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Professional Development

Professional Growth and Career Development for Staff

As a part of every staff member’s annual performance review, it is important to discuss professional development for the coming year. Each staff member has a desire to grow and develop, and it is the responsibility of their supervisor to support them in the accomplishment of this goal. Valuable staff members with a desire to grow and learn are an asset to the University and promote workplace productivity and increase morale for the entire workgroup.

There are many ways to support your staff member in their professional development and career goals. What is important is to take time to listen to your direct reports on an ongoing basis. Then, whenever possible, be flexible in your potential response to their needs. While many individuals are interested in promotional opportunities, others may want a chance to learn new skills, seek new project challenges, or coach and mentor others. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to rewarding staff members, so try to match the reward to the person’s particular interest and need.

If you have a staff member interested in promotional opportunities, it is important to be clear about what opportunities may be possible within your unit. Be honest about what you can or cannot do for the staff member. An open “I don’t know but we can find out the answer together” is better than a tacit “no.”  Also visit the Compensation and Classification web site section Reclassifying Position.

Professional Development Opportunities through UI Learning and Development

UI Learning and Development is the central office for professional development and acts as a clearinghouse for much of the professional development that occurs on campus.

Web Resources: Navigating the UI Learning and Development web site

Visit the UI Learning and Development web site to learn about course offerings on a variety of workplace topics including workplace effectiveness courses, leadership and management, personal development, technology issues, and health, safety, and wellness programming.

Workplace Effectiveness courses provide some of the best “nuts and bolts” training to help you navigate the University system. Communication and customer service skills, affirmative action, grant or contract management, accounting reports, and immigration procedures are just some of the topics available.

Leadership and Management courses provide solutions to issues that impact your role as manager in the University system. One of the most highly rated offerings is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ® course facilitated by Franklin-Covey certified instructors. Or, consider enrolling in one of the series programs described at: http://www.uiowa.edu/~fusstfdv/catalog/series.html

Personal Development courses provide an outlet for the work/life balance. These courses are offered during the noon hour. Try one of the many financial planning courses offered by TIAA-CREF representatives or other experts in the field. Sample a range of topics including stress management, family care, or tours of campus resources and services.

Technology courses can be found by accessing on Learning On-line with SkillSoft. These courses include over 1000 Information Technology courses on a variety of software applications such as microsoft word, access, excel and powerpoint.

Health, Safety, and Wellness courses provide opportunities for developing healthy habits. Try courses ranging from personal safety and self protection to healthy meal planning.

UI Learning and Development Monthly Newsletter and Listserv

UI Learning and Development publishes a monthly newsletter that all employees can access either by web or hard copy. Visit http://www.uiowa.edu/learn/ to register for courses on line. You will receive a confirmation of the course you selected six days prior to the event. If you are registering for a program that requires a fee, you will also need to send in a blue requisition, personal check, or use your departmental procurement card.

Enroll in any non-fee UI Learning and Development courses online:

To keep up to date on the latest learning and development opportunities sign up for the UI Learning and Development listserv. Messages are sent to this listserv group approximately every two weeks and some events are only highlighted in the listserv. Additionally, communications about our Learning Online with SkillSoft will also be sent via the listserv.

To sign up for the listserv, follow the directions below.

Subscribe Select/Click the link “Join or leave the list” and follow instructions

UI Learning and Development Course Catalog

Visit the UI Learning and Development course catalog for a description of courses within the five competency areas of workplace effectiveness, leadership and management, technology issues, personal development and health, safety and wellness.

Certificate Series

There are also a number of certificate series for staff members right here on campus. All University managers responsible for the supervision of others are encouraged to sign up for the Management Series. Other programs may be of interest to those you supervise. Series programming links are listed below:

Many colleges and departments also offer professional development at the local level. Check with your Dean’s office to find out what may be available to you through your department.

Regarding professional development opportunities at the University Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, please visit Hospital Human Resources at http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/humanresources/index.html or call 356-2008 for more information.

Learning Online with SkillSoft

UI Learning and Development is offering an online learning program with the support of multiple sponsors across campus. All faculty, staff, and students using a Windows-compatible PC have unlimited, 24/7 access to over 2200 SkillSoft courses and over 7000 books on the internet.

The 2200 available courses include certification-preparation coursework for:

Sponsors of Learning Online with SkillSoft include:

To access Learning Online with SkillSoft log in at http://skillsoft.uiowa.edu

You will be asked to use your Hawk ID and password. If you’re not sure what this is, there are links on the page that will direct you.

Learning Online with SkillSoft is provided in addition to the instructor-led courses that we already offer as a part of our blended learning concept. Learn in the classroom and on your own as your schedule permits.   Read our current newsletter or, to see the instructor-led courses offered, visit the Course Catalog.

If you have questions regarding Learning Online with SkillSoft contact UI Learning and Development at 335-2687. To give suggestions for future course work offerings contact us at uilearndevelop@uiowa.edu

Departmental Training

UI Learning and Development can provide in-house departmental training, for groups of 20 or more, on most of our regularly scheduled course offerings. (If you have less than 20, consider partnering with others in your department or related units.) Programs range from one to three hours in length—and most are free! Call (33)5-2672 or email uilearndevelop@uiowa.edu for more information. Some of the topics available for departmental training include:

Rockhurst University Continuing Education

UI Learning and Development also partners with Rockhurst University Continuing Education Programs to bring nationally recognized speakers to campus on important professional development topics such as:

There is a registration fee to attend these programs. However, UI Learning and Development offers a Professional Development Award to approximately 150 employees each semester. Professional Development Award winners may attend one fee program of their choice. Notification for the Professional Development award is sent through email to all professional and scientific and merit employees each semester.

Award Programs

The Mary Jo Small Fellowship Award Program

The Mary Jo Small Fellowship Award Program allows professional and scientific or merit staff members to attend international, national, or regional conferences and workshops that will aid them in their work. Application deadline is June 1 for each year and applicants are notified by July 1 of the same year.

Tuition Assistance Program

The Tuition Assistance, Staff Tuition Grant, and the UI Staff Council Scholarship programs have been merged into one Tuition Assistance Program. Tuition Assistance allow eligible faculty and staff members to attend one course for credit, per semester, at no cost or for a reduced rate (tuition only) depending on available funds.  

UIHC Tuition Programs and The University of Iowa Office of Continuing Education

Professional Development Awards

UI Learning and Development gives over 150 awards each semester. Winners are chosen through a lottery drawing and receive free admission to a for-fee UI Learning and Development program such as the Rockhurst Continuing Education Seminars and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Program. Application information is communicated to all professional and scientific and merit staff by email each semester.

Internship Program

The UI Professional Development Internship Program can open doors for staff members to learn new skills. Intern placement, designed to be flexible in meeting a variety of needs, is wide-ranging, and extends to all areas of campus.

UI Trainers' Network

The Trainers’ Network facilitates stronger communication and coordination of training opportunities conducted by various University units involved in training. If you supervise staff members who are responsible for training, the Trainers’ Network is an excellent resource.

UI Learning and Development’s Resource Center

Are you searching for:

The Resource Center has hundreds of selections on topics ranging from leadership to personal enrichment. Check out is free for books, audios, and videos, and selections can be conveniently sent through the campus mail system. Training videos (many are leader guides) can jumpstart your next meeting or departmental training. Search the center on-line at http://www.bo.uiowa.edu/~fusstfdv/stafflib.htm or visit the center in person.

To check out a resource contact 335-2687 or email uilearndevelop@uiowa.edu - Resource materials can be sent through campus mail.