Human Resource Development Fund for Support Staff
The Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF) allows eligible support staff to access learning opportunities (courses, workshops, seminars, in-school apprenticeship training or programs) that will:
- enhance their capacity to perform work.
- prepare for an expanded or different role.
The fund is not available for:
- general interest courses (e.g., hobbies, crafts, recreational memberships).
- wellness courses.
- job-specific training required for your current role.
- training required by legislation for your current role.
- University of Alberta credit courses (see tuition remission instead).
HRDF is a negotiated benefit between the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA). Please see Common Provisions - Operating & Trust: Article 24.
Eligibility Amounts
Fiscal year: April 1 - March 31
| Employee Type | Eligibility | Timing | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual I | No | Not Applicable | None |
| Casual II | Yes | When Casual II starts | $500 per fiscal year (no borrowing) |
| Auxiliary | Yes | When Auxiliary starts | $1000 per fiscal year (no borrowing) |
| Regular | Yes | When Regular starts | $1000 per fiscal year |
| Excluded Employees | No | Not Applicable | None |
Borrowed funding may be available if a program cost exceeds your maximum allowance in a fiscal year. View the HRDF User Manual for details.
Additional information on course eligibility, employee eligibility and entitlements is provided in the document, HRDF User Manual.
Funding Periods for Applications
| For courses/conferences which start between: | Applications will begin to be accepted on the following dates: |
|---|---|
| April 1 to June 30 | March 1 |
| July 1 to September 30 | June 1 |
| October 1 to December 31 | September 1 |
| January 1 to March 31 | December 1 |
If the first day of the funding period falls on a weekend or holiday, the funding period will open on the next business day at 8:00 a.m.
Once the funds are spent by support staff collectively for a funding period, no further applications will be accepted.
Applications submitted early will be declined and you’ll need to submit a new application during the appropriate period.
Apply for Funding
- Read the step by step instructions provided in the HRDF User Manual.
- Visit E-HRDF and submit an application.
- An automated email is sent when your application status is updated.
Changing + Cancelling Approved Courses
Contact hrdf@ualberta.ca if:
- the approved course has been cancelled.
- the eligible employee has withdrawn from the course.
- the start date has been changed.
You must provide a legitimate reason for not attending, or you may be responsible for reimbursing the HRDF.