Investing in the City & County's Workforce
In May 2005, the Department of Human Resources (DHR) to created City University (CU) to ensure San Francisco has the most educated and highly trained local government workforce. As a result, the City developed partnerships with San Francisco State University College of Extended Learning (SFSU-CEL) and City College of San Francisco (City College). Through CU, the City funds a variety of courses taken at SFSU-CEL and City College. In addition, the City collaborates with these partners to provide more focused programs for critical needs throughout the City.
Vision of City University
A program to ensure San Francisco has a government workforce that is educated, trained and prepared to provide quality services to its citizens now and into the future.
Mission of City University
A partnership between the City, educational institutions, labor organizations, business, and philanthropic communities, to provide learning opportunities for City employees that produces high quality City services, improved performance, and satisfied employees.
Goals of City University
- Provide career ladders for City employees
- Provide skill building opportunities for City employees
- Provide professional development opportunities for City employees
- Provide learning opportunities to assist workforce planning and succession planning programs
- Provide learning opportunities to address jobs that are difficult to fill due to a shortage of qualified candidates and competition with the private sector and other jurisdictions
- Provide opportunities for City employees to learn new skills in a changing work environment
City University funds skills building and professional development classes that will allow an employee to:
- Learn new ways to do tasks
- Learn new skills applicable to your work for the City
- Learn new ways to improve overall success and efficiency
- Gain new computer skills or improving computer skills
- Practice these skills over an extended period of time
- Meet employees from other City departments
- Meet professionals from other professions
Who can participate?
Can I get a refund or credit for future class?
What is the tuition reimbursement process?
Does an employee get college credit for these classes?
What classes are available?
How will time in class be compensated?
Can I access on-line classes from my workstation?
How is the cost of textbooks covered?
What is the enrollment process?
Who can I contact for additional information?
Who can participate?
- Current City employees
- Must meet the prerequisites per course description (if applicable)
- Must complete the City University Participant Form
What does participation mean?
An employee may choose to enroll in selected classes to upgrade skills in specific areas. Mastery of a selected class will earn you academic credit on a transcript or continuing education units (CEUs); completion of selected courses can also lead to a program certificate.
How much does a class cost?
The cost of classes provided through City University varies depending on the learning institution. Classes taken through City College of San Francisco are at no cost to eligible City employees. For classes taken through SFSU-CEL, 2/3 of the course costs will be paid by DHR and 1/3 will be paid by the employee; course costs vary depending on the course. (Note: An employee may choose to have his/her course costs reimbursed from Employee Development Fund, as specified by the applicable MOU. Learn more about Tuition Reimbursement).
Can I get a refund or credit for future class?
For an employee that pays the required 1/3 portion of the cost for a SFSU-CEL course listed under City University, and who drops/cancels enrollment for the class before the first day of class, the employee portion of the tuition fee will be reimbursed directly to the employee by SFSU-CEL. The employee must inform both SFSU-CEL and DHR of the intent to drop/cancel participation in a course. There are no credits issued for future classes.
What is the tuition reimbursement process?
Employees may utilize funds provided by their applicable MOUs every fiscal year for tuition, internal or external training programs. The process varies depending on the applicable MOU and is outlined in the applicable reimbursement form.
Does an employee get college credit for these classes?
Semester classes taken through City College are currently for academic credit. Classes taken through SFSU-CEL are for continuing education units (CEUs). Classes through City College's Continuing Education department are for training hours; neither continuing CEUs nor academic credit is given.
What classes are available?
Through the partnerships with SFSU-CEL, CU offers courses received (CEUs) in several certificate and professional development programs. Through City College CU offers credit coursess in the areas of computer applications, business writing, communications, paralegal studies, and more. These classes are conducted in a classroom setting.
Lastly, in terms of life-long learning, City College's Continuing Education department offers short-term on-line classes, as well as in-person courses. On-line courses cover a variety of areas from analytical and writing skills, computer skills, English for non-native speakers, test preparation, interpersonal skills, and technical skills. In-person classes cover computer skills and test preparation.
How will time in class be compensated?
If the class is held during your regularly scheduled work hours, DHR is encouraging City Departments to allow employees up to 50% of work time to attend the class. The remainder of the class time will be the employee's own time.
- Classroom time held during your non-work hours
- Commute time to and from the classroom location
- Time spent on lab work
- Time spent on homework
Can I access on-line classes from my workstation?
In general, for City University on-line classes, City employees will be required to use their own time and computer resources. The exception to this is when the following requirements are made:
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The on-line class is directly related to an employee's current job classification or to a City job to which the employee might reasonably expect to promote; and
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The employee has received approval from his/her supervisor, plus the approval from the Information Technology Administrator for the employee's department.
How is the cost of textbooks covered?
Some classes may require textbooks. If so, the employee is responsible for purchasing them. (Note: An employee may choose to have his/her course supply costs reimbursed from Employee Development Funds, as applicable by their respective MOU's every fiscal year. Learn more about Tuition Reimbursement).
What is the enrollment process?
Enrollment is a two step process. First, an employee must complete and submit City University Participation Form (Word) Secondly, the employee must complete additional registration documentation through the educational institution. Note: steps vary slightly between SFSU-CEL, City College academic courses, and City College Continuing Education.
For additional information contact:
Donna Kotake (DHR)
donna.kotake@sfgov.org
415.557.4912
