Student Affairs Professional Development and Staff Recognition Calendar

Exploring and Understanding Allyship

Tuesday, August 30

2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Room 401, Stevenson Hall

This session will help participants define what allyship is and understand what it is not. We will explore the ways to earn the title and the responsibilities that come along with it.

After attending this session, you will:

• Understand what allyship is.
• Learn what allyship is not.
• Understand the responsibilities that come along with being an ally.

Presenter: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs

Knowledge Areas: Global Perspective & Worldviews, Leadership Competencies

New Staff Orientation

Wednesday, August 31

11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Founders Suite, Bone Student Center

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.

Serving the Needs of Our International Students

Friday, September 2

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Students thrive in an inclusive learning and social environment. This environment is even more critical for International students to ensure they feel a sense of belonging and enjoy a fruitful and dynamic experience. Therefore, we need to know how our students are doing on our campus and understand what we can do to help support them. Matt Schwab from International Engagement will inform us of international students' status and challenges and provide ways that we can ensure they continue to thrive at ISU.

Presenter: Matt Schwab & Dr. Roopa Rawjee, Office of International Engagement

Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Chair Fitness

Wednesday, September 7

10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Circus Room, Bone Student Center

Join Kinsey and Krista from Campus Recreation for this gentle, unique fitness class that blends elements of non-impact aerobics, resistance training, yoga, and guided relaxation, all done while sitting in a chair. You'll become more capable while revitalizing your body, mind, and spirit. You'll walk away with exercises to complete on your own at your desk, at home, or wherever you are. Everyone is welcome!

Presenter: Krista Gooris & Kinsey Hutchinson, Campus Recreation

Knowledge Areas: Personal and Career Development

Fall Kickoff

Monday, September 12

9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Munch & Mingle, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m Program

Prairie Room, Bone Student Center

Join Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Levester "LJ" Johnson, to kick off the 2022-2023 academic year! Reconnect with your colleagues, learn what's happening in the Division, and get ready for an outstanding year!

What's the 411: Faculty/Staff Affinity Groups

Tuesday, September 13

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Circus Room, Bone Student Center

As stated on https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/current/resources/ "An affinity group is a voluntary association of faculty and staff linked by a common purpose, mission, background, activity, or interest that provides an avenue for support, advocacy, and communication throughout the University as well as a connection to the local community." Illinois State University has four groups:

• Asia Connect
• Association of Black Academic Employees (ABAE)
• Queer Coalition
• Organization of Latino/a Employees (OLE)

This session will have representatives from each group available to provide you with details on how to get connected.

Presenter: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Knowledge Areas: Personal and Career Development, Global Perspectives and Worldview

Creating a Wellness Mindset Using Mindfulness

Thursday, September 15

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Room 551, DeGarmo Hall

In the world that we live in today, more people are struggling with managing stress, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and lonely. We must balance the demands on our time with work, home, relationships, and the increasing use of technology. Not to mention the negative impact that COVID has had. These are not easy "fixes," but there is something simple that we can all do during every moment of our lives that can make a big impact in a positive way. Come learn how to practice some mindfulness techniques to help you create a wellness mindset and find calm in the midst of chaos. We will explain the Koru Mindfulness program that we use, which is used all over the country and has been found to help students, staff, and faculty better manage the challenges they face.

After attending this session, you will be able to:

• Describe what mindfulness is and how it impacts our wellness mindset.
• Identify how mindfulness can enhance our well-being.
• Identify the barriers to practicing mindfulness and strategies to overcome them.
• Practice mindfulness in our everyday lives.
• Locate resources that support a mindfulness practice.

Presenter: Jim Almeda, Health Promotion and Wellness

Knowledge Areas:Personal and Career Development

Special Guest: Ethan Blumenthal Leadership, Active Listening, and Team Building Through Laughter

Wednesday, September 21

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Old Main, Bone Student Center

The Founder & CEO of Knuckleball Comedy, Ethan Blumenthal, will facilitate an invaluable leadership & team-building experience. With direction and coaching from an experienced comedian, participants will laugh and have fun in ways they never have before, creating friendships that will last long after the program ends. Along the way, participants will gain valuable communication and leadership skills as they learn to listen and think creatively. Filled with non-stop smiles and interactive play, this program is the best way to learn how to lead more confidently, communicate more efficiently and become better active listeners. Please note, this is an interactive program so don't be afraid to jump right into the activities and participate - it will be a blast!

Knowledge Areas: Teamowrk, Mentorship and Interpersonal Skills, Leadership Competencies

What Does Sustainability Mean at ISU

Tuesday, September 27

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Circus Room, Bone Student Center

Sustainability is defined 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 highlight current sustainability goals across ISU, tools for collaboration and partnership, and practical solutions toward environmentally responsible educational opportunities and operations.

After attending this session, you will have:

• A better understanding of the term sustainability.
• An opportunity to foster a culture of sustainability within Student Affairs and across ISU.
• Strategies to incorporate sustainability into both your professional and personal life.

Presenter: Elisabeth Reed, Office of Sustainability

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

Interventions for Students in Distress

Monday, October 3 Rescheduled, Monday, Nov 7

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Zoom

Danielle Beasley, LCSW, and Stacy Parton, LCPC, will help participants learn to identify mental health emergencies and signs of distress in students. Through the use of the Kognito website, participants will learn effective ways to approach students in distress and help guide them to effective resources. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss any questions and concerns they may have so they will feel able to assist students in need.

After attending this session, you will:

• Recognize signs of students in distress or experiencing a mental health emergency.
• Learn effective approaches to intervene.
• Learn strategies to refer students to resources both on and off campus.

Presenter: Danielle Beasley, LCSW, & Stacy Parton, LCPC

Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Life Hack 101! The Little Things that Save Us Time and Sanity

Thursday, October 6

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Room 551, DeGarmo Hall

Forget your speaker? Put your phone in a bowl and boost the volume! Get distracted working through emails in Outlook? Click the globe icon and work offline (no more new emails until you click again)! We were forced to rethink our ways, but it created an environment for learning and innovation. So let's honor those achievements and share our new knowledge! Be prepared to share life hacks from any or all of the following: Work, Life, or Technology. Even if you don't have one to share, come, you will surely think of one when you get here!

After attending this session, you will:

• Thoughtfully evaluate and acknowledge the vast amount of change so many of us on campus have experienced.
• Connect and create friendships across the Division.
• Leave with several concrete strategies or techniques to help you manage time and daily activities in a more effective way.

Presenter: Natalie R. Alexander, Career Services

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

What Can I Do?: An Introduction to Political and Social Engagement and Activism

Tuesday, October 11

Noon - 1:00 p.m.

This session will introduce participants to the different ways they can start or continue their political and social engagement in these challenging times. In addition, we will learn equity-minded ways to become a more active members of your community.

After attending this session, you will:

• Understand the importance of voting, but learn that voting is only the first step in engagement.
• Understand the importance of reflection and learning before action.
• Learn that to begin a journey of social or political activism, it is best to start small and start local.

Presenter: Dr. Meghan Leonard, Politics & Government

Knowledge Areas: Global Perspective & Worldviews, Personal & Career Development

Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality and Inclusion in Illinois in '22 and Beyond

Wednesday, October 19

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

More than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state capitols across the country this year. The Dobbs decision strikes at the heart of reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights. And anti-LGBTQ+ violence is on the rise. But Illinois has been a leader in recent years in the protection and promotion of LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. Learn from the team at Equality Illinois (the state's LGBTQ+ civil rights organization) how you can be part of the movement to keep Illinois moving forward.

Presenters: Mike Ziri & Mony Ruiz-Velasco, Equality Illinois

Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Taking Control of Your Workday: Support Staff Edition

Thursday, October 20

10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Room 551, DeGarmo Hall

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.

Moderator: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

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

Special Guest: Dr. Marquis Bey

Wednesday, October 26

10:00 a.m. - Noon

Circus Room, Bone Student Center

Dr. Marquis Bey (they/them, or any pronoun)* completed a PhD in English at Cornell University in May 2019 and is currently Assistant Professor of African American Studies and English, affiliated faculty in Gender & Sexuality Studies, and core faculty member of Critical Theory, at Northwestern University. Bey's work, broadly speaking, concerns Black Feminist Theorizing, Transgender Studies, Critical Theory, and Contemporary African American Literature. Additionally, they have received fellowships from the Ford Foundation and Humanities New York. Bey is the author, most recently, of Black Trans Feminism (2022).

Coping With the Missing Cat, and Other Grief

Wednesday, November 2

10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Prairie Room III, Bone Student Center

There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but there is a right and wrong way to support someone who is grieving. This session will review historical concepts of grief, then focus on new ideas about grief and how you can help others move forward after loss.

After attending this session, you will:

• Have a better understanding of grief and the grieving process.
• Know what to say and not say to someone who is grieving.

Presenter: Dr. James Terfruchte, Student Health Services

Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Interventions for Students in Distress

Monday, October 7

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Danielle Beasley, LCSW, and Stacy Parton, LCPC, will help participants learn to identify mental health emergencies and signs of distress in students. Through the use of the Kognito website, participants will learn effective ways to approach students in distress and help guide them to effective resources. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss any questions and concerns they may have so they will feel able to assist students in need.

After attending this session, you will:

• Recognize signs of students in distress or experiencing a mental health emergency.
• Learn effective approaches to intervene.
• Learn strategies to refer students to resources both on and off campus.

Presenter: Danielle Beasley, LCSW, & Stacy Parton, LCPC

Knowledge Areas: Student Advising & Support, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Facilitating Dialogue on Controversial Issues

Thursday, November 10

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Room 401A, Stevenson Hall

Controversy can occur at any time and in any setting. How do you handle it when it occurs? Are you able to participate or navigate the conversation? Many people avoid challenging dialogue because they fear saying or permitting the wrong things to be said. Acknowledging that there are different perspectives is a gesture of respect and inclusion and can help turn controversy into an opportunity to connect and understand others' experiences. These opportunities are significant for students in a classroom setting and key to developing their critical thinking skills. This session will be interactive, and you will walk away with an activity that you can use with others to encourage dialogue on any topic in any setting.

Presenter: Angell Howard, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Knowledge Areas: Personal & Career Development, Student Advising & Support, Global Perspective & Worldviews

Maximizing Your LinkedIn

Wednesday, November 16

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Prairie Room III, Bone Student Center

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.

Presenter: Quanisha Kumi-Darfour, Career Services

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

New Staff Orientation

Thursday, November 17

11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Founders Suite, Bone Student Center

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.

Neal R. Gamsky Quality of Student Life Award Ceremony

Thursday, December 1

10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center

Join the Division as we remember Dr. Neal R. Gamsky and celebrate this year's Quality of Student Life Award recipient. Dr. Gamsky, Vice President for Student Affairs Emeritus, created an endowment to encourage professional staff to make significant personal contributions to the students at Illinois State University. The recipient of this award receives a recognition plaque, monetary award, and their name permanently displayed on a plaque in the Student Services Building.

Check back for Spring 2023 session information.

Check back for Spring 2023 session information.

Check back for Spring 2023 session information.

Check back for Spring 2023 session information.

Check back for Spring 2023 session information.

Check back for Spring 2023 session information.

Check back for Spring 2023 session information.