The NonProfit Times - February 1, 2008 - (Page 11) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Continued from page 8 is to favor covering the cost of tuition, even if a course or degree is offered online, believing there is little difference in the quality of education,” said Gambescia. Added Burlingame,“it’s really a toss-up. I think you can have a very good experience (with online courses)…and for some people, it’s actually better.” Looking to the future, Gambescia said he believes there are two good reasons nonprofits should seriously consider allowing employees to take online courses, cover the cost, and consider it a responsible investment. First, the time-away-from-work factor is minimized via the online learning format.And second, when you look at the degree programs offered entirely online, they are in subject areas that are very useful to nonprofit employees. Sutherland, who prior to UMUC worked as both a CEO and chief administrative officer at nonprofit organizations, said he understands the challenge of con- “What generally works at smaller organizations is to have a pool of continuing education money available and allow employees to step forward to use it.” — Stephen Gambescia vincing a board that tuition reimbursement is a good investment.“There are certain things that may not on the surface appear to be moving -- because nonprofits are mission-driven – moving you towards your mission. But that doesn’t mean they’re not a good investment, and that you shouldn’t do them even if it means you cannot finance every program you would like to.” NPT Join the more than 85,000* nonprofit executives who read The NonProfit Times! Call 937 401.0202 or go to nptimes.com *Readex Study FEBRUARY 1, 2008 THE NONPROFIT TIMES www.nptimes.com 11 http://www.donorperfect.com/freetestdrive http://www.ncahlc.org http://www.nptimes.com http://www.donorperfect.com/freetestdrive http://www.ncahlc.org http://www.nptimes.com
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.