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Introduction
The Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) module within our system offers a range of customizable settings for admins, facilitating a tailored approach to managing professional development activities. This guide will explore the configuration options available and demonstrate how to effectively apply these settings to enhance user experience and compliance.
A. Problem Statement
Admins may find it challenging to navigate the extensive customization options available within the IPDP module, which could lead to underutilization of the module’s capabilities or improper configuration that does not align with organizational goals or compliance requirements.
B. Solution
To effectively leverage the IPDP module's full potential, admins should familiarize themselves with each setting option, understand its implications, and apply changes judiciously to meet specific organizational needs while enhancing user functionality.
As an admin, there are many settings you can customize within the IPDP module.
1. Click on Admin > Site Settings, then IPDP.
2. Make any changes needed and click Apply.
Pre-Approval Type
None: Does not allow the user to create a pre-approval for an activity.
Any: Allows user to create a pre-approval whenever needed for an activity.
Evaluation Type
None: Does not allow the user to create an evaluation.
Once: Allows the user to create one evaluation.
Plan Start Date Entry Mode: Open Plan allows the users to select a start date and end date, while Restricted Plan allows the users to select a start date of January 1st or July 1st and pick the year (currently, they can pick from 2020-2026).
Allow Recall: Allows the user to recall a non-approved IPDP item.
Buildings: List of buildings that will be listed for the user when creating their IPDP plan.
Professional Development Types: This allows for custom types to be used when creating IPDP plans. Leaving empty will use the system default.
Hour Display Unit: Select from Contact Hours, Semester Hours, Quarter Hours, or CEUs. This changes the display on the IPDP manager screen.
Allow Activity Requisition: Allows the user to create a requisition from an activity.
Copy Plan User Email to Vendor: If creating a requisition, sets the vendor email address to the user's email.
Allow Activity Invoice: Allows an activity item to create an invoice.
Require PO Number: When filling in an activity item, will require the user to enter the associated PO number or they cannot submit.
Autofill Single Line Invoices: If the PO has a single line, it will apply all costs automatically to the line.
NOTE: You will still need to edit the line for desired status before submitting to USAS.
Invoice Number Macro: If creating an invoice, will automatically create an invoice based on the pattern listed.
{{Initials}} - Initials of the approval user (first/last)
{{CurDate}} - current date in YYMMDD format
{{CurTime}} - current time in HHMMSS format
{{Title}} - first 4 characters of the title of the approval
Split Goal Entry - Allows for 2 boxes under each goal: Goal Statement and Proposed Activities.
Goal Instructions/Sample Html: Any instructions the admins have for the user filling out the goals section.
Activity Instructions/Sample Html: Any instructions the admins have for the user filling out the activity section.
Importing:
Once imported, the plans will show on the IPDP manager page for plans and the Certifications page for certifications.
- Import District Certifications: Importing an excel file (.csv) with certification information
- Import Plans: Importing an excel file (.csv) with information on an IPDP plan
- Import Activities/CEU Hours: Importing activities that get added to the IPDP Plan. They have to be added to a plan that has been approved.
C. Best Practices
- Comprehensive Review of Settings: Before making any changes, thoroughly review all available options to understand their functions and impacts.
- Clear Documentation and Communication: Maintain detailed records of all settings changes and communicate these changes effectively to all stakeholders to ensure transparency.
D. Troubleshooting
- Settings Not Taking Effect: If changes do not appear to be implemented, ensure that you clicked Apply after making adjustments. If issues persist, check for any system updates or contact Support.
E. Related Articles
IPDP: Apply Activity Hours to More than One User
IPDP: Add Expenses to IPDP Activity Items
IPDP: Import/Refresh/Edit ODE Certifications
Conclusion
The ability to customize settings within the IPDP module is a powerful tool for admins, allowing for a tailored approach to managing professional development activities. By understanding and applying the settings thoughtfully, adhering to best practices, and actively troubleshooting any issues, admins can significantly enhance the effectiveness and user-friendliness of the IPDP module. This proactive approach ensures that the module not only meets but exceeds organizational and user expectations, contributing to the overall professional growth and compliance within the institution.