Professional development tools offered at institute for academic staff

Academic staff members will have opportunities to brush up on important issues, learn new skills and techniques, and learn about organizations and programs available to them during this year’s Academic Staff Institute.

The Tuesday, April 13, institute, open to all academic staff, runs from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club.

Heather Daniels, chair of the Academic Staff Executive Committee, noted that this year has been a busy one for academic staff, with issues such as collective bargaining, unit clarification and new initiatives at the forefront. The institute will cover many of those issues, including updates on the revamped mentoring program, unit clarification and collective bargaining, as well as such topics as the art of relaxation through Chinese exercise.

“This year’s Academic Staff Institute brings together a blend of sessions with skills employees can take back to their workplaces, as well as other sessions that concentrate on the latest information on issues important to academic staff,” Daniels says. “We’re excited to be able to offer this professional development opportunity to academic staff.”

Participants may attend three of the 12 available sessions. Resource tables will also be available during breaks so attendees can learn more about campus programs and organizations for academic staff.

The institute is sponsored by the Madison Academic Staff Association, Office of the Provost, Academic Staff Executive Committee, Academic Personnel Office, the Office of the Secretary of Academic Staff and the Office of Human Resource Development.

The $25 cost to attend the institute includes breakfast and lunch.

Those who apply to join the Madison Academic Staff Association and pay with personal funds will receive a refund.

The deadline for registration and payment is Tuesday, April 6. To register, visit https://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/OHRDCatalogPortal/Default.aspx?tabid=29&CourseKey=29533.