The Department of Human Resources is pleased to introduce a series of programs for the personal and professional development of faculty and staff. We firmly believe that continuous learning plays an important role in the success of Illinois Tech, and we are laying the foundation for a more engaged, successful work environment through this new initiative. We are pleased to announce the launch of our new programming, beginning in February 2018. For this coming year, the following programs will be offered:

STEP

The Supervisor Training and Education Program (STEP), which was introduced in 2016 to create a pipeline of high-potential leaders for the university, has graduated its first cohort. Recruitment for the 2017–18 program has begun. The period for self-nomination runs from Thursday, November 9 through Wednesday, December 6, 2017. The self-nomination application and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are now posted on the Human Resources portal website, appear in Illinois Tech Today, or may be accessed by clicking on this link.

Over an 18-month commitment, selected participants will attend classes to acquire leadership skills, receive one-on-one coaching, and develop a collaborative, supportive network of peers. STEP participants gain skills, knowledge, and confidence while making a lasting impact on the university through the completion of a capstone project. Upon graduation from STEP, participants may serve as speakers at future programs or act as mentors to guide and support new members, creating a lasting legacy at Illinois Tech.

DEAL

One of the expectations from STEP is that cohorts create a capstone project that has university-wide impact. Tapping into the findings from the “Staff Speak Survey,” which encouraged new options for staff development, the STEP cohorts established the program “Developing and Equipping All to Lead,” or DEAL. A series of training sessions that foster collaboration, learning, and networking, these open-to-all 60–90-minute sessions encourage all levels of employees to increase their knowledge through panels, roundtable discussions, and lectures about a range of subjects, such as new supervisor skills, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

READY. SET. LEAD.

This series of open-enrollment training programs targets manager development. Individuals who have direct reports, especially those new to the role of manager, are encouraged to attend. The curriculum encompasses the skills and knowledge that support managers in successfully leading others. Subject-matter experts will address the university’s unique internal processes (budgets and payroll) in hands-on learning environments, while lectures, case studies, role plays, and videos foster skill development in areas that promote managerial success.

LEARNING BYTES

These monthly 60–90-minute training sessions are an opportunity for all university employees to learn. Open-to-all enrollment and a concise format make Learning Bytes an attractive option for anyone interested in learning without making a long time commitment. Topics for Learning Bytes will include, for example, work-life balance, communication skills, healthy lifestyles, cybersecurity, and budgeting. Facilitated by internal subject-matter experts or by tapping into external resources such as Lifeworks, our employee assistance provider, these sessions will be video-streamed to all campuses.

Antoinette Murril, associate vice president of Human Resources, and her department will provide more detailed information about enrollment and the scheduling of these programs. In the next few weeks, you can look forward to updates in Illinois Tech Today and on the Human Resources portal webpages. (Log onto myIIT to access the portal.) If you have questions regarding these programs, contact Jorene Richards, Human Resources training consultant, at jrichards2@iit.edu.