Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

CAMPUSWIDE PROGRAMS

(upcoming events open to all faculty & staff)

Taxes, Taxes, Taxes – Unrelated Business Income & Sales Tax at Elon University Lunch & Learn

Tuesday, February 10, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – LaRose Commons 200

This session will provide all you need to know about sales tax through Pcards and Accounts Payable, plus Unrelated Business Income (UBI). It includes determining when to report taxable income on campus and will be led by Patrick Schwartz, Assistant Director of Procure to Pay, Edith Sanchez Smith, Purchasing Agent, and Reina Moseley, Tax Manager. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

‘How-To’ Prepare Expense Correction & Budget Revision

Thursday, February 12, 9:00-10:00 a.m. – Moseley 105A, Ward Octagon

Tom Langland, Senior Budget Accountant, will review how to complete the Expense Correction and Budget Revision forms, what documentation will need to be attached, how each form impacts the accounts as shown in OnTrack Budget to Actuals, and when each form should be submitted. Coffee, tea and refreshments will be served.

The Development Sprint: Make Progress Together!

Thursday, February 12, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – LaRose Commons 200

This idea was born in a conversation during a session of the MLPI program when participants named a common challenge: making time to sharpen your skills and knowledge! Professional development matters, but it is often the first thing to get pushed aside when the day fills up. The Development Sprint is a simple, supportive space to help you follow through in your professional development goals. Bring a development article you have been meaning to read, a module you want to complete, or a resource you would like to explore – and spend dedicated, distraction-reduced time making progress alongside colleagues who are doing the same. This is a quiet, self-directed work session (not a facilitated class). You choose what you work on; we provide the space and snacks. Come for the full time or drop in for part of the session. Either way, you will leave having moved something important forward.

API ERG – “Dial A for Aunties” Book Club #1

Monday, February 16, 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Oak House

This semester, the API ERG is reading Dial A for Aunties by Jessie Q. Sutanto. Join us for our first meeting as we discuss the first half of the book over drinks at Oak House. We have two paper copies of the book left so reach out to Hannah Hattori if you want one. All are welcome! One drink per registered attendee will be provided.

Social Media ERG – Social Media Best Practices

Tuesday, February 17, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – LaRose Commons 200

How do you get people to stop scrolling on your content? You want people to interact with your page, to like it, comment and share, but first, you need them to stop scrolling. Join us for a presentation with Lauryn Polo, Associate Director of Social Media Communications, for a discussion on social media best practices. Learn how to make the most of your social media in this session, and get your followers to engage with your content. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Let’s Taco ‘Bout Hazing Prevention: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and What You Need to Know Lunch & Learn

Wednesday, February 18, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – LaRose Commons 200

Join us for Tacos, Tools, & Tips to help you recognize signs of possible hazing, an overview of recent policy updates and what they mean for our campus, and what you should do if you are concerned about a student.

This interactive lunch-and-learn will focus on building a clear, shared understanding of what hazing is, why it happens, signs you might see in your students, and how to report concerns early. Participants will also learn more about the work of Elon’s Hazing Prevention Coalition, including progress made this year to strengthen education, transparency, and prevention efforts across campus, as well as what North Carolina’s new “Harrison’s Law” means for you.

For more information, please contact Jodean Schmiederer at jschmiederer@elon.edu

ESP – Trust is the Work (IN-PERSON)

Thursday, February 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – LaRose Commons 200

Trust is not a “soft” leadership concept; it is the key determinant of how quickly teams move, how candidly people speak up, and how well leaders can lead through change. In this session, participants will explore what trust looks like in day-to-day leadership behaviors, why it is often built (or eroded) through small moments, and how trust directly shapes engagement, performance, and culture. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

API ERG – Lunch at The Root

Thursday, February 19, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – The Root

Join the Asian Pacific Islander ERG for a community lunch at The Root! Lunch for registered attendees and a good time will be provided. All are welcome.

Veterans ERG – Men’s Basketball Military Appreciation Night

Saturday, February 21, 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Schar Center, Learfield Section

The Elon Veterans ERG will host Army and Air Force cadres on Saturday, February 21, at the men’s home basketball game against NC A&T for Military Appreciation Night. JOIN US! Mary Rathburn has kindly reserved the Learfield space for us all. We will celebrate all Veterans and currently serving members of our nation’s military in attendance. We are working on the food options and will let you know once that’s determined; RSVP to ensure we have tickets and chow for you and yours! We can’t wait to see you there!

Deadline to RSVP: February 13th by email to jhill44@elon.edu (include total number of tickets needed)

ESP – Trust is the Work (ZOOM)

Tuesday, February 24, 1:30-3:00 p.m. – Zoom session

Supervisors of Students ERG – Balancing Care & Accountability in Student Supervision

Wednesday, February 25, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Moseley, McKinnon F

Effective supervision of student employees blends empathy with clarity. This session will examine strategies for supporting student wellbeing proactively, while maintaining strong boundaries, accountability, and consistent performance standards. Lunch will be provided for all registered attendees.

Sustainability ERG – Make & Mend with the Maker Hub Colonnades

Thursday, February 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Maker Hub Colonnades (Allen Hall Lobby)

Join us to learn basic clothing repair techniques that extend the life of everyday garments and reduce textile waste. Participants will gain hands-on experience with simple mending methods and are encouraged to bring an item from home to repair during the session. This practical workshop highlights how basic, accessible skills can support sustainability goals while saving money and resources. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Elon Alumni ERG – Cheers to Elon!

Thursday, February 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Topgolf Greensboro

All local alumni are invited to join us for food and fun at Topgolf Greensboro. PLUS, if you’re a donor or make your gift to Elon, you also receive a drink ticket and can golf all night long! AND THERE’S MORE! Director of Athletics, Jenn Strawley, and Head Men’s Golf Coach, Don Hill, will be there to challenge your golf swing – so be sure to bring your friends and family (kids are welcome!) to this fun toast to your alma mater!

ESP – Speak Their Language: Using the DiSC to Flex Your Communication (IN-PERSON)

Wednesday, March 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m. – East Commons 102

Effective communication is about how your message lands. In this two-hour session, participants will use the DiSC® framework to better understand their own communication preferences and recognize the style patterns of other people. Take the DiSC assessment ahead of time and attend the session to deepen your understanding of the DiSC model. You will learn practical strategies for “flexing” your approach when communicating with different DiSC® styles, reducing misunderstandings and increasing clarity and trust. Participants will leave with a simple set of communication adjustments they can use immediately so interactions become more efficient, respectful, and productive.

Because this session includes a paid DiSC® assessment and is limited to 24 participants, we ask that you register only if you plan to attend. If your availability changes after you sign up, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist. This event is also offered virtually through Zoom; be sure to register for the session you would like (in-person or Zoom).

ESP – Speak Their Language: Using the DiSC to Flex Your Communication (ZOOM)

Wednesday, March 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Zoom session

Because this session includes a paid DiSC® assessment, we ask that you register only if you plan to attend (Zoom or in-person). This event is also offered in-person; be sure to register for the session you would like (in-person or Zoom).

‘How-To’ Navigate OnTrack Budget to Actuals

Thursday, March 12, 9:00-10:00 a.m. – Moseley 105A, Ward Octagon

Tom Langland, Senior Budget Accountant, will cover how to access and view Budget to Actuals in OnTrack and how the accounts are set up, explaining the difference between Fund, Function, and Object codes. This session will also go over how to view individual transaction activity. If you have never attended a budget training workshop before, this should be the first one you attend. Coffee, tea and refreshments will be served.

API ERG – “Dial A for Aunties” Book Club #2

Tuesday, March 17, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Tangent

The Asian Pacific Islander ERG is reading Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto this semester! We will meet for a fun lunch at Tangent to discuss the first and middle sections of the book. All are welcome!

Social Media ERG – Social Media & Mental Health

Wednesday, March 18, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Moseley, McKinnon F

Join us for a conversation with Bilal Ghandour, Associate Professor of Psychology, for a presentation on how social media affects our mental health. Bilal will address how excessive social media and smartphone use impacts mental health (particularly depression, anxiety, and self-esteem). He will also discuss the foundations of habit-building, how it feeds into developing obsession, and offer strategies for improved digital wellness. He is the co-author of 60 Days of Disconnect, a book that addresses this topic. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Understanding the Impact of Your Food: Navigating Sustainable Dining Lunch & Learn

Thursday, March 19, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Moseley 215

In this session, Elon Dining’s Sustainability Manager, Leslie Bosse, will cover where our food comes from, how it gets to our plates, and ultimately what happens to it if it is wasted. We’ll discuss how Elon Dining supports sustainable food through local sourcing and third party certified goods, and what you can do to dine sustainably at Elon and at home. You’ll leave with lots of eco-friendly mealtime tips and tricks, as well as strategies to bring sustainable dining to your departments. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Sustainability ERG – Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon

Friday, March 20, 12:00-5:00 p.m. – Lakeside 212

Use your Elon University Volunteer Hours to help clean up Alamance County! Join the Sustainability ERG for the 36th Annual Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon to pick up litter at a local park. All necessary equipment and transportation will be provided, and we will return to campus by 5:00 p.m. All are welcome, whether this is your first or twentieth time attending a Sustainability ERG! Lunch will be provided for registered attendees promptly at 12:00 p.m., and this event is limited to the first 22 registrants. (If you register and your plans change, please cancel so that someone else may register in your place.)

‘How-To’ Understand Your Budget in OnTrack

Thursday, April 9, 9:00-10:00 a.m. – Moseley 105A, Ward Octagon

Tom Langland, Senior Budget Accountant, will cover the purpose of budgets in OnTrack Budget to Actuals. We will go over how to review budgets against the account activity and the available balance, and how different Fund types impacts how budget is loaded, focusing on Operational and Gift Accounts. This session will provide helpful tips on budget management and how to review whether the current budget aligns with your department’s needs. Coffee, tea and refreshments will be served.

API ERG – “Dial A for Aunties” Book Club #3

Wednesday, April 29, 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Irazu Coffee

The Asian Pacific Islander ERG is reading Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto this semester. Join us for our final discussion session to cover the last part of the book. Or, if you couldn’t make the first two meetings, we will chat about the whole book! All are welcome!

ADDITIONAL CAMPUS PROGRAMS

(open to all faculty & staff)

Elon NEXT: Professional & Continuing Education

Elon NEXT: Professional & Continuing Education provides in-demand workforce skills to advance your career and satisfy your love of learning.

As an additional employee benefit, all Elon employees receive one free Elon NEXT course taught by an Elon instructor per academic year. You will know that an offering is available to faculty and staff when you click into the course details and see a button for faculty/staff registration instructions. Follow those instructions to register for the course.

Have questions about these offerings? Contact next@elon.edu.

Ongoing Campus Wide Mental Health Training

New offering!

SOS for Higher Ed, an online mental health and suicide prevention training that uses video and interactive learning to teach students, faculty, and staff how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) in their role in suicide prevention. This program is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of care and shared responsibility for student well-being.

Take 30 minutes to learn:

How to recognize signs of suicide risk
How to have caring conversations that encourage someone to seek help
How to build community connections that foster positive mental well-being
An overview of available student mental health resources, on and off campus

This training replaces Kognito At-Risk and provides a more realistic, engaging experience. Even if you have completed Kognito in the past, we are encouraging everyone to complete this new program to refresh your knowledge.

To Access the Course:

Visit mindwise.digitalchalk.com and click Create Account
Enter your name, school email address, and a chosen password, then click Create
Copy and paste or type the redemption code: Elon (no spaces before or after), then click Next
View your dashboard and select the SOS for Higher Ed course that fits your role on campus

Upon completion of the training, Counseling Services staff will offer debriefing sessions as an opportunity to reflect on key takeaways, discuss practical applications, and address any questions or challenges. To request a debriefing session, please submit an Outreach Request Form.