Staff Retreat
Staff Retreat is a time for Westminster staff members to learn from one another and enjoy our community. Staff are encouraged to attend all or part of the day’s events, which include professional and personal development sessions, breakfast and lunch, group activities, and an awards ceremony.
2025 Staff Retreat Schedule
Thursday, May 29
9–10:00 a.m. | Retreat Welcome and Breakfast Buffet
Location: Tanner Atrium
Join Staff Council for a light breakfast and open house in the Tanner Atrium to kick off Staff Retreat.
10:30–11:30 a.m. | Morning Development Sessions
Presenters: Ahmer Afroz and Johanna Barraco
Location: Gore 133
Organizational culture is a cornerstone to the overall performance of an organization which is maintained through effective leadership and management.
The purpose of this session is to help individuals gain a knowledge of different leadership and management styles and tools to positively impact organizational culture through the supervision of staff.
Participants will have the opportunity to take assessments to measure their strengths and weaknesses and reflect on necessary professional development they may need.
Presenters: Braden Thompson
Location: L.S. Skaggs Integrated Wellness Center Kitchen
You know it. I know it. We all know it. Traditional pies are great, but there is never enough crust. Enter the hero we deserve—hand pies.
In this workshop, you'll learn how to make buttery, flaky hand pies and a sweet filling from scratch. These little pockets of deliciousness are the ultimate treat: bake a big batch, eat what you want, then freeze the rest and enjoy homemade hand pies anytime!
Presenters: Audrey Clare and Lizz Larsen
Location: Gore 108
Join us for a conversation about how we each play a part in student success. We'll have some thought-provoking discussion prompts inspired by ecological validation, followed by a simple DIY craft to help us remember the vital role we play. Take a minute to be around like-minded individuals in a positive energy environment.
12:00 p.m. | Staff Awards Lunch and President Dobkin Address
Location: Tanner Atrium
2–3:00 p.m. | Afternoon Development Sessions
Presenters: Jennifer Goodwin
Location: Gore 106
Join us for an engaging workshop based on Simon Sinek's book Leaders Eat Last. In this session, you'll explore how to build a strong "Circle of Safety" in the workplace, understand the role of brain chemicals in our well-being, and participate in group discussions (and may be even a quick trivia game!) to identify signs and symptoms of stress. You'll also have the chance to share mental health strategies that have worked for you in the workplace and learn from your peers.
Presenters: Katherine Patterson
Location: Giovale Library
Are you a voracious reader who misses the read-a-thons and summer reading challenges from when you were a kid? Or have you fallen out of the habit of reading for fun? Just want to learn about new books in the library? Come learn about the books your Giovale librarians recommend AND get a bingo sheet for our Giovale Summer Reading Challenge. Complete it for the chance to win a prize at the end of the summer!
Presenters: Jeff Driggs
Location: Alumni House, lower level
Put your street smarts to the test with this semester’s staff trivia competition! Quizmaster Jeff Driggs recognizes that last fall’s competition was particularly tough, but he’s repented and promises there will be far less hair-pulling and far more backslapping this time around! Whether you are an avid movie-goer, TV watcher, music lover, sports enthusiast, or just a Westminster employee who knows this university, there’s something for everyone!
Presenters: Braden Thompson
Location: L.S. Skaggs Integrated Wellness Center Kitchen
You know it. I know it. We all know it. Traditional pies are great, but there is never enough crust. Enter the hero we deserve—hand pies.
In this workshop, you'll learn how to make buttery, flaky hand pies and a sweet filling from scratch. These little pockets of deliciousness are the ultimate treat: bake a big batch, eat what you want, then freeze the rest and enjoy homemade hand pies anytime!
3:15–4:15 p.m. | Group Activity: Handtaka, Dumke Field
Location: Dumke Field
Step onto the field and rediscover the power of play with Handtaka—a fast-paced, team-based game that combines Capture the Flag with foam sword combat. This session will include a brief introduction to Handtaka, skill-building exercises, and a full gameplay experience. Participants of all activity levels are welcome—foam swords provided!
Professional and Personal Development Sessions
Staff Retreat provides an opportunity for staff to lead and learn in both professional and personal development sessions. Share your expertise or excitement about a skill, hobby, or work or life hack with your colleagues.
- Professional development sessions should offer staff members an opportunity to learn or develop job-related skills.
- Personal development sessions might include wellness activities, learning new hobbies or skills, or any other activity or practice focused on individual wellness and development.
If you have any questions about leading a session, reach out to the chair of the Professional Development Committee.
Staff Council Member Nominations
Staff Council members serve for 2 years with an optional third year. All staff eligible
for membership may be part of the election process. You can nominate yourself or a
colleague.
You are eligible to run for election if you:
- Are a part-time or full-time staff member of Westminster University
- Do not hold full-time faculty status
- Are not a member of the President's Leadership Council or Cabinet
- Are in good standing with the university
An election will be held if there are more nominations than open seats on the council.
