Vol. 17, No. 2	Sept. 11, 1997

Professional staff development series established

A new training program for professional staff begins this fall with a series of courses that will provide additional opportunities for advanced career exploration. Entitled "Understanding the University of Delaware: A Professional Staff Development Series," the workshops are designed for professionals who want to increase their knowledge of the University, enhance skills in their current positions and think strategically about future aspirations.

This program is coordinated by Liane Sorenson, women's affairs and Career Development Program for Professional Staff, and the series will be led by Audrey Helfman, College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy.

"For years, professional staff who have used the Career Resource Center or who have attended one of the lunch-time career development workshops have asked for a more advanced career development program," Sorenson said. "Audrey Helfman and I worked with a group of professional staff from across campus to develop and implement a pilot for such a career development program last spring. As a result of the enthusiastic response to the pilot program, we are pleased to offer the new series for the first time this semester."

According to Sorenson, feedback from the first group of participants was very positive. Many learned more about the operation of the University and their own personal interests.

Participants in the spring 1997 pilot program were Anne Adkins, credit programs and student services; Sig Andersen, Instructional Technologies, User Services; Joe Evans, public safety; Patti Fogg, Facilities Management; Joyce Henderson, labor relations; Zenobia Hikes, student life; Kathleen Kerr, residence life; Jean Neff, Instructional Technologies/User Services; Chuck Shermeyer, residence life; Catherine Skelley, housing and conference services; Tish Szymurski, continuing education; Teri Wayne, media services; and Phyllis Whaler, recreation and intramurals.

"The diversity of presenters and participants created an excellent learning and sharing environment, one I'd highly recommend to my colleagues," Szymurski said.

Skelley said she was impressed by the diversity of the panel participants and also was pleased to learn more about the "mission and function of other units at the University" and how this is "critical to our collective and individual success."

According to Whaler, the sessions "provided assistance in building relationships across campus and broadening my perspective on the roles and functions of various individuals on campus. The committee also demonstrated how my particular unit operates/functions in relation to the whole system. Overall, it was a wonderful experience."

The fall 1997 schedule includes

• "The Organizational Structure of the University of Delaware," 5:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24, at a location to be announced. Instructor: Richie Holland, employee training and development.

• "Ways to Develop Careers at the University: Case Studies," noon-2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10, 185 Graham Hall. Instructors: Barbara Graham, Facilities Administration; and Terry Whittaker, College of Business and Economics.

• "Developing Knowledge About the University Budget Making Process," noon-2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, 187 Graham Hall, Carol Rylee, Budget Office; and Jeffrey Quirico, Office of the Provost.

• "Understanding the Culture of the University, Strategic Planning and How Decisions are Made at the University of Delaware," noon-2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14, 187 Graham Hall. Instructors: Margaret Andersen, College of Arts and Science; Judith Gibson, affirmative action and multicultural programs; and Michael Middaugh, Office of Institutional Research and Planning.

• "Making the University of Delaware Classification System Work for You: Tips on Documenting Your Accomplishments," noon-2 p.m Friday, Dec. 12, 185 Graham Hall. Instructors: Marianne Green, Career Services; and Thomas LaPenta, employee and labor relations.

• "Developing Your Long-Range Career Plan," noon-2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, location to be announced. Instructors: Helfman, human resources, education and public policy; and Sorenson, women's affairs.

The deadline for applications is Sept. 15. For those unable to participate in the fall, the program, the sessions will be repeated next spring.

-ue Swyers Moncure
Photo by Jack Buxbaum