PDS Policies

Course notifications including the course title, instructor, date(s), starting and ending times, location, and any required pre-work will be forwarded to department Training Liaisons for distribution a maximum of two (2) weeks before the course date. In the event of a course cancellation, PDS will contact Training Liaisons and/or course enrollees, depending on how soon or how late we are aware of the cancellation.

Employees receiving course confirmations are expected to attend the entire course and to complete a course evaluation form.

Participants absent more than 30 minutes in a training session will not receive credit for course attendance. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Cancellations by PDS: PDS reserves the right to cancel a course when the minimum number of enrollees is not met or if an emergency arises that prevents the training session from running. 

Cancellations by participants: When you enroll in a PDS course, a "seat" is purchased. If you become unable to attend the class, you must notify your training liaison and/or PDS at least fourteen (14) calendar days in advance of the course date. Failure to provide the required notice will result in a charge for the seat in the course. However, in the event notice cannot be given within the cancellation period, we highly encourage a substitute be sent in your place to fill the seat. Inform PDS of this substitution for billing purposes.

There will be no charge if you become unable to attend due to approved leave other than vacation (i.e. illness, bereavement, etc.) PDS must be notified of this leave as soon as possible.

Terminated employment cancellations: For cases in which an enrolled state employee is severed from state employment within (14) calendar days of the course date, agencies are encouraged to fill the purchased seat with another employee. If the purchased seat is unfilled the agency will still be charged.

CANCELLATION PROCESS

State employees: log into the LMS to unenroll yourself or contact your Training Liaison.

Non-state employees: contact PDS directly.

Scheduled PDS Courses may be cancelled if there is a severe weather situation, such as a blizzard or ice storm, in which travel to the course location may risk the individual health and safety of course participant(s) or instructor(s). PDS course cancellations will be determined by the program manager. If a course is cancelled due to weather PDS will post the cancellation notice on our website. PDS will also add a pre-recorded message to our main line voicemail which is (515)281-5456.

Exceptions may be made for individuals traveling into the Des Moines area from a field location. Exception requests must be communicated by the agency’s Training Liaison to PDS prior to, or during, the course for which the individual is enrolled.

In the event of a cancellation, individuals need to follow their own department/agency policy for reporting to work. Information about rescheduling the course will be distributed as soon as alternate arrangements are made.

For your safety and convenience, if you are traveling to attend a training session and the weather forecast or road conditions seem questionable, please call your Training Liaison or PDS at (515) 281-5456 to ensure the course has not been cancelled.