• Reimbursement of payment requires prior approval.

4. Workshop Travel

• Economy airfare, visa/insurance, registration are covered up to the maximum listed above.

Procedures & Guidelines

1. The applicant completes the “Attending Conference, Workshop, Seminar or Training” form (https://form.jotform.com/250004119427446).
2. The following information must be provided:
   1. Full name and position
   2. Department/Unit
   3. Title, date, and venue of the event
   4. Organizing institution or host organization
   5. Purpose and expected benefits to the institution
   6. Estimated cost and source of funding (personal, departmental, or institutional)
   7. Mode of participation (Presenter, Participant, Moderator, Organizer, etc.)
   8. Travel details, if applicable
3. Supporting documents should be attached, including:
   1. Invitation or event brochure/program
   2. Abstract or paper acceptance letter (if presenting)
   3. Cost estimate or budget breakdown
4. The completed form is submitted to the Department Head for review to make sure that:
   1. The applicant’s workload and class schedule have been adjusted as needed.
   2. Participation aligns with professional development goals.
   3. Departmental resources or funds (if any) are available.
5. The application is then endorsed to the Associate Dean Research and/or the Dean for institutional review and recommendation.
6. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs provides final approval.
7. Approved forms are forwarded to the Finance Office for fund processing.
8. Within 7 working days after returning, the participant must submit a report to the head of department including:
   1. Event highlights and key learnings
   2. Benefits to the institution
   3. Recommendations for future participation or implementation of learnings
   4. Proof of attendance (certificate, photos, etc.)

1. Employee submits an “Education Assistance Application” Form with details of the program, cost, duration, and relevance to their role to their Head of Department, who will indicate if this program will:

• Benefit the Dubai Medical University, and if so, elaborate in more detail.
• If the manager or supervisor believes that the employee would be able to successfully complete the course (both in terms of demonstrable intellectual ability and discipline).
• What would be the impact if the employee does not complete this study for the Dubai Medical University?

2. The Head of Department reviews and endorses the application, confirming alignment with departmental objectives.
3. The HR Department evaluates eligibility and budget availability.
4. Final approval is granted by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
5. Approved forms are forwarded to the Finance Office for fund processing.
6. Within 7 working days after completing, the participant must submit a report to the head of department including:

• Event highlights and key learnings
• Benefits to the institution
• Recommendations for future participation or implementation of learnings

Responsibilities for Application

• Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs 
• Deans of Colleges
• Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
• Human Resources Unit
• Faculty Development & Faculty Staff Professional Development Committee

Appendices

1. For a training/course/development course that is 6 - 12 months in duration: The employee needs to commit to serve 12 months.
2. For a training/course/development course that exceeds 12 months in duration: The employee needs to commit to serve 24 months.

Attached Documents & References

• RT-F- 25 Release Time-Fund Request- Faculty new.docx
• RT-F-26 Release Time-Fund Request- Staff new.docx