Student Affairs Professional Development and Staff Recognition Calendar - 2024

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Part 1: Red Folder - Helping Students in Emotional Distress
Wednesday, August 21, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
RSVP Here!

Join Student Counseling Services staff as they facilitate an institution-wide mental health series designed to empower faculty and staff in supporting students' mental health. While attending all sessions is not mandatory, participating in each one will enhance your ability to meet the diverse needs of Illinois State University students. 

Part 1: Red Folder: Identifying Students in Distress 
Part 2: Kognito: Managing Difficult Mental Health Struggles for Students  
Part 3: Question Persuade Refer: Suicide Prevention and Empathetic Support with QPR Training  
Part 4: Let’s Talk: Student Mental Health Consultations for Faculty and Staff  
 
Part 1: The Red Folder, created by Student Counseling Services, is inspired by similar initiatives in other universities. It equips faculty and staff with the tools and knowledge to identify signs of student distress and take appropriate actions. The Red Folder includes vital information, protocols, strategies, and resources to help faculty and staff respond effectively to students in need. 
  

 

Tech Chats: Using Qualtrics
Monday, August 26, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Zoom
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Navigating Communication and Conflict in Our Work Environment
Wednesday, September 4, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
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Join me for a one-hour session geared towards conversation around conflict and communication in the work environment.  In this interactive session, you will partake in two exercises that will help you better understand your dominant communication style and your conflict management style and how they are perceived by others.  We will discuss and share ways to navigate conflict with co-workers and give real-life examples that have worked for each of us.  Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned veteran, this session is sure to help you navigate difficult conversations moving forward.  

This session will help you to: 
  -Understand and respond to different types of communication.
  -Identify appropriate strategies for you to manage conflict.
  -Learn how to effectively listen and express yourself

Presenter: Bryan Haunert, Campus Recreation

Knowledge Areas: Teamwork, Mentorship & Interpersonal Skills, Productivity & Problem Solving

New Staff Orientation
Thursday, September 5, 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Founders Suite
RSVP Here!

The Division of Student Affairs offers a half-day new staff orientation program several times a year to welcome new employees and provide important information to help them be successful in their new roles. 

The orientation program includes: 
  -Networking with other new staff members and Student Affairs leaders. 
  -Information on the 16 diverse departments that comprise the Division and the students we serve. 
  -An introduction to cultural competency in Student Affairs. 
  -Tips and need-to-know information. 

An opportunity to learn about the values and mission of the Division.

The Power of Connection for Professional Success
(Session repeats 9/17)
Tuesday, September 10, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
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We rely on communication every day in our professional and personal lives. Attend this session to define your current network and discover new methods to strategically create and maintain your professional connections. Walk away with tips to improve your communication and confidence, resources to help you get involved in the community, and newfound professional friends!

This session will help you to:
  -Create strategies to combat barriers to active listening and communication.
  -Identify strengths and weaknesses of various communication methods for a variety of purposes.
  -Confidently apply new or strengthened skills at networking events to build stronger relationships.

Presenters: Redbird Edge: Mid-Level Career Development Graduates
                    Mollie Alden, Event Management, Dining and Hospitality
                    Rachel Janicki, Career Services
                    Joseph Thomas, Dean of Students 

Knowledge Areas: Teamwork, Mentorship & Interpersonal Skills

Student Affairs Kickoff
Thursday, September 12, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., Bone Student Center, Prairie Room
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Join Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Levester "LJ" Johnson, to kick off the 2024-2025 academic year! Reconnect with your colleagues, learn what's happening in the Division, and get ready for an outstanding year!

The Power of Connection for Professional Success
(Repeated session)
Tuesday, September 17, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., Zoom
RSVP Here!

We rely on communication every day in our professional and personal lives. Attend this session to define your current network and discover new methods to strategically create and maintain your professional connections. Walk away with tips to improve your communication and confidence, resources to help you get involved in the community, and newfound professional friends!

This session will help you to:
  -Create strategies to combat barriers to active listening and communication.
  -Identify strengths and weaknesses of various communication methods for a variety of purposes.
  -Confidently apply new or strengthened skills at networking events to build stronger relationships.

Presenters: Redbird Edge: Mid-Level Career Development Graduates
                    Mollie Alden, Event Management, Dining and Hospitality
                    Rachel Janicki, Career Services
                    Joseph Thomas, Dean of Students 

Knowledge Areas: Teamwork, Mentorship & Interpersonal Skills

Grow Where You Are Planted
(Session repeats 10/9)
Wednesday, September 18, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
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Growing where you are planted means to grow and flourish despite your job and location. This does not mean to survive --- it means to thrive. Attend this session and learn how to grow in your career through professional development, self-care, training, and collaboration. 

This session will help you to: 
  -Identify professional development opportunities and self-care avenues to grow.
  -Use LinkedIn Learning to find training sessions.
  -Identify connections to grow personally and professionally.

Presenters: Redbird Edge: Mid-Level Career Development Graduates 
                    Lori Henehan, Student Access and Accommodations 
                    Morgan Tarmann, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality 
                    Kacy Rader, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality
                    Zach Weber, Student Affairs Information Technology

Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development, Productivity & Problem Solving

Part 2: Kognito - Managing Difficult Mental Health Struggles
Monday, September 23, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., Bone Student Center, Ballroom II
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Part 2: Kognito - Managing Difficult Mental Health Struggles (1.5 hours) 
In the second part of this 4-part series, SCS will go in-depth into ways to have difficult conversations with students who are struggling with mental health concerns, as well as resources and referrals where students can get help.  Emphasis will be placed on faculty & staff self-care in managing these difficult interactions. Participants will also be introduced to Kognito, an interactive training program that teaches users how to recognize, approach, and assist others in emotional stress by connecting them with the appropriate resources on and off campus. 
  
*Please bring your laptops* 
  
This session will help you to:
  -Have difficult conversations with students who are struggling. 
  -Identify resources on and off campus that can be helpful to your students and to you. 
  -Maintain self-care and boundaries to preserve your energy and effectively handle difficult situations. 

Presenter: Stacy Parton, Student Counseling Services

Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Digital Fluency & Assessment, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Employee Friendly Graduate Programs - Part 1
Wednesday, September 25, 1:00 – 2:15 p.m., Zoom
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Considering a Graduate Degree? Unsure of where to start or which program fits best into your busy schedule? Let us help you.

Join us for a comprehensive two-part informational session introducing you to all of the employee-friendly graduate programs offered at ISU. Part 1 and Part 2 will feature different programs tailored to meet the needs of working professionals like you. Hear directly from program advisors and receive detailed guidance from Graduate School staff on how to begin your journey.

Hosts: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
           Emma Kopko, Graduate School

Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development

Navigating Generational Differences: TikTok Edition
Friday, October 4, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Zoom
RSVP Here!

In this session, we will delve into the characteristics of different generations, explore their unique work styles, and envision the future of a multigenerational workforce. Our investigation will focus on understanding how each generation perceives and interacts within the workplace, as well as their distinct perspectives on when and how work should be accomplished. By the end of this session, you will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to enhance collaboration and productivity among diverse age groups.

This session will help you to:
  -Explain what TikTok is.
  -Describe the workplace values of Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers.
  -Apply three tactics to bridge the workplace generational divide.

Presenters: Redbird Edge: Mid-Level Career Development Graduates 
                    Cris Faulkner, Health Services
                    Amy Miller, Dean of Students
                    Casey Vitalez, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Knowledge Areas: Productivity & Problem Solving, Global Perspective & Worldviews, Productivity & Problem Solving

Grow Where You Are Planted
(Repeated session)
Wednesday, October 9, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Zoom
RSVP Here!

Growing where you are planted means to grow and flourish despite your job and location. This does not mean to survive --- it means to thrive. Attend this session and learn how to grow in your career through professional development, self-care, training, and collaboration. 

This session will help you to: 
  -Identify professional development opportunities and self-care avenues to grow.
  -Use LinkedIn Learning to find training sessions.
  -Identify connections to grow personally and professionally.

Presenters: Redbird Edge: Mid-Level Career Development Graduates 
                    Lori Henehan, Student Access and Accommodations 
                    Morgan Tarmann, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality 
                    Kacy Rader, Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality
                    Zach Weber, Student Affairs Information Technology

Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development, Productivity & Problem Solving

Employee Friendly Graduate Programs - Part 2
Thursday, October 10, 10:00 – 11:15 a.m., Zoom
RSVP Here!

Considering a Graduate Degree? Unsure of where to start or which program fits best into your busy schedule? Let us help you.
Join us for a comprehensive two-part informational session introducing you to all of the employee-friendly graduate programs offered at ISU. Part 1 and Part 2 will feature different programs tailored to meet the needs of working professionals like you. Hear directly from program advisors and receive detailed guidance from Graduate School staff on how to begin your journey.

Hosts: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
           Emma Kopko, Graduate School

Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development

Special Guest, Dr. Jeff Menzise
Monday, October 14

Staff/Faculty Session: Leading by Example: Fostering Safe Spaces for Mindful Deliberation
10:00 - 11:15 a.m., Bone Student Center, Prairie Room
https://forms.office.com/r/4Nf8zJBLfZ   
As educators, we are entrusted with expectations that can surpass our formal roles. We are called upon to serve as role models for our students as they grow and learn, hoping to inspire, guide, and positively influence those around us. This session will focus on how we can apply Mindfulness techniques to our own lives in order to “empty our bags” so that we may better facilitate safe spaces for deliberative discussions and enhance the thousands of lives we touch and influence every year.

Student Session: All Voices Matter: Mindful Deliberation in the Face of Disagreement
1:15 - 2:15 p.m., Bone Student Center, Prairie Room
https://redbirdlife.illinoisstate.edu/event/10465816   
Election years are usually a time of polarization and the passionate expression of support for a political candidate and political positions. In some cases, the passion evolves into heated exchanges, arguments, and undesirable outcomes. This session will assist students in understanding and applying mindfulness principles and practices to conversations about politics with people who have differing opinions and views. We will explore how our preconceived notions, biases (explicit and implicit), and media influence our perspectives and decisions. 

Creating Learning Outcomes
Wednesday, October 16, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
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Setting learning outcomes or intentions is a foundation step for providing effective student programming. 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. Knowing the significance of the experience is necessary to implement the program or service effectively. Further, when participants know the learning outcomes, it is easier to notice their growth. 
 
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. Information about the Student Affairs Student Learning Outcomes and related resources will also be shared. 
 
This session will help you to: 
  -Create learning outcomes that are meaningful and measurable.
  -Evaluate learning outcomes using the ABCD model. 
  -Describe the purpose and function of the Student Affairs Student Learning Outcomes and related resources. 
 
Presenter: Erin Thomas, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Knowledge Areas: Productivity & Problem Solving, Digital Fluency & Assessment

Integrating Graduate Work into Your Resume
Monday, October 21, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Bone Student Center, Prairie Room III
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

Cultivating a Green Workplace
Wednesday, October 23, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Zoom
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Illinois State University defines sustainability as a practice in which we consider the implications of our individual and collective actions; the interconnectivity among people and ecosystems coexisting within communities and across the globe; and a vision for an equitable and thriving planet for generations to come. This session will focus on small steps you can make to promote more sustainable practices within your workplace. We will use the framework of the new Green Workplace Certification to learn how your workplace can promote environmentally-, cost-, and person-friendly practices. Come with your workplace colleagues to learn what it takes to get your workplace certified as an Illinois State Green Workplace.

This session will help you to: 
  -A better understanding of the term sustainability. 
  -An opportunity to foster a culture of sustainability within your workplace. 
  -Strategies to incorporate sustainability into both your professional and personal life.

Presenter: Christine Brickner, Office of Sustainability

Knowledge Areas: Productivity & Problem Solving, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Effective Assessment 2.0
Wednesday, October 30, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Bone Student Center, Prairie Room III
RSVP Here!

Building on the “Asking Effective Assessment Questions” session last spring, this session will focus on converting effective questions into strong assessment plans. 
Advance your programmatic assessment journey with this session and come with a program or service you want to assess to get the most from this session. 
 
This session will help you to:  
  -Use the assessment cycle to build an assessment plan. 
  -Pose good assessment questions. 
 
Presenter: Erin Thomas, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Knowledge Areas: Productivity & Problem Solving, Digital Fluency & Assessment

Taking Control of Your Workday: Support Staff Edition
Thursday, Oct 31, 11:00 – 4:30 p.m., Bone Student Center, Prairie Room III
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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 the best practices with one another to enhance professional development.

Hosts: Angell Howard & Mackenzie Smith, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development, Productivity & Problem Solving, and Digital Fluency & Assessment

Navigating Generational Differences: TikTok Edition
Monday, November 4, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
RSVP Here!

In this session, we will delve into the characteristics of different generations, explore their unique work styles, and envision the future of a multigenerational workforce. Our investigation will focus on understanding how each generation perceives and interacts within the workplace, as well as their distinct perspectives on when and how work should be accomplished. By the end of this session, you will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to enhance collaboration and productivity among diverse age groups.

This session will help you to:
  -Explain what TikTok is.
  -Describe the workplace values of Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers.
  -Apply three tactics to bridge the workplace generational divide.

Presenters: Redbird Edge: Mid-Level Career Development Graduates 
                    Cris Faulkner, Health Services
                    Amy Miller, Dean of Students
                    Casey Vitalez, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Knowledge Areas: Productivity & Problem Solving, Global Perspective & Worldviews, Productivity & Problem Solving

Preventing Accidental Drug Poisonings: Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips
Friday, November 8, 11:00 a.m. – Noon, DeGarmo, Room 551
RSVP Here!

Learn more about the opioid epidemic being fueled by Fentanyl and how you can be part of efforts to combat it by knowing about and using free resources, such as Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips.  Individuals who complete this training will have the option of receiving Narcan, Fentanyl Test Strips, and other safety supplies if desired.

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.
  -Identify ways to help prevent accidental drug poisonings.
  -Understand how to care for a person who is experiencing a poisoning.
  -Identify campus and community efforts to reduce accidental drug poisoning

Presenter: Jamie Laurson, Health Promotion and Wellness
 
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Maximizing Impact Through Intentional Partnerships, Programs, and Assessment
Part 1: Monday, November 11, 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Part 2: Monday, December 9, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Lunch provided)
RSVP Here! 

Institutionally, we are being called upon to employ effective partnerships and robust assessment practices to maximize our impact in programs and projects. In these two half-day sessions, participants will explore how to cultivate effective internal and external partnerships, design innovative programs that meet diverse student and staff needs, and ways to implement practical assessment frameworks to measure and enhance outcomes. 
Through group discussions and exercises, attendees will gain actionable insights to foster growth and collaboration to achieve measurable success. 

This session will help you to:
  -Articulate the strategic importance of intentional program planning in achieving institutional goals. 
  -Learn strategies for developing and sustaining effective partnerships that align with strategic priorities. 
  -Use best practices in assessment to evaluate program effectiveness, enhance student learning outcomes, and refine partnerships. 
  -Describe practical tools and frameworks for integrating partnerships, programs, and assessment into practices. 

*You are required to attend Session 1 to participate in Session 2

Presenters: Erin Thomas & Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
                    Paige Buschman & Rachel Waring-Sparks, Center for Civic Engagement

Knowledge Areas: Leadership Competencies, Productivity & Problem Solving, Digital Fluency & Assessment

Tech Chats: Navigating Excel - Tips, Tricks, and Formulas
Wednesday, November 13, 1:00 – 2:15 p.m., Bone Student Center, Spotlight Room
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Join us for a one-hour session designed specifically for beginner users. You will be introduced to the fundamental skills needed to effectively use Microsoft Excel. Through practical examples and hands-on activities, you will learn how to navigate the Excel interface, utilize essential formulas, and apply basic formatting techniques to enhance data presentation. Whether you're managing data at work, organizing personal projects, or simply looking to gain new skills, this session will equip you with the tools to handle everyday tasks efficiently in Excel.

*Please bring your laptops* 

This session will help you to:
  -Gain familiarity with Excel’s layout and features, including the ribbon, toolbars, and basic navigation to streamline your workflow.
  -Learn how to use key formulas such as SUM, AVERAGE, MIN and MAX to perform calculations and data analysis effortlessly.
  -Understand basic formatting options like cell styles, data types, and simple charts to make your data clear and visually appealing.

Presenter: Martin Coughlin, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Knowledge Areas: Digital Fluency & Assessment, Productivity & Problem Solving

New Staff Orientation
Wednesday, November 20, 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Bone Student Center, Founders Suite 

The Division of Student Affairs offers a half-day new staff orientation program several times a year to welcome new employees and provide important information to help them be successful in their new roles. 

The orientation program includes: 
  -Networking with other new staff members and Student Affairs leaders. 
  -Information on the 16 diverse departments that comprise the Division and the students we serve. 
  -An introduction to cultural competency in Student Affairs. 
  -Tips and need-to-know information. 

An opportunity to learn about the values and mission of the Division.

Part 3: Question Persuade Refer: Suicide Prevention and Empathetic Support with QPR Training 
Thursday, November 21, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Bone Student Center, Founders Suite
RSVP Here!

Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone for help. As members of the ISU community, you are often the first individuals to notice signs and symptoms of suicide in a colleague, student, resident, coworker, friend, or loved one. This uniquely positions you as the first line of defense to assist someone in getting help and, therefore, saving a life. Participants will receive electronic access to helpful materials and receive a certificate from the QPR Institute upon completion. 

This session will help you to:
  -Recognize the warning signs of suicide. 
  -Learn how to provide empathetic support and offer hope to students who need it. 
  -Effectively guide individuals toward appropriate professional help and resources. 

Presenter: Stephanie Thompson, University Housing Services

Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving

Part 4: Let’s Talk - Student Mental Health Consultations for Faculty and Staff 
Thursday, December 5, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., Bone Student Center, Ballroom I
RSVP Here!

In your role as a faculty or staff, students may come to you for support, advice, or encouragement because they recognize you as a good listener and someone who can help in their time of need. This consultation space is designed to address specific concerns you have for individual students or groups of students, questions about our services, and an overall supportive environment among staff/faculty to collaborate with one another.  
 
This session will help you to:
  -Develop a deeper understanding of how to effectively provide support to students experiencing mental health challenges. 
  -Gain knowledge about student mental health issues and the resources and support services available on campus. 
  -Learn how to refer students to Student Counseling Services (SCS) and facilitate conversations with students about campus resources.  

Presenter: Venique Chappell, Student Counseling Services

Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving

Recovery is Spoken Here: Recovery Ally Training
Monday, December 16, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., Zoom
RSVP Here!

College students represent the largest group of individuals meeting the criteria for substance use disorders. Yet, they are the least likely to seek out traditional treatment services. Furthermore, college campuses are known as recovery-hostile environments. Nonetheless, recovery is possible with the aid of Recovery for Redbirds and acts of allyship. Help build a recovery-friendly campus by learning how to provide support for students who need help, as well as those who are already in recovery. Recognize how language and policies perpetuate stigma, which blocks recovery.
 
This session will help you to:
  -Recognize students in need of recovery.
  -Demonstrate a warm handoff (how to refer to helpers).
  -Learn about our Collegiate Recovery Community, Recovery for Redbirds. 
  -Summarize ways to be a recovery ally on campus.
  -Use recovery-friendly language.

Presenter: Jamie Laurson, Health Promotion and Wellness
 
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving, Global Perspective & Worldviews