Student Affairs Professional Development and Staff Recognition Calendar - 2024

Asking Effective Assessment Questions

Wednesday, January 31,1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Bone Student Center, Founders Suite

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It is hard to determine helpful assessment questions to drive assessment efforts. While there isn't a simple formula to set the questions, we'll discuss the key factors and considerations staff should consider when finalizing their question(s).

Begin your programmatic assessment journey with this session, as this step determines all other assessment decisions and actions. Come with programs or services you want to assess to get the most from this session.

After attending this session, you will be able to:

• Describe the assessment cycle.
• Articulate the key factors and considerations for determining assessment question(s).
• Pose good assessment questions.

Presenter: Erin Thomas, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Knowledge Areas: Productivity & Problem Solving, Digital Fluency & Assessment

What is Redbird Edge? Info Session

Monday, Feb 5, 1:15 - 1:45 p.m., Zoom

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Are you familiar with Redbird Edge? If not, or if you're interested in learning more, join us for a brief information session. We'll cover all the details, including the application process.

Presenter: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development

Maximizing Movement and Personal Fitness (Session repeats)

Wednesday, Feb 7, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m., Student Fitness Center (Meet in the lobby)

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Join Campus Recreation for an engaging learning session on effective machine usage and crafting a complete full-body workout at our Student Fitness Center (SFC). This interactive experience offers a comprehensive understanding of our state-of-the-art machines, along with an exercise key tailored for SFC equipment. This session caters to all fitness levels, providing tools to enhance your routine. There will be an optional practical component where you can immediately apply the knowledge gained during the session. No dress code—just come as you are! Upon completion, you will also leave with a 1-month free trial membership to the SFC!

This session will help you to:

• Understand how to set and properly use the Student Fitness Center’s state-of-the-art machines.
• Design a balanced routine with strength, cardio, and flexibility exercises.
• Leave with a takeaway guide detailing recommended exercises and techniques for SFC machines.

Presenters: Krista Gooris & Kinsey Hutchinson, Campus Recreations
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development, Productivity & Problem Solving

Prioritize Your Mental Health: It Might Just Turn You into a Best-Selling Romance Novelist

Wednesday, Feb 14, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m., Bone Student Center, Circus Room

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When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Julie Navickas found herself at home just like everyone else, working to quickly flip her full-time career into the virtual world. But when the State of Illinois closed all daycare facilities, the day-to-day got harder. With children ages 3, 2, and 1 at home, the seemingly possible quickly turned impossible. Discover how Julie learned to prioritize her mental health and channeled her frustrations into storytelling. Now a traditionally published author with Inkspell Publishing, Julie is a best-selling and award-winning romance novelist.

Presenter: Julie Navickas, Best-selling and award-winning author of contemporary romance
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development 

Introduction to Growing Food in Small Spaces

Wednesday, February 21, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m., Bone Student Center, Prairie Room

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Growing food is an act of rebellion:  small steps towards self-sufficiency make a radical impact! Join us for an engaging and informative session about the rewarding world of growing food. This session is designed to inspire and empower you to grow food, specifically in extremely small spaces.All techniques discussed are scalable and can be implemented into spaces of all sizes. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn how to transform any space into a productive and pleasant source of freshly grown goodness.

This session will help you to:

• Understand the basics of starting and maintaining a year-round container garden by gaining hands-on knowledge about selecting, planting, and caring for your new source of food.
• Discuss and problem-solve space limitations, garden pests, and indoor vs outdoor gardening.
• Explore local opportunities related to food cultivation around our community and near campus that you can enjoy with colleagues while we create a culture of sustainable living.

Presenter: Holly Weder, Event Management, Dining and Hospitality
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development, Productivity & Problem Solving

Part 1: Red Folder - Helping Students in Emotional Distress 

Wednesday, February 28, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Student Services Building, Room 130

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Join Student Counseling Services staff as they facilitate a 3-part 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 our students.

Part 1: Red Folder - Helping Students in Emotional Distress (February 28)
Part 2: Kognito: Managing Difficult Mental Health Struggles for Students (March 14)
Part 3: Question Persuade Respond: Suicide Prevention and Empathetic Support with QPR Training (April 24)

Part 1: The Red Folder, created by Student Counseling Services, is inspired by similar initiatives in California 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 training 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.

Presenter: Danielle Beasley & Venique Chappell, Student Counseling Services
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving

The Next Decade in Student Mental Health

Monday, March 4, Noon - 2:00 p.m., Zoom

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Student affairs leaders have been on the front lines of institutional responses to COVID-19, rapidly adjusting and implementing policies, procedures, and support services while moving from crisis to crisis. Given the demanding nature of crisis response, it has been difficult for leaders to step back and create a forward-looking strategy for mental health and well-being on campus. But, more than ever before, cabinet leaders and boards are expressing heightened interest in student mental health and well-being, with 68% of presidents ranking student mental health as a pressing issue.

Therefore, it is critical that student affairs leaders capitalize on institutional momentum for mental health support. It is of equal importance that leaders capture the benefits of lessons learned from the pandemic and adjust strategies to reflect the long-term, complex impact COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, on-campus mental health preferences and needs across the next decade. This presentation is meant to assist student affairs leaders in thinking strategically about emerging trends, areas for investment, and a longer-term campus mental health strategy.

During this presentation, participants will learn:

• Strategies to modernize how students find and use best-fit resources.
• Ways to optimize access points throughout the student experience to support mental health and well-being.
• Targeted ways to shift the role of staff and faculty from “aware” to “active” by enhancing their ability to connect students with support.
• Innovative tactics to bring a DEIJ lens to campus mental health support.
• Strategies to leverage data to demonstrate student affairs impact and make strategic investments.
  *Grab your lunch and join us on Zoom

Presenter: Angela Street, Director of Research Advisory Services, EAB
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Connecting Programs and Outcomes with the Student Affairs Student Learning Outcomes

Monday, March 11, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Zoom

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Significant work went into creating the Student Affairs Student Learning Outcomes by numerous staff across Student Affairs. Learn about the outcomes and how they can assist and connect to your programs and services. When your program or service outcomes link or map to the Student Affairs Learning Outcomes, several resources are unlocked to assess learning and get information to improve your program or service.

After attending this session, you will be able to:

• Describe the purpose and function of the Student Affairs Student Learning Outcomes and related resources.
• Use the Student Affairs Student Learning Outcomes resources to assess your programs and services.

Presenter: Erin Thomas, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving, Digital Fluency & Assessment

Spill the Disibili-Tea: An Introduction to Disability Justice - Alex Locust Discussion

Wednesday, March 13, 11:00 a.m. - Noon, Zoom

Watch the Prerecorded Session Here

RSVP for Discussion Here!

What is disability justice and its relationship to racial justice? What's the difference between access and inclusion? These and other complex questions will be explored in this virtual Disabili-Tea workshop with Alex Locust, a Black biracial, queer, disability justice educator, activist, and “Glamputee” who celebrates the harmony of his identities to help create the world we all want to see. Armed with bombastic charm, whimsical humor, and a sharp wit, Alex synthesizes his lived and professional experiences to share his knowledge and insights on what it means to adopt a disability justice framework that builds community and empowers individuals with disabilities.

Moderator: Lori Henehan, Student Access and Accommodation Services
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Part 2: Kognito - Managing Difficult Mental Health Struggles

Thursday, March 14, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m., Student Services Building, Room 130

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In the second part of this 3-part series, we 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 they can get help. Emphasis will be placed on faculty & staff self-care in managing these difficult interactions. You 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 or email sdhowa1@ilstu.edu if you will need one.

This training will help you:

• 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: Danielle Beasley, Student Counseling Services
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Teamwork, Mentorship & Interpersonal Skills, Productivity & Problem Solving, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Maximizing Movement and Personal Fitness (Repeated session)

Wednesday, April 3, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m., Student Fitness Center (Meet in the lobby)

RSVP Here!

Join Campus Recreation for an engaging learning session on effective machine usage and crafting a complete full-body workout at our Student Fitness Center (SFC). This interactive experience offers a comprehensive understanding of our state-of-the-art machines, along with an exercise key tailored for SFC equipment. This session caters to all fitness levels, providing tools to enhance your routine. There will be an optional practical component where you can immediately apply the knowledge gained during the session. No dress code—just come as you are! Upon completion, you will also leave with a 1-month free trial membership to the SFC!

This session will help you to:

• Understand how to set and properly use the Student Fitness Center's state-of-the-art machines.
• Design a balanced routine with strength, cardio, and flexibility exercises.
• Leave with a takeaway guide detailing recommended exercises and techniques for SFC machines.

Presenters: Krista Gooris & Kinsey Hutchinson, Campus Recreations
Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development, Productivity & Problem Solving

Preventing Accidental Drug Poisonings: Narcan and Fentanyl Test Strips

Friday, Mar 22, 11:00 a.m. - Noon, Student Services Building, Room 314

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Learn more about the opioid epidemic, the newest wave 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

Healing. Love. Joy. Resistance: Angela Davis and Stacey Patton Conversation

Tuesday, March 26, Noon - 1:00 p.m., Zoom

Watch the Prerecorded Session Here

RSVP for Discussion Here!

How are joy and love essential revolutionary principles for social activism? Join this powerful and thought-provoking discussion featuring renowned scholar and activist Dr. Angela Davis, in conversation with journalist, educator, and author Dr. Stacey Patton, two of the most influential and powerhouse voices of our time.

They will share valuable insights and dialogue on how to create a world that is more joyful, just, and human-centered by ushering the ideals of healing, love, and joy as forms of effective resistance. They will also touch on topics such as the power of art and visual storytelling, the role of healing-centered education, and the need to maintain the audacity to tell untold histories and truths. The only way to create a just future is to center it on our own humanity.

Moderator: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Productivity & Problem Solving, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Using Qualtrics

Monday, April 8, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Zoom

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Qualtrics is a sophisticated survey tool that allows the campus community to easily create surveys, collect and store data, and produce reports. Qualtrics provides individuals with the ability to customize surveys and analyze data. Attend this session to learn how to set up, administer, and analyze surveys completed via Qualtrics.

After attending this session, you will be able to:

• Create a sophisticated survey.
• Use analysis tools within Qualtrics.
• Locate essential functions within Qualtrics.

Presenter: Erin Thomas, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Knowledge Areas: Digital Fluency & Assessment

Recovery is Spoken Here: Recovery Ally Training

Monday, April 15, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Zoom

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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

Part 3: Question Persuade Respond: Suicide Prevention and Empathetic Support with QPR Training

Wednesday, April 24, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Student Services Building, Room 130

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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 training 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 when needed.

Presenters: Nicole Anderson & Sam Kahl, Student Counseling Services
Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support and Productivity & Problem Solving

New Staff Orientation

Thursday, April 25, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Stevenson Hall, Room 401

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 13 diverse departments that comprise the Division and the students we serve.
• An introduction to cultural competency in Student Affairs.
• The history of Student Affairs at Illinois State University.
• Introduction to needed technology.
• An opportunity to learn about the values and mission of the Division.

Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame

Friday, April 26, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Ceremony, Bone Student Center, Old Main

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Join the Division of Student Affairs as we recognize the 2024 Legacy Hall of Fame inductees. The Legacy Hall of Fame began in 2014 and is named in honor of Vice President Emeritus 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 lifelong dedication to the role holistic education plays in a student’s life, as well as their steadfast loyalty to Illinois State, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Redbird spirit.

STAR Awards

Monday, May 6, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Bone Student Center, Prairie Room

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The STAR Awards recognize "Staff That Are Remarkable" within the Division of Student Affairs in several categories. Each spring, the Division gathers to recognize staff that have made significant contributions to their departments, the Division, and the University during the year. Nominations are sought early in the semester and the selection committee carefully evaluates the nominations in determining award recipients.

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