Professional Development Institute
Consisting of eight training modules held on a monthly basis, the institute is open to faculty and staff seeking to enhance their professional skills.
Training
The training arm of the Office of Human Resources fulfills the mission of Salve Regina by “challenging faculty and staff to learn throughout their lives.” Specifically, the training function assists the university in achieving the following objectives and initiatives from the 2005-2010 strategic plan:
- Faculty, staff and students will possess sufficient technological competence to support a vibrant learning community
- Expand professional development opportunities for all staff
- Maintain and actively promote an integrated wellness program for the university community
- Increase initiatives that will add [and support] diversity among faculty and staff
The following programs are offered on an ongoing basis for faculty and staff members:
New Employee Orientation
A concerted effort is made to welcome new employees to the Salve Regina community. While certain administrative tasks need to be addressed on the first day, research shows that an orientation that takes place over time is most effective in assisting employees in assimilating to the culture of an organization.
New Employee Orientation is held on the last working day of September, October, January and April. Representatives from various offices discuss the university mission; policies and procedures concerning human resources, purchasing, booking space, information technology, and university correspondence; safety and security concerns; and general admissions information. Employees will complete the required Harassment Prevention training, and finish the morning with lunch in the cafeteria.
New Managers’ Forum
This forum is designed for managers who are either relatively new to the supervisory process in general, or at Salve Regina. The forum will review the budget cycle and also provide a framework for the different types of reports that are due throughout the academic year. An explanation of Interview Exchange, the online application/hiring system, will also be discussed.
Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Training
As an employer, Salve Regina is required by law to have a written policy concerning sexual harassment and to make employees aware of that policy. To ensure that employees fully understand these policies and discrimination in all its forms, Salve Regina mandates that all new faculty and staff attend one of these training sessions. Harassment Prevention training is also available in an online, Web-based format for employees who cannot attend a regular classroom presentation.
Just for Supervisors
There are many concerns and issues that are unique to supervisors. The Office of Human Resources has developed a series of workshops to address these topics. All supervisors will be apprised of the spring training dates via a special mailing.
Professional Development Institute
Any faculty or staff member who would like to enhance his or her professional skills will benefit from this training opportunity. The program consists of eight training modules that are held on a monthly basis. A cohort group is formed in October of each year. Participants work together building on the skills that have been presented each month. Interested participants must receive the endorsement of their supervisors.
Feedback from last year’s participants:
- “I enjoyed attending the Professional Development classes. It was fun and very interesting. All the speakers gave me a way of dealing with certain aspects of my job. I found it very informative.”
- “Every topic offered was good. Learning how to deal with people and their attitudes is always helpful.”
- “I benefited from each session. I enjoyed just being a part of the sessions.”
Computer Training
The staff of the University Computer Labs works in conjunction with the Office of Human Resources to keep Salve Regina’s faculty and staff updated on the technology needed to stay current in their work. Training will continue to focus on helping faculty and staff adjust to Office 2007. While blocks of training are offered during the January intersession, spring break and the month of June, department-specific training can be offered any time. Managers should contact either Brian McDonnell or Dan Titus to arrange for special training. All other requests should be referred to Kathleen Jackson at Ext. 3160.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Training
Consulting Psychologist’s Press states the following, “The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment is the best known and most trusted personality tool available today. From developing more productive work teams to building closer families, the MBTI can improve the quality of life for anyone and any organization. After more than 50 years, the MBTI instrument continues to be the most trusted and widely used assessment in the world for understanding individual differences and uncovering new ways to work and interact with others.” The training manager is qualified in the administration and interpretation of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. If you feel that your department or group could benefit from a greater understanding of individual strengths, work styles, and preferences, please contact the Office of Human Resources for an administration date.