Vegetable Crops Research Unit Wiki

Information from email from Roy Wells on 10/23/2007

    From: Wells, Roy
    Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 11:28 PM
    To: ARS-ALL,
    Subject: Mandatory use of SF-182 in AgLearn
    On September 27, we received from the Department a memo mandating the use of the online
Standard Form (SF)-182 in AgLearn, effective October 1, 2007. All training, except online courses 
taken in AgLearn, must be requested and approved using the SF-182 in AgLearn.
    The SF-182 in AgLearn provides an electronic means of requesting and approving training, and 
provides documentation for the employee’s learning file without having to re-key the information. 
In addition, it enables easier reporting by the Department of Agriculture to the Office of 
Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget to meet the mandatory reporting on 
department-wide training..
    If you have ever completed an SF-182 paper form, the online process is really not that 
different. After completing the form, the electronic process moves you through the approval 
process similar to the approvals on the paper form. Although 6 approval/review levels are 
available for use, ARS only uses 3; the supervisor, the 2nd level approver (usually the fund 
holder – can be the same as the supervisor in some cases) and a final approver (usually the person 
who has the purchase card and actually will order the training).
    Please note that the required fields are marked by a red asterisk.
    To assist with the implementation of this initiative, several quick reference guides have been 
prepared and can be accessed from the ARS HR Applications website 
http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/applications/aglearn.htm.
    Profile Updates – If you have not already done so, you MUST update your profile with your 
e-mail address, and select your Supervisor. This facilitates notification and appropriate routing 
for the approval process. We have published instructions for updating you profile at 
http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/applications/aglearn.htm.
    Questions regarding this process can be directed to arsaglearn@ars.usda.gov.

Information from Julie Grogan on 10/23/2007

    Good Afternoon Everyone:
    In the past couple of weeks you've received a couple of emails regarding using the SF182 
training form. I’ve had several folks from the Location ask “WHAT THE HECK IS AN SF-182 FORM” and 
do they have to do it.
    The SF182 form is one that asks permission to take a training course (outside what is offered 
in AgLearn) PRIOR to taking the course or committing any federal dollars for payment of the course. 
For example, if you wanted to take a computer course through the DoIt Training Center OR if your 
unit is going to pay for you to take a UW course this semester OR you are going to attend a 
conference that offers CEUs for training/attendance, you would need to complete the SF182 online 
before any payment of the course/event occurs. The information then is relayed electronically to 
your supervisor for permission and “up the line” as necessary. It also keeps your federal training 
“transcript” up-to-date which can be used in providing information during performance appraisal 
periods.
    For most of you at the location, you may never have to use this form. HOWEVER, it is there 
when you need it. You can find the form in AgLearn under the “Learning” Tab….at the far right end 
entitled “SF182 Requests”.
    UPDATING PERSONAL PROFILE INFORMATION: With the transition to Outlook earlier this year, many 
of the profiles still have your old “wisc.edu” email address or perhaps your phone number has 
changed. Please review your personal profile found under the “PERSONAL” tab with your current 
information. The AgLearn credentials are being used in a number of different programs….including 
new payroll initiatives so keeping this information current is of the utmost importance.
    As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks!
    Julie