Student Affairs Professional Development and Staff Recognition Calendar - 2025
Please register online for each session you plan to attend.
January
Coming Soon!
February
Coming Soon!
March
Coming Soon!
April
Coming Soon!
May
Coming Soon!
June
Coming Soon!
July
Coming Soon!
August
Part 1: Recognize - Red Folder: Identifying Students in Distress
Thursday, Aug 28
10:30 a.m. – Noon
Zoom
RSVP Here!
Adapted by Student Counseling Services and inspired by similar initiatives at other universities, the Red Folder is a quick-reference resource designed to help faculty and staff notice when a student may be struggling and feel confident in taking supportive action. This session introduces key behavioral indicators, compassionate ways to check in, and how to use the Red Folder to connect students with the help they need.
This session will help you:
- Recognize common behavioral and emotional signs of student distress
- Respond with empathy and confidence
- Use the Red Folder to guide next steps and connect students to campus support
Presenters: Venique Chappell, Student Counseling Services
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving
Buying Back Student and Other Time for Retirement
Friday, Aug 29
Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Zoom
RSVP Here!
Did you know that time spent working as a student could count towards your retirement? How about military time? Time on a leave? Or other state agency time? Spend about 45 minutes with our lead Retirement Counselor at ISU, Todd Long, to learn how to tell if your time spent in one of these situations qualifies, how this time can be purchased back towards service credit, and who to talk to in order to get those answers and more.
This session will help you to:
• Learn what service time qualifies for “buyback”
• Learn how to tell how much time you might have available in this category
• Learn who and where to file paperwork for buying this time back
• Bring your other questions about prior service time to explore that too
Presenters: Todd Long, Lead Retirement Counselor
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development
September
Harmonizing Perspectives: Transforming Differences into Strengths
Tuesday, Sept 2
11:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Zoom
RSVP Here!
This session helps teams recognize bias, understand behavioral differences, and use microaffirmations to strengthen communication and collaboration. Through reflection, group activities, and practical tools, participants learn how to turn tension into alignment and improve team dynamics.
This session will help you to:
• Spot bias and behavioral blind spots
• Reflect on personal interaction styles
• Practice language and behaviors that build trust
• Apply tools for stronger team engagement and inter-departmental collaboration
Presenters: Kendriana Price, K. Price Consulting
Knowledge Areas: Teamwork, Mentorship & Interpersonal Skill, Leadership Competencies, Global Perspective & Worldviews
It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect: Realistic Meal Planning for Busy Lives & Minds
Friday, Sept 5
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Zoom
RSVP Here!
Meal planning can feel overwhelming, especially when time, energy, or inspiration are in short supply. This session offers a practical, judgment-free approach to planning meals that fit your schedule and preferences. Whether you’re struggling to decide what to cook or just want to make grocery shopping easier, we’ll explore digital tools and techniques to simplify the process. Discover how apps, websites, and a few key strategies can help you build a flexible meal routine that supports your lifestyle, no perfection required.
This session will help you to:
• Identify common barriers to meal planning and explore strategies to overcome them.
• Evaluate a range of apps and digital tools that support meal planning, grocery list creation, and recipe discovery.
• Apply flexible meal planning methods that align with individual time constraints and food preferences.
• Use grocery pickup or delivery services to streamline shopping and reduce decision fatigue.
• Reflect on personal goals and define what a “good enough” meal plan looks like for your own routine.
Presenters: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Knowledge Areas: Productivity & Problem Solving
Supporting Students with Anxiety While Regulating Our Own Emotionality in the Process
Tuesday, Sept 9
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
RSVP Here!
Join us for an informative session focused on understanding and supporting students with anxiety. This presentation will explore effective strategies for emotional regulation, providing tools that both students and staff can utilize to foster a healthier campus environment.
This session will help you to:
• Gain valuable insight into student mental health challenges
• Learn practical techniques to create a supportive environment
• Discover self-care strategies to manage your own emotional wellbeing
• Engage in discussions with colleagues and share experiences
Presenters: Alex Doup & Lindsay Maxson, Student Counseling Services
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Personal & Career Development
Composting at Home: Practices for Sustainable Living
Thursday, Sept 11
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Stevenson Hall, Room 401
RSVP Here!
This session provides an accessible introduction to home composting, emphasizing low-cost methods suitable for a variety of living environments. Participants will explore the environmental significance of composting, including its role in reducing household waste and supporting soil health. The session will offer practical guidance on setting up and maintaining a home compost system using readily available materials. Additionally, participants will learn about community composting opportunities within Bloomington-Normal.
This session will help you to:
• Explain the ecological and environmental benefits of composting organic waste.
• Identify common household materials suitable for composting and those to avoid.
• Learn how to set up and maintain an affordable composting system at home.
• Understand the difference between backyard and commercial composting.
Presenter: Christie Bruckner, Office of Sustainability
Knowledge Areas: Productivity & Problem Solving
Understanding What Could Be Turning Gen Z Into the Anxious Generation
Monday, September 15
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Zoom
RSVP Here!
“The great rewiring is not just about changes in technologies shaping children’s days and minds. There’s a second plotline here: the well-intentioned and disastrous shift toward overprotecting children and restricting their autonomy in the real world.”
The central ideas, findings, and recommendations offered in Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, will be presented in this session.
This session will help you to:
• Discuss the impact of play-based and phone-based childhood on kids.
• Name the four foundational harms caused by phone-based childhood.
• Name two action items that can create healthier childhoods.
Presenter: Erin Thomas, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving, Global Perspective & Worldviews
Student Affairs Fall Kickoff
Wednesday, Sept 17
9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Bone Student Center, Prairie Room
(Breakfast included)
RSVP Here!
Join Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Levester "LJ" Johnson, to kick off the 2025-2026 academic year! Reconnect with your colleagues, learn what's happening in the Division, and get ready for an outstanding year!
Motivational Interviewing: Techniques to Motivate Students
Through Growth and Change
Monday, Sept 22
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Bone Student Center, Spotlight Room
RSVP Here!
Motivation is the key to any behavior change (i.e., attending class regularly, deciding to pursue a leadership position), and it can be modified by something as simple as how we interact with students. Through the use of Motivational Interviewing techniques, we can enhance student success by helping students move towards change even when they do not initially perceive that change is necessary. This session will focus on the foundation of Motivational Interviewing and the basic skills needed to use it.
This session will help you to:
• Describe influences on motivation and why motivational interviewing works.
• Identify situations with students in which Motivational Interviewing can be used.
• Understand how to effectively use open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summarizations.
Presenter: Jamie Laurson, Health Promotion and Wellness
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Leadership Competencies, Productivity & Problem Solving
Part 2: Respond - Suicide Prevention and Empathetic Support with QPR Training
Tuesday, Sept 23
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Student Services Building, Room 130
RSVP Here!
Just as people trained in CPR help save lives, those trained in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and take action to connect someone with help. As members of the ISU community, faculty and staff are often the first to notice signs of distress in students. This session positions you as a vital link in the chain of support and equips you with tools to respond with clarity and compassion. Participants will receive electronic access to QPR materials and a certificate from the QPR Institute upon completion.
This session will help you:
• Recognize the warning signs of suicide
• Provide empathetic support and offer hope to students in need
• Guide individuals toward appropriate professional help and resources
Presenter: Student Counseling Services
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving
Strategies and Approaches to Nutrition in the Workplace
Tuesday, Sept 30
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
RSVP Here!
Join Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality's Registered Dietitians, Morgan Tarmann and Zak Kaesberg, for a presentation on nutrition and wellness in the workplace. This session will highlight the importance of disease prevention by outlining actionable steps employees can take to manage their health at work.
This session will help you to:
• Understand the role of nutrition-based prevention strategies in reducing the risk of chronic and infectious diseases
• Recognize the importance of prioritizing nutrient-dense meals and mindful movement during the workday
• Discuss how to implement individual nutrition and wellness goals
• Identify health and wellness resources available to faculty/staff on campus
Presenter: Morgan Tarmann & Zak Kaesberg, Event Management, Dining and Hospitality
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development, Productivity & Problem Solving
October
Dress with Intention: Aligning Personal Style with Professional Purpose
Thursday, Oct 2
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
DeGarmo Hall, Room 551
RSVP Here!
In higher education, professional presence begins with how we visually show up. Personal style can be a powerful tool for building trust, enhancing engagement, and authentically reflecting one’s values. This interactive session examines the messages conveyed through clothing, color, and style, offering practical strategies that align personal expression with professional purpose. Emphasis will be placed on inclusive approaches suitable for diverse body types, budgets, and roles across campus.
This session will help you to:
• Analyze how visual presence influences perceptions of trust, engagement, and authority.
• Use color intentionally to communicate mood, approachability, and credibility.
• Identify wardrobe habits that conflict with intended professional presence.
• Align personal style values with a coherent professional identity.
• Apply inclusive, budget-conscious wardrobe strategies for varied campus roles.
Presenter: Krista Gooris, House of Colour
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development
Special Guest Speaker
Sam Demma: Empty Your Backpack
(staff/faculty session)
Monday, Oct 6
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Bone Student Center, Old Main
RSVP Here!
There will also be an event for students, that will be added to
Redbird Life
Everyone has a giant invisible backpack strapped to their shoulders – and surely your students and faculty are no exception. In these backpacks, we carry the thoughts and opinions others place on us.
Things that stop us from loving ourselves and expressing who we truly are. This program aims to help alleviate the mental burden on our shoulders, reduce stress and anxiety, foster empathy for the differences of those around us, and promote a culture of respect for self, others, and the community.
Keynote Outcomes:
• Recognize and release mental burdens that limit authentic self-expression.
• Develop self-confidence and leadership through embracing personal identity.
• Build empathy by understanding the invisible challenges others carry.
• Learn practical tools for managing stress and anxiety in daily life.
• Create a community culture that values respect and celebrates differences.
• Transform self-awareness into meaningful action and positive change.
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Personal & Career Development, Global Perspective & Worldviews
Buying Back Student and Other Time for Retirement
Tuesday, Oct 7
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Zoom
RSVP Here!
Did you know that time spent working as a student could count towards your retirement? How about military time? Time on a leave? Or other state agency time? Spend about 45 minutes with our lead Retirement Counselor at ISU, Todd Long, to learn how to tell if your time spent in one of these situations qualifies, how this time can be purchased back towards service credit, and who to talk to in order to get those answers and more.
This session will help you to:
• Learn what service time qualifies for “buyback”
• Learn how to tell how much time you might have available in this category
• Learn who and where to file paperwork for buying this time back
• Bring your other questions about prior service time to explore that too
Presenters: Todd Long, Lead Retirement Counselor
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development
Integrating Graduate Work into Your Resume
Tuesday, Oct 14
11:00 – Noon
Bone Student Center, Room 205 B (Career Center)
RSVP Here!
In this session, graduate assistants will learn about resume creation, developing their written communication, drafting, revising, and editing their current resumes. They will discover expert strategies for seamlessly integrating their academic accomplishments into their resumes to showcase significant professional experience. Participants will receive practical guidance on structuring resumes to emphasize transferable skills acquired through their assistantship. They will also learn to craft compelling descriptions that vividly illustrate the impact of their contributions. Participants will gain the tools and insights needed to enhance their resumes to distinguish themselves in a competitive job market.
This session will help you to:
• Understand the principles of resume creation.
• Identifying key accomplishments and skills
• Keyword Optimization for Applicant Tracking Systems
• Tailoring Content for Specific Job Listings
• Apply strategies for structuring resumes to highlight GA experience effectively.
Presenters: Shanika Green & Nick Radcliffe, Career Services
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development
Setting and Assessing Learning Outcomes for Programs and Services
Wednesday, Oct 15
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Hovey Hall, Room 105
RSVP Here!
Setting learning outcomes or objectives is foundational for providing effective student programming and conducting assessments. Establishing what students will learn or how they will grow by participating is critical for those who plan the program or service and those who participate. Further, clear outcomes make assessing and improving the program or services easier.
This session will provide a formula (or model) for creating learning outcomes. Attendees will get experience with the formula by evaluating outcomes and creating outcomes as a group and as an individual. Additionally, attendees will get feedback on the outcomes they create. Guidance will also be provided on selecting good assessment tools for the chosen outcomes.
This session will help you to:
• Create learning outcomes that are meaningful and measurable.
• Evaluate learning outcomes using the ABCD model.
• Select appropriate assessment tools for each type of learning outcome.
Presenter: Erin Thomas, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Knowledge Areas: Productivity & Problem Solving, Digital Fluency & Assessment
Mediation & De-escalation
Tuesday, October 21
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
RSVP Here!
Conflict is an inevitable part of human interaction. It can easily escalate into aggressive or violent behavior in times of heightened emotions. It is crucial to prioritize peaceful resolutions to conflicts, fostering understanding and maintaining harmonious relationships. In this session, we will explore effective strategies to de-escalate conflict without violence, emphasizing the important role that neutral mediation plays in the process.
This session will help you to:
• Gain tools to better recognize and address high-pressure situations
• Improve their active listening and communication skills
• Learn to better recognize their own emotional state
• Learn the significance of communicating empathy and validation towards others
Presenters: Sergeant Mike Gardner, University Police
Knowledge Areas: Leadership Competencies, Personal & Career Development, Productivity & Problem Solving
Part 3: Refer – Let’s Talk: Student Mental Health Consultations for Faculty and Staff
Thursday, Oct 23
10:30 a.m. – Noon
Student Services Building, Room 130
RSVP Here!
In your role as a faculty or staff member, students may turn to you for support, advice, or encouragement, often because they see you as a trusted presence. Let’s Talk is a consultation space designed to support you in those moments. Whether you're concerned about a specific student, navigating a classroom dynamic, or simply unsure of what resources are available, this session offers a space to connect with Student Counseling Services staff, ask questions, and collaborate with colleagues.
This session will help you:
• Know when and how to refer students to campus mental health resources
• Consult with SCS staff about individual or group concerns
• Receive support and guidance in navigating student mental health concerns
Presenter: Danielle Beasley, Student Counseling Services
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving
Preventing Accidental Drug Poisonings: Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips
Tuesday, Oct 28
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
DeGarmo Hall, Room 551
RSVP Here!
Learn more about the opioid epidemic and how you can be part of prevention efforts by knowing about and accessing free resources, such as Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips.
This session will help you to:
• Learn about opioids, fentanyl, and the growing number of fake pills in distribution.
• Recognize what happens when a person experiences an accidental drug poisoning and how to care for them.
• Identify ways to help prevent accidental drug poisonings.
• Know about campus and community efforts to reduce accidental drug poisoning
Presenter: Jamie Laurson, Health Promotion and Wellness
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving
Taking Control of Your Workday: Support Staff Edition
Wednesday, Oct 29
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stevenson Hall, Room 401
RSVP Here!
Support staff are vital to the successful operation of each Student Affairs department. This special lunch and learn is designed specifically for support staff to network, share expertise, and discuss best practices with one another to enhance professional development.
Host: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development, Productivity & Problem Solving, Global Perspective & Worldviews, Digital Fluency & Assessment
November
Dress with Intention: Aligning Personal Style with Professional Purpose
Tuesday, November 4
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
DeGarmo Hall, Room 551
RSVP Here!
In higher education, professional presence begins with how we visually show up. Personal style can be a powerful tool for building trust, enhancing engagement, and authentically reflecting one’s values. This interactive session examines the messages conveyed through clothing, color, and style, offering practical strategies that align personal expression with professional purpose. Emphasis will be placed on inclusive approaches suitable for diverse body types, budgets, and roles across campus.
This session will help you to:
• Analyze how visual presence influences perceptions of trust, engagement, and authority.
• Use color intentionally to communicate mood, approachability, and credibility.
• Identify wardrobe habits that conflict with intended professional presence.
• Align personal style values with a coherent professional identity.
• Apply inclusive, budget-conscious wardrobe strategies for varied campus roles.
Presenter: Krista Gooris, House of Colour
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development
Motivational Interviewing: Techniques to Motivate Students Through Growth and Change
(repeated session)
Friday, Nov 7
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Zoom
RSVP Here!
Motivation is the key to any behavior change (i.e., attending class regularly, deciding to pursue a leadership position), and it can be modified by something as simple as how we interact with students. Through the use of Motivational Interviewing techniques, we can enhance student success by helping students move towards change even when they do not initially perceive that change is necessary. This session will focus on the foundation of Motivational Interviewing and the basic skills needed to use it.
This session will help you to:
• Describe influences on motivation and why motivational interviewing works.
• Identify situations with students in which Motivational Interviewing can be used.
• Understand how to effectively use open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summarizations.
Presenter: Jamie Laurson, Health Promotion and Wellness
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Leadership Competencies, Productivity & Problem Solving
Beyond the Prompt: Using AI to Refine, Redesign, and Reimagine Your Work
Tuesday, Nov 11
10:00 a.m. – Noon
Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
RSVP Here!
Discover how artificial intelligence can transform your daily work in Student Affairs. This hands-on training session will provide a practical introduction to integrating artificial intelligence into your work. Whether you're organizing events, managing communications, or supporting students, learn to move beyond simple prompts and use AI as a strategic partner in your work.
This session will help you to:
• Understand the foundational capabilities of AI in a professional setting.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI in common work tasks.
• Explore time-saving strategies and best practices for AI-assisted productivity.
• Gain confidence in using AI tools to enhance collaboration and efficiency.
• Develop and refine frameworks for thinking about AI in process improvement and work management.
Presenters: Isaac Gaff, Student Affairs Information Technology & Roy Magnuson, School of Music
Knowledge Areas: Digital Fluency & Assessment
Part 3: Refer – Let’s Talk: Student Mental Health Consultations for Faculty and Staff
(repeated session)
Thursday, November 13
1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Student Services Building, Room 130
RSVP Here!
In your role as a faculty or staff member, students may turn to you for support, advice, or encouragement, often because they see you as a trusted presence. Let’s Talk is a consultation space designed to support you in those moments. Whether you're concerned about a specific student, navigating a classroom dynamic, or simply unsure of what resources are available, this session offers a space to connect with Student Counseling Services staff, ask questions, and collaborate with colleagues.
This session will help you:
• Know when and how to refer students to campus mental health resources
• Consult with SCS staff about individual or group concerns
• Receive support and guidance in navigating student mental health concerns
Presenter: Danielle Beasley, Student Counseling Services
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving
December
It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect: Realistic Meal Planning for Busy Lives & Minds
(repeated session)
Monday, Dec 1
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Zoom
RSVP Here!
Meal planning can feel overwhelming, especially when time, energy, or inspiration are in short supply. This session offers a practical, judgment-free approach to planning meals that fit your schedule and preferences. Whether you’re struggling to decide what to cook or just want to make grocery shopping easier, we’ll explore digital tools and techniques to simplify the process. Discover how apps, websites, and a few key strategies can help you build a flexible meal routine that supports your lifestyle, no perfection required.
This session will help you to:
• Identify common barriers to meal planning and explore strategies to overcome them.
• Evaluate a range of apps and digital tools that support meal planning, grocery list creation, and recipe discovery.
• Apply flexible meal planning methods that align with individual time constraints and food preferences.
• Use grocery pickup or delivery services to streamline shopping and reduce decision fatigue.
• Reflect on personal goals and define what a “good enough” meal plan looks like for your own routine.
Presenters: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Knowledge Areas: Productivity & Problem Solving