501: University-sponsored Memberships in Career-related Organizations

Statement

Georgetown University has established guidelines concerning support of employee memberships in career-related organizations.

Philosophy

The University will support employees who wish to join and participate in career-related organizations when:

• the affiliation is consistent with the mission and values of the University, 
• membership will benefit the employee and the University, and
• adequate funding is available to sponsor the membership.

Procedures

An employee may request the University to sponsor membership in an appropriate organization by submitting a request to the immediate supervisor.  The request should include:

• a description of the organization,
• an explanation of how the membership would benefit the University and the employee,
• the complete cost of membership,
• an estimate of the amount of University work time the employee will spend participating in the organization.

The supervisor will review the request and forward it with a recommendation to the department head.  The department head will promptly approve or disapprove the request and inform the employee and supervisor. 

A department head (or higher level employee) who wishes to join a career-related organization should send a request to the appropriate supervisor. 

Membership payments must be processed according to the University’s fiscal procedures. 

Responsibility

Department heads are responsible for approving or disapproving requests for University-sponsored memberships in career-related organizations. 

Resources

For more information concerning this policy, contact the appropriate Human Resources department.