Evidence of ongoing professional development of faculty as teachers, scholars, and practitioners is described in the Athens State University Professional Development Policy and in the Employee Handbook, part 6.9-17. In these documents, Athens State University delineates the professional development plan which consists of individual plans for professional growth proposed annually by participating faculty and administrative personnel. Each plan represents the participant’s commitment to a self-designed course of action and to a written assessment, which will be developed by the end of each year in cooperation with an evaluation committee of his/her own choosing. Sample Professional Development Plans for the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and the College of Education are available.

In the Employee Handbook, ASU states that professional growth of the faculty through the development of in-service educational and training programs is encouraged and supported with educational and professional leaves. Faculty members are expected to attend professional meetings, conferences and workshops.