Policy
University of Missouri Extension Regional Specialists are encouraged to join and participate in professional organizations and societies appropriate to their academic disciplines and duties. MU Extension supports participation in regional and national professional meetings as follows:

1. Official leave may be granted for MU Extension regional specialists to attend one meeting per fiscal year.
2. The amount of official leave allowable is the number of days scheduled for the meeting and one day’s travel time before and after the meeting.
3. Reimbursement is provided for reasonable and necessary expenses within University travel regulations. Maximum reimbursements:
   • One year --  $600
   • Two years -- $1,000

Applications must be submitted to the Regional Director at least three months before the beginning date of the meeting.

Professional and/or society meetings may include, but are not limited to:

1. Professional association meetings related to the extension function.
   Ex.: National Association of County Agricultural Agents, National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Workers, National Association of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, American Association of Adult and Continuing Education, National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals
2. Professional or society meetings related to the individual’s academic discipline.
   Ex.: American Society of Agronomy, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, American Society of Animal Science, Community Development Society, American Association of Adult and Continuing Education
3. Workshop, seminar or other professional development.

The continuation of funding described in this policy is dependent upon the availability of travel and faculty development funds.

Procedure

1. Regional Specialists submit Application for Approval to Attend Professional Society Meeting, Conference or Seminar form to their Regional Director for approval.
2. Regional Director signs, approves and notifies the faculty member of application approval.
3. Regional Director’s office records information on tracking spreadsheet.
4. Regional Director’s office retains the official copy of the approved application.
5. Faculty members submit travel vouchers to Regional Director.
6. Regional Director forwards voucher to Administrative Management.
7. Administrative Management verifies eligibility and processes voucher for reimbursement.

In-Service Education Program

Course Registration
(requires password)

Professional Meetings
Attendance
Presenting

New Faculty
Orientation

Core Competencies

Leaves/Credit Courses

Leadership
Opportunities