Student Affairs Professional Development and Staff Recognition Calendar - 2025
Please register online for each session you plan to attend.
January
Part 1: Red Folder - Helping Students in Emotional Distress
Thursday, January 30 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Student Services Building, Room 130 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. This session will help you to:- Identify common signs of student distress.
- Respond to students with empathy and understanding.
- Use the Red Folder as a resource for protocols, strategies, and resources.
- Connect students with appropriate help and support.
New Staff Orientation
Thursday, January 30 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Stevenson Hall, Room 401 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.
February
- 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.
Maximizing Impact Through Intentional Partnerships, Programs, and Assessment
Part 1: Wednesday, February 5 8:30 a.m. – Noon Bone Student Center Part 2: Wednesday, March 5 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Lunch provided) Bone Student Center RSVP Here! Institutionally, we are being called upon to employ effective partnerships and robust assessment practices to maximize our impact through 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 learn practical assessment frameworks to measure and enhance outcomes. Through group discussions, exercises, and collaborative networking, 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 goals.
- Describe 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.
- Compare and contrast partnership opportunities to select the partner best suited to meet desired goals.
Employee-Friendly Certificate Programs
Thursday, February 13 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Zoom RSVP Here! 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 DevelopmentEmployee-Friendly Certificate Programs
Thursday, February 13 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Zoom RSVP Here! 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 DevelopmentNavigating Generational Differences: TikTok Edition
Monday, February 24 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Stevenson Hall, Room 401 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.
Navigating Communication and Conflict in Our Work Environment
Tuesday, February 25 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. DeGarmo Hall, Room 551 RSVP Here! 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
March
Part 3: Question Persuade Refer: Suicide Prevention and Empathetic Support with QPR Training
Thursday, March 6 10:00 – Noon DeGarmo Hall, Room 551 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.
Understanding Race, Class, and Privilege
Wednesday, March 12 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Zoom RSVP Here! This session will provide participants with an opportunity to explore the history of race, class, and privilege and their enduring influence on societal relationships, opportunities, and access. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions to better understand these dynamics and their relevance in contemporary contexts. This session will help you to:- Analyze the ways race, class, and privilege shape experiences and outcomes for individuals and groups.
- Explore the intersection of your personal identity with these broader social frameworks.
- Gain insights into how these concepts influence access, decision-making, and perceptions in educational and professional settings.
Your Data, Your Story: Translating Evidence into Impactful Data Stories
Tuesday, March 18 2:00 – 3:00 Bone Student Center, Founders Suite RSVP Here! In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the creative side of data storytelling and reflect on their own journey with data. Through a presentation and hands-on activities, they will identify key issues data storytelling can address, learn practical tips, and analyze real-world cases. By the end, participants will build and share their own data stories, discovering how to translate evidence into narratives that inspire action. This session will help you to:- Identify the key components of impactful data stories, including data selection, visualization, and narrative structure.
- Leverage their unique individual traits and skills to build a data story using the principles of narrative structure.
- Confidently share their data stories in full realization that data can be fun and engaging.
April
Embracing Resilience: A Cancer Survivor's Journey to Health and Awareness
Tuesday, April 1 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. TBD RSVP Here! Join us for an inspiring and informative session led by a courageous cancer survivor as she shares her personal journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This session will highlight the importance of self-care, body awareness, and early detection in maintaining health and well-being. Participants will gain valuable insights into recognizing the signs of illness, prioritizing self-care, and utilizing available community resources to support their health journey. This session will help you to:- Recognize the role of annual visits, self-exams, and body awareness in early detection and prevention.
- Identify practical self-care strategies for physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
- Communicate effectively with healthcare providers and advocate for your needs.
- Explore local and national health resources, support groups, and tools.
- Gain empowerment and resilience through shared experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges.
Tech Chats: Navigating Excel - Tips, Tricks, and Formulas
Wednesday, April 2 10:30 – Noon Bone Student Center, Founders Suite RSVP Here! 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 with Excel installed . One can be provided by request. 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.
New Staff Orientation
Wednesday, April 9 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Stevenson Hall, Room 401 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.
Part 4: Let’s Talk - Student Mental Health Consultations for Faculty and Staff
Thursday, April 10 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Student Services Building, Room 130 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.
Maximizing your LinkedIn
Wednesday, April 16 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Zoom RSVP Here! LinkedIn is the place where you can build and nurture your digital network. But, according to research by The Knowledge Academy, one of the biggest workplace fears is "Using LinkedIn." This session will help to reduce your fears and show you how to maximize your LinkedIn and use the tools right at your fingertips to build your network and professional development. After attending this session, you will:- Know what things to focus on when building/updating your LinkedIn page.
- Be able to navigate your profile and LinkedIn Learning.
Embedding Equity: Practical Strategies and Tools
Wednesday, April 23 10:00 – 11:30 Zoom RSVP Here! Join us for an engaging and interactive session designed to explore the core principles of equity and their practical application in academic and professional settings. Through dynamic discussions and the analysis of real-world case studies, we will uncover actionable strategies to integrate equity into every aspect of your role. This session will help you to:- Gain a foundational understanding of equity and its role in fostering inclusive academic environments.
- Identify systemic challenges and biases that impact students and colleagues.
- Learn actionable approaches to embed equity principles into daily practices and decision-making processes.
May
Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame
Friday, May 2 Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Ceremony 10 a.m. Bone Student Center, Old Main Room RSVP Here! The Division of Student Affairs Legacy Hall of Fame is named in honor of the late Vice President Steve Adams and former First Lady of the Division Sandi Adams for their many years of combined service and commitment to Illinois State University. It recognizes their dedication to the role holistic education plays in the life of a student, as well as their loyalty to Illinois State University. Join us as we celebrate this year's winners.