Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

CAMPUSWIDE PROGRAMS

(upcoming events open to all faculty & staff)

Jewish ERG – Rosh Hashanah Seder

Friday, September 11, 6:00-7:30 p.m. – McBride Gathering Space, Numen Lumen 108

Come learn about symbolic foods for a happy new year (apples dipped in honey and so much more) at the Center for Jewish Life’s Rosh Hashanah seder and enjoy a delicious dinner, too. Employees who register through the Employees Resource Group will have the cost of their dinner paid for by JERG. All are welcome!

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Sustainability ERG – Sustainability in Action: Opportunities to Engage at Elon and Beyond

Tuesday, September 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lakeside 212

Interested in turning your sustainability values into meaningful action? This session will introduce a variety of opportunities for Elon employees to support sustainability initiatives on campus and in the broader Alamance County community. Discover volunteer opportunities, campus programs, community partnerships, and other practical ways to get involved in local sustainability efforts. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Veterans ERG – Veterans Services of Alamance County

Wednesday, September 16, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Moseley Center, McKinnon F

Join us for an informative lunch-n-learn featuring Cindy McGilvray from Alamance County Veterans Services. Find out more about how their office assists Veterans – a great resource for you (or your Veteran). We invite all interested members of campus to attend! Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Christian ERG – Welcome Back Fellowship & Prayer

Thursday, September 17, 1:00-2:00 p.m. – Belk Library 102

Join us for coffee, fellowship, and a time of prayer as we kick off the academic year. Together, we’ll pray for a successful year ahead and ask for God’s guidance, protection, and blessing over our campus community. Come connect with colleagues, build new relationships, and start the year encouraged. Everyone is welcome!

Feel free to stop by Acorn Coffee in Belk Library on your way to our gathering for a coffee/drink on us!

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Latinx/Hispanic ERG – Cafe con Conchas

Thursday, September 17, 4:00-5:00 p.m. – El Centro Kitchen

Join the Latinx/Hispanic Employee Resource Group (ERG) for coffee with pastries on September 17th, 4:00-5:00 p.m., in El Centro’s Kitchen (Carlton 109).

The Latinx/Hispanic ERG is committed to fostering an inclusive community engaged in understanding the history and experiences of our Latinx and Hispanic employees at Elon University. Our mission is to provide a platform where members can connect, share experiences, and build relationships that strengthen our collective identity and presence within the institution. Through mentorship, social engagement, and leadership development initiatives, we aim to empower our members to thrive professionally and personally. This ERG is open to people of all identities.

For more information, please contact Melissa Chacon Villalobos at mchacon@elon.edu

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

API ERG – “Crying in H Mart” Book Club #1

Monday, September 21, 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Oak House

This semester, the Asian Pacific Islander (API) ERG is reading “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner for our book club. At this meeting, we will discuss the first half of the book (chapters 1-9). Even if you have already read the book, join in our discussion – all are welcome! One drink or snack from the Oak House will be provided.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Social Media ERG – Social Media Survival Kit

Tuesday, September 22, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – LaRose Commons 200

Managing social media often means juggling multiple priorities, tight timelines and endless content requests. Join us for an interactive session where campus communicators will share practical tips, workflows and tools that help make social media more manageable. We’ll discuss content planning, batching, student workers, trends and time-saving strategies, and you’ll leave with ideas you can immediately put into practice. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Every Role Matters: Faculty & Staff as Partners in Hazing Prevention Lunch & Learn

Tuesday, September 22, 12:00-1:30 p.m. – Moseley Center, McKinnon F

Hazing prevention is a shared responsibility that extends beyond student organizations. Join nationally recognized hazing prevention speaker, Sarah Lowery, for an interactive session focused on creating a culture of care across our campus community. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs of hazing, better understand their role in supporting student safety and well-being, and explore practical ways faculty and staff can work together to strengthen prevention efforts. Whether you interact with students in or outside the classroom, this session will provide valuable insights for fostering a safer, more supportive campus environment. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Amazing Admins ERG – What You Need to Know: Purchasing, Accounting, and Event & Space Management

Wednesday, September 23, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Moseley Center, McKinnon F

Join Patrick Schwartz and Edith Sanchez Smith from Purchasing, Tom Langland, Robin Brown, and Jennifer Matteo from Accounting, and Robert Johnson and Gianna Douglas from Event & Space Management for an informative and practical workshop designed to help administrative staff stay up to date on important processes and procedures. Presenters will share department updates, policy and procedure reminders, helpful tips, and guidance on common questions and processes. This session will provide an opportunity to learn more about how these areas support our work, clarify expectations, and identify resources available to assist you in your day-to-day responsibilities. Whether you are new to your role or looking for a refresher, this session will provide practical information and valuable resources to help you navigate Purchasing, Accounting, and Event & Space Management processes with confidence. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Joining Elon: A Cultural Orientation

Thursday, September 24, 8:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m. – LaRose Commons 200

The Office of Leadership & Professional Development (OLPD) is inviting all part-time and full-time Elon employees who have joined Elon since March 2026 to ‘Joining Elon: A Cultural Orientation’. Dr. Connie Book, President of Elon University, will kick off Joining Elon on Thursday, September 24th (8:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.), in LaRose Commons 200, followed by an opportunity to learn more about Elon University from various departmental leaders and to participate in a campus tour. This program is by invitation only, and new employees can expect to receive invitations by mid-August. If you’re a new member of the Elon community, we look forward to providing this opportunity for you to meet more of your colleagues and learn helpful information about Elon! Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

Employees With Children ERG – School Experiences

Wednesday, September 30, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Moseley Center, McKinnon F

Now that the school year is underway, let’s talk local schools! Whether your child attends a public, charter, or private school, come share your experiences, insights, and recommendations to help families learn more about our community’s schools. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Jewish ERG – Lunch in the Sukkah

Wednesday, September 30, 12:00-1:30 p.m. – Sklut Pavilion, Hillel House Backyard

Get together with colleagues at Sklut Pavilion (Hillel House backyard) over lunch outdoors in the sukkah, as we celebrate the holiday of Sukkot. This will be a non-meat meal with dairy and vegan options. All are welcome!

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

API ERG – Community Walk

Thursday, October 1, 10:00-10:30 a.m. – Alamance Fountain

Join the Asian Pacific Islander ERG for a walk around campus! Stretch your legs, enjoy the cooler morning air, and build community with us. This occurs the first Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. through the academic year. Meet at the Alamance Fountain. All are welcome! Please reach out to Hannah Hattori at hhattori@elon.edu or 336-278-7428 in the event of inclement weather to see if the walk has been rescheduled.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Playing to Strengths

Thursday, October 1, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Queens

CliftonStrengths is an assessment that identifies the talents a person most naturally draws on, reported as an individualized set of themes. This session walks through how to interpret your Top 5 results and how to apply them deliberately to the work you already do. Registered participants will receive an assessment invitation by email in advance and should complete it before the session.

Psych Safety Lunch & Learn (IN-PERSON)

Tuesday, October 6, 12:00-1:30 p.m. – LaRose Commons 200

Psychological safety plays a crucial role in how teams communicate, learn, and work through challenges together. In this Lunch & Learn led by Rochelle Stojnic, Director of OLPD, we’ll explore what psychological safety looks like in practice and consider simple ways to help create an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions, and contributing their best. Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Sustainability ERG – Elon Banner Upcycling Workshop

Thursday, October 8, 12:00-2:00 p.m. – Colonnades Maker Hub

Give used Elon University banners a second life! Join the Sustainability ERG at the Colonnades Maker Hub for a hands-on upcycling workshop where you’ll transform retired university banners into unique tote bags and/or other useful items. Learn a new skill, reduce waste and take home a one-of-a-kind creation! Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

ElonGROW+ Supervisor Training Lunch & Learn

Thursday, October 8, 12:00-2:00 p.m. – Moseley Center, McKinnon Hall

Turn everyday work experiences into lasting learning and career preparation. Your student workers may remember where they worked at Elon, but they’ll never forget who helped them grow. Join the ElonGROW+ training to learn easy, impactful ways to turn routine supervision into meaningful mentorship.

This interactive session led by Kameryn Taylor, Associate Director of Student Employment & Director of the PACE Program, will introduce the ElonGROW+ framework and provide practical tools to help you lead meaningful, development-focused conversations with your student employees. You can also explore resources and learn more about the framework at www.elon.edu/elongrow

Lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Psych Safety (ZOOM)

Wednesday, October 14, 1:30-3:00 p.m. – ZOOM session

Navigate Your Career (IN-PERSON)

Tuesday, October 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Queens

Navigate Your Career is Elon’s framework for classifying staff positions and describing how roles connect and progress across the university. This introductory session walks through how the model is structured and how Elon is continuing to build on it to support staff growth and development.

Elon Alumni ERG – Pizza & Pumpkins!

Wednesday, October 28, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Martin Alumni Center

Celebrate the season with fellow alumni fac/staff at the Martin Alumni Center! We’ll have pizza and drinks plus a pile of pumpkins for you to choose from to paint and decorate (yes, there will be googly eyes). Even if you aren’t feeling creative, enjoy lunch and hang out for a bit by the fire pits. See you there!

All employees are welcome to attend. If you are unable to open the registration site, please contact Shannon Stucker at sstucker@elon.edu to register.

Navigate Your Career (ZOOM)

Monday, November 2, 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Zoom session

ADDITIONAL CAMPUS PROGRAMS

(open to all faculty & staff)

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.