Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

ENHANCED SUPERVISION PROGRAM (ESP)

(upcoming events for supervisors only)

ESP: HealthEU for Supervisors

Wednesday, February 19, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Facilitator: Anu Räisänen, PhD, Director of HealthEU

During this learning event, you will learn about HealthEU, Elon’s wellness and well-being initiative. We will explore the resources, educational tools and services the HealthEU initiative offers to support your well-being as a supervisor and your team. We will also discuss ideas for how HealthEU offerings can be expanded to support Elon employees’ active pursuit of wellness and well-being across the six dimensions of well-being: social, purpose, emotional, financial, community and physical. Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

ESP: Meetings That Matter – Maximizing Time and Impact (first offering)

Thursday, March 13, 12:00-1:15 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Facilitator: Erika C. Lopina, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology

In this workshop, participants will learn the art and science of leading effective meetings that drive productivity and engagement. We will cover key topics such as setting clear objectives, managing time efficiently, fostering inclusive participation, and utilizing tools for follow-up actions. Through interactive activities and discussions, staff will gain practical skills to improve meeting structures, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance collaboration within their teams. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with techniques to ensure their meetings are efficient and impactful. Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

ESP: Meetings That Matter – Maximizing Time and Impact (second offering)

Thursday, April 17, 12:00-1:15 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Facilitator: Erika C. Lopina, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology

Overview of the Enhanced Supervision Program (ESP)

Goal: To celebrate, encourage, and support all supervisors to build a healthy, inclusive, skilled, and effective workforce. The series will offer adaptable trainings for all supervisors of employees, while at the same time enhancing and standardizing supervisory training. Format: A variety of learning modes of delivery will be utilized including face-to-face, virtual, blended learning, coaching, etc. The expectation is that campus supervisors of staff and faculty will participate in ESP programs this year and complete the questions on the ESP Preparation Form in consultation with their own supervisor. Supervisors should also list and discuss their participation in ESP on their annual performance appraisal. Lunch is provided to registered attendees.

CAMPUSWIDE PROGRAMS

(upcoming events open to all faculty & staff)

Veterans ERG – A Visit with the VA

Wednesday, February 5, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Come hear from the VA (Veteran’s Affairs) about the services and benefits they provide. We will have a short presentation and then be available for any questions our attendees might have. All Veterans employed at Elon are encouraged to attend, as are Veteran-affiliated folks. Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Personal Development Planning Workshop Lunch & Learn (Zoom)

Thursday, February 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Zoom

As we begin 2025, so begins a new year of planning and personal and professional goal setting. With the advent of PageUp on campus, Elon employees now have the opportunity to include personal development goals, or goals that are less about achieving a particular work-metric and more about helping individuals grow their competence in areas like conflict management, communication, assertiveness, and so on. This workshop, led by Dr. Chris Leupold, Isabella Cannon Professor of Leadership and Interim Consultant to OLPD, will introduce attendees to the Development FIRST model of individual development, a model that combines personal insight, targeted and personalized goal setting, and action steps to enhance one’s capability. Using a guided approach, participants will work real time to craft their own personal development plans. This workshop will be conducted via Zoom; link is https://elon.zoom.us/my/cleupold

Personal Development Planning Workshop Lunch & Learn (Zoom)

Monday, February 10, 2:00-3:00 p.m. – Zoom

Sustainability ERG – Design Thinking for Sustainability

Tuesday, February 11, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Center for Design Thinking (Elon Town Center, Third Floor)

In this Design Thinking workshop, participants will explore the intersection of personal and professional sustainability through the design thinking process. Working collaboratively, we’ll tackle the question: ‘How might we foster personal and professional sustainable behavior change on an individual level to drive systems change?’. This event will be held in the Center for Design Thinking, which is on the third floor of Elon Town Center (above Pandora’s). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

OnTrack Budgeting Basics How-To

Wednesday, February 12, 10:00-11:00 a.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

This session, led by Tom Langland, Senior Budget Accountant, is open to anyone who is involved in budget management across campus. We will cover how to access and review OnTrack Budget to Actual accounts, what account numbers signify, the different sources of funding that are shown, and how to prepare and submit Expense Correction, Budget Revision, and Transfer of Funds forms. There will be time for open-ended questions about budgeting as well. Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office).

Supervisors of Students ERG – NACE Competencies & Reflection

Wednesday, February 12, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Join us for an engaging session on NACE Competencies and Reflection with Brooke Buffington, Assistant Vice President for the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC)! Brooke will highlight the key career-ready skills employers value – like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving – and share practical ways to help your student employees develop them. You’ll leave with simple, effective strategies to guide students in reflecting on their experiences and showcasing their skills in resumes, interviews, and beyond. Whether you’re new to supervision or have years of experience, this session will strengthen your ability to support student success. Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Employees with Children ERG – Parenting Through Ages/Stages

Thursday, February 13, 12:15-1:15 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Parenting children of every age brings with it a unique set of challenges. Join us for a conversation about strategies and resources to help us get through the terrible twos, the precocious sixes, the angsty teen years, and more. Parents of older children, please come and share your hard-earned wisdom! Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Amazing Admins ERG – How to Be a “Lazy Genius”: Learning to Name What Matters, Personally & Professionally

Thursday, February 20, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Based on the book by Kendra Adachi, the New York Times Bestselling author, The Lazy Genius Way is a collection of principles to help people “be a genius about the things that matter, and lazy about the things that don’t.” She is an advocate for compassionate time management and using unique approaches to combat the busy culture that we all find ourselves wrapped up in, both in the workplace and in our personal lives. Her principles have helped many reframe the way they approach work, task lists, and general outlook on being a productive adult. Join presenter Mariann King for an informative session on some of the most impactful principles and learn how to connect these principles to your daily work and life! Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Effective Communication Strategies Lunch & Learn

Tuesday, February 25, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Learn the principles and practices of effective communication, including active listening, clarity, and adaptability, to achieve meaningful outcomes in any setting. This session will be led by Dr. Cara Lucia, Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management, and is the first of a three-part series on communication. Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Elon Alumni ERG – Volunteer with the Alumni ERG!

Thursday, February 27, 8:30-10:00 a.m. – ACAC, 206 N Fisher St, Burlington

Join us to volunteer with fellow alumni fac/staff to support ACAC (Allied Churches of Alamance County), whose mission is to prevent and end homelessness and food insecurity. We’ll prepare a meal and sort food donations. Look forward to making an impact in our community together!

Location: ACAC, 206 N Fisher St, Burlington, NC 27217
**ACAC is an Elon Community Partner so you can use your volunteer hours to cover this time.

Wear an Elon t-shirt to show you’re Team Phoenix!

Social Media ERG – The State of Social Media

Thursday, February 27, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

The last couple of months have been whiplash for social media. And if you haven’t been paying as close attention, that’s okay because Associate Director of Social Media Communications, Lauryn Polo has. Join us for a session about what you may have missed. And bring your questions like: ‘What’s going on with TikTok?’, ‘What’s going on with Meta?’, ‘Are there new tools for us to use?’, ‘Where should we be posting now?’. Lauryn will do her best to answer all of your questions with the most up-to-date information. We look forward to seeing you! Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Christian ERG – Verse & Vision Canvas

Thursday, February 27, 2:00-3:00 p.m. – Moseley Center 217

Join us for our Verse & Vision event, where we’ll each create a collage centered around our spiritual goals and our focus on God. Like a vision board, we’ll use scripture to explore what the Bible says about who we are, our future, and our purpose. See your future through God’s eyes as we reflect on His promises and guidance for our lives.

OnTrack Budgeting Basics How-To

Wednesday, March 12, 10:00-11:00 a.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Joining Elon – A Cultural Orientation Program

Friday, March 14, 8:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

The Office of Leadership & Professional Development (OLPD) is inviting all part-time and full-time Elon employees who have joined Elon since September 2024 to ‘Joining Elon – A Cultural Orientation Program’. Dr. Connie Book, Elon University President, will kick off Joining Elon on Friday, March 14th (8:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.), followed by an opportunity to learn more about Elon University from various departmental leaders.

This program is by invitation only. If you’re a new member of the Elon community, you will be receiving more information soon. We look forward to providing this opportunity for you to meet more of your colleagues and learn more about Elon.

Lunch will be provided for registered attendees. Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office).

Sustainability ERG – Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon

Friday, March 14, 1:00-5:00 p.m. – Lakeside 212

Use your Elon University Volunteer Hours to help clean up Alamance County! Join the Sustainability ERG for the 35th Annual Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon to pick up litter along the Swepsonville River. All necessary equipment and transportation will be provided, and we will return to campus by 5:00 p.m. All are welcome, whether this is your first or twentieth time attending a Sustainability ERG! Lunch will be provided promptly at 1:00 p.m., and this event is limited to the first 23 registrants.

Interpersonal Communication Lunch & Learn

Tuesday, March 25, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Discover how to enhance interpersonal communication and clear expression to build stronger, more meaningful connections. This session will be led by Dr. Cara Lucia, Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management, and is the second of a three-part series on communication. Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Social Media ERG – Video for Social Media

Thursday, March 27, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

We all know that videos largely drive social media. But how do you get your videos to stand out and look good? Brandon Talton ’23, Coordinator of Advancement Communications and video extraordinaire, will join us and discuss what it takes to make a social-first video. He will be covering how to make your videos shine with the equipment you have (smartphone) and some tips to make those videos appealing to your audience. This is a session you will not want to miss! Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Conflict Resolution Lunch & Learn

Tuesday, April 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Explore strategies for resolving conflicts constructively by fostering open dialogue, understanding diverse perspectives, and finding collaborative solutions. This session will be led by Dr. Cara Lucia, Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management, and is the third of a three-part series on communication. Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Social Media ERG – Quiet Influence: Social Media Strategies for Introverts

Thursday, April 24, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – McCoy Commons, Oaks 212

Are you an introvert managing a social media page and feeling like you have to channel extrovert energy to keep up? This session is made for you! Learn how to embrace your natural strengths to create meaningful connections, engage authentically and build an online presence that works for you – without the burnout. Join us as Dr. Kelsey Armstrong, Student Life Communications Manager, shares practical tips and insights on thriving as an introvert in the social media world. Oaks 212 is located in the McCoy Commons building (same building and floor as the Phoenix Office). Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

ADDITIONAL CAMPUS PROGRAMS

Elon NEXT: Professional & Continuing Education

Courses start soon!

Elon NEXT: Professional & Continuing Education provides in-demand workforce skills to advance your career and satisfy your love of learning.

As an additional employee benefit, all Elon employees receive one free Elon NEXT course taught by an Elon instructor per academic year. Over 30 courses and professional certificates are open for registration and taught both on-campus and online in topics like data analysis & visualization, Microsoft Excel, project management, business leadership, and cybersecurity.

Have questions about these offerings or interested in teaching in the future? Contact Jack Rodenfels, Director, Professional & Continuing Studies: jrodenfels@elon.edu

Note: Additional assistance in funding may be available through a partnership with the Office of Leadership and Professional Development.

Ongoing Campus Wide Mental Health Training

As a community committed to well-being, it is essential that faculty, staff, and students can recognize signs of distress and know how to respond if there are concerns about a someone. Counseling Services is offering a new online training, called Kognito At-Risk, to the entire Elon community to help build skills to create a safer and more supportive campus. The At-Risk for Faculty & Staff training will help you learn to notice signs of distress, use techniques to discuss your concerns, and, if necessary, refer students to appropriate resources. At-Risk for Faculty & Staff lets you practice these challenging conversations at your own pace through role-play with virtual students. To access the training, visit https://elon.kognito.com/ and log on with your Elon username and password to get started.