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Frequently Asked Quesionts about AIAQTP::
General Information Questions:
| A. Employees of federally-recognized tribes are eligible for our training courses. Preference is given to individuals from tribal environmental offices. Each course also has its own set of criteria regarding who should attend a course (please visit the Training Schedule page for details). Occasionally ITEP will allow visitors or observers at a course that do not meet this requirement, however no travel expenses can be paid for these individuals. Please contact Lydia Scheer for more information. |
| A. ITEP covers all costs for lodging and meals for our air quality courses (unless otherwise stated in the course announcement), however participants MUST adhere to ITEP's statement of expectations regarding attendance and classroom conduct. Hotel costs are paid by ITEP prior to the training course; per diem for meals and incidentals are reimbursed after the course. See the FAQ section on "Travel-Specific Questions" for more specific information. |
| A. Yes. Due to the fact that ITEP historically supported all training costs, we are making every effort to ensure that this change in policy does not adversely affect the tribal participation in our courses. Applications for additional travel assistance are mailed with each course application packet. A limited number of stipends will be made available for each course, and due to limited funding, ITEP will not be able to accommodate all requests. Click HERE for more information about Travel Assistance. |
| A. The AIAQTP has developed a system of course levels in order to guide trainees through the training program in an effective and logical way. Level 1 courses are introductory courses that provide an understanding of general topics and fundamental concepts. Level 2 courses are more comprehensive and somewhat more advanced, whereas Level 3 courses are highly technical and/or rigorous courses that focus on a very specific set of topics. Level 2 and 3 courses require pre-requisite training courses and/or prior knowledge of air quality concepts. Click HERE for suggested course sequences. |
| A. Typically, ITEP will automatically notify you of courses for which you are eligible (see question about course levels and sequence). Course information and application forms are usually mailed out from ITEP about two months prior to the course. If you don't receive information for a course in which you are interested, please contact Lydia Scheer to request application materials. |
| A. In an effort to offset costs of transportation for Tribes attending our courses, and to meet the constraints of the hotel contracts in which we have engaged, we strive to have our courses filled and participants confirmed as early as possible to offset the expense of last-minute arrangements. (Note: airline tickets are cheapest when purchased 21 days in advance of the travel date.) |
| A. The application deadline is an important date for our course planning and delivery. It is important that you make every effort to meet the deadline as priority for a seat in the course is given to those who apply by that date. Additionally, if a course has not received enough applicants by the deadline, it may get postponed or cancelled. However, applications are always accepted after the deadline. Occasionally, we have some spaces available even after the application deadline, or we may have spaces open up if cancellations occur. We will start a waiting list for eligible applicants if a course is full and notify them if space becomes available. |
| A. The application deadline is an important date for our course planning and delivery. It is important that you make every effort to meet the deadline as priority for a seat in the course is given to those who apply by that date. Additionally, if a course has not received enough applicants by the deadline, it may get postponed or cancelled. However, applications are always accepted after the deadline. Occasionally, we have some spaces available even after the application deadline, or we may have spaces open up if cancellations occur. We will start a waiting list for eligible applicants if a course is full and notify them if space becomes available. |
| A. Selections for a course typically take place approximately 4-5 weeks before the course. A letter informing you of your selection status will be faxed to you at that time. If you have been selected for a course, you will also receive additional information related to the course including a training agenda, hotel information, etc. |
| A. Due to the demand from new tribes and new hires at tribes that need training, ITEP can only accommodate participants who have already completed the course if there is enough room in the course. Additionally, ITEP cannot pay for a person to attend a course multiple times, so all costs associated with re-taking the course would be the responsibility of the tribe and/or tribal professional. |
Travel-Specific Questions for Those NOT Recieving Travel Stipends:
IMPORTANT NOTE: although ITEP pays for hotel rooms in advance, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that travelers carry cash or a credit card to pay for meals, incidentals, and unforeseen emergencies. Important information is included on the Fact Sheet you receive prior to the course-be sure to take this with you when you travel.
| A. Rental vehicles, hotel room services (movies, room service, etc.), taxi, telephone calls or deposits, extra nights at hotel (not approved by ITEP personnel). |
| A. Yes, however, you are responsible for all travel arrangements and costs (hotel, per diem, etc.) beyond the dates approved for the training course. |
| A. No, however, ITEP will request a copy of your itinerary so we know when you are scheduled to arrive and/or depart. ITEP also reserves the right to cancel your spot in the class if your itinerary does not enable you to attend the course in full; this is to help ensure that participants who will attend the course in full can be accommodated and that all participants receive their Certificate of Completion. |
| A. Contact the ITEP support person at the training course. The support person's name and phone number is on the Fact Sheet provided for the course. |
| A. Contact Sharlene Brown (928-523-5504) at ITEP if the problem arises during business hours. If there is an after-hours or weekend travel emergency, you may contact the ITEP cell phone number provided on the Fact Sheet for the course. |
| A. If you have to cancel your attendance at the course, ITEP will cancel your hotel room if one has been reserved. In order to avoid being charged for the unused room, we ask that you contact us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel, otherwise you will be billed for the cost of the room. If you do not complete the course (or are absent during the course), you will NOT receive your Certificate of Completion, and may be billed for any costs incurred and/or have reimbursement for meals withheld. Excessive cancellations or attendance issues will jeopardize your eligibility to attend future training courses. Please click HERE for ITEP's cancellation policy. |
| A. Most reimbursements take 2-3 weeks to be processed depending on the time the paperwork was completed and submitted. If you have waited more than three weeks, contact Twila Gleason at (928-523-0526), or email at: Twila.Gleason@nau.edu to check on the status of your reimbursement. |
Travel-Specific Questions for Those Receiving Travel Stipends:
| A. Yes, however flight itineraries (times of arrival/departure and costs) MUST be approved by ITEP prior to purchase if you intend to be reimbursed for the cost of the ticket. Hotel costs can be reimbursed up to the allowed rate (please contact ITEP for this rate), however it is highly discouraged to lodge at a hotel other than that contracted for a course. Original receipts must be submitted in order to receive reimbursement for airline/hotel. |
| A. Multiple destination travel or travel to/from an alternate location will be approved only if the costs are not more than the standard round-trip ticket. The traveler will be responsible for any difference in costs if the ticket is greater than the standard round-trip airfare. |
| A. Yes. ITEP will reimburse mileage costs for personal or tribally owned vehicles only. In order to receive reimbursement for mileage costs you must track accurate miles from your home or business to the training and/or airport. Record your mileage from your odometer BEFORE leaving and UPON returning. If you do not have accurate odometer readings use www.Mapquest.com or another reliable mapping program. |
| A. Yes. ITEP will cover the cost of mileage so long as it is less than the cost of airfare (coach class) at the time of booking to the same destination. Meals and incidentals will be calculated as though the travel had occurred via air; extra meals and lodging costs will NOT be covered for travelers opting to travel via automobile. |
| A. If you have to cancel your attendance at the course, ITEP will cancel your hotel room if one has been reserved. In order to avoid being charged for the unused room, we ask that you contact us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel, otherwise you will be billed for the cost of the room. You (or your tribe) will be billed in full for any unused airline or shuttle tickets. If you do not complete the course (or are absent during the course), you will NOT receive your Certificate of Completion, and may be billed for any costs incurred and/or have reimbursement for meals withheld. Excessive cancellations or attendance issues will jeopardize your eligibility to attend future training courses. Please click HERE for ITEP's cancellation policy. |
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