Staff Retreat
Staff Retreat is a time for Westminster staff members to learn from one another and enjoy our community. Faculty members are encouraged to attend the Awards and Recognition Ceremony and reception to celebrate the accomplishments of their staff colleagues.
2023 Staff Retreat Schedule
May 16, 2023
9–10:30 a.m. Development Sessions
Presenters: Michael Santarosa and Shari Duckworth
Location: Gore 133
Shari and Michael will explain the evolution of our current tuition insurance program, how it works, and it's impact on student retention and persistence.
Presenters: James Patten and Bree Anderson
Location: Gore 134
Understand the processes of both the athletics department and registrar's office have to ensure our student athletes remain eligible to compete.
Presenters: Erica Johnson, Karen Henriquez, Q Otuafi, Valentina Rojas, Mario Reeve, Julie Hildebrand,
and Braden Thompson
Location: Gore 228
Join us for an exploration of how the Enrollment Management team emerged from a group impacted by frequent transition and uncertainty to a more effective and cohesive team. This session will cover the strategies and tactics we used to foster community, promote professional growth, and commit to a culture of service. Our conversation will include how we approach hiring, onboarding, staff development, communication, celebrations, and feedback.
Presenters: Lindsie Smith and Christy Seifert
Location: Gore 227
Join Lindsie Smith and Christy Seifert, PhD, to explore how you can grow as an adaptive and inclusive leader. Adaptive and inclusive leaders support their teams to face difficult challenges and situations, and provide them with the opportunity to grow, while ensuring that everyone feels valued and is able to fully utilize their perspectives and talents. This session will includes hands-on activities, group discussion, and reflection.
Presenters: Michael Santarosa, Sarah Lof, and Melissa Nisonger
Location: Gore 133
Registrar's Office staff will explain their main office functions, recent changes, and how to access important information online.
Presenter: Conor Bentley
Location: Gore 134
Creating a podcast- how to go about the very introductory steps of making a podcast, from coming up with an idea, to getting equipment and setting up a hosting site, etc.
Presenter: Virginia Oelkers
Location: Gore 228
IS gives a brief presentation with quick tips and solutions to our most commonly submitted issues and questions.
Presenters: Yvonne Francis and José Hernández Zamudio
Location: Gore 133
Honors College staff will speak about the campus/community partners we have and the populations we serve.
10:30–11:30 a.m. Keynote Speech: Generations in the Workplace
Presenters: Joe Tate, GBS Benefits, and Mina Milicevic, Human Resources
Location: Vieve Gore Concert Hall
In this fun and interactive session, we will discuss the generations in the workplace and common myths about generations, and explore differences and similarities in generations. We will also discuss how generations differ in learning, technology use, communication, and pivital moments.
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch
Location: Richer Commons
Gather with colleagues for a catered lunch from Bon Appétit.
12:30–1:30 p.m. Outdoor Fun
Location: Richer Commons
Come together for a selection of fun outdoor events. There will be both individual and group activities available. Take time to enjoy the sunshine and warmth after the long, cold winter.
1:30–3:00 p.m. Development Sessions
Presenter: AJ Verkouw
Location: Gore 133
What is conflict vs disagreement? How do we engage with difficult conversations, set boundaries, and give feedback in a way that sets all parties up for a chance at success? We'll explore some strategies and ideas that help with this and practice them through scenarios.
Presenter: Bri Buckley
Location: Gore 134
Earthquake and general emergency preparedness - learn how to develop an individual or household emergency plan, things to consider when putting together an emergency kit, and what to do in the event of an emergency.
Presenter: Laura Iverson-Bastiani
Location: HWAC Studio
Guided meditation and sound bath experience: Take time today to take care of yourself! You will be guided through a simple meditation followed by a relaxing sound bath experience with sound bowls.
Presenter: Yvonne Francis
Location: Gore 133
Intro to the basics of cross-stitching and/or black work embroidery as the individual participant prefers. New or experiences stitchers welcome. Don't cross stitch? Bring your current fiber arts project and come work with us as a community of crafters!
Presenters: Daniel Lewis and Institutional Advancement Staff
Location: Gore 134
Institutional Advancement introduces the work of our alumni relations and development arms, answers staff members' questions, and shows staff how they can be partners with us in advancing the mission of Westminster University. We'll answer questions like, "How do I get donors to help fund my program?" "I met someone who wants to help Westminster--what do I do?" "How can I get a list of alumni to mail to?" and "How come you guys get paid to go to parties?"
Presenters: Audrey Clare and Lisa Heiskell
Location: Gore 227
Join us for inspirational book talk! We'll start by sharing some of our favorite books that inform and inspire our work with students. After several interactive activities, you'll have a chance to share your favorite reads with the group. Only read for fun? Great! Bring your recommendations. Fun can be inspiring too!
3–4:00 p.m. Awards and Recognition Ceremony
Location: Vieve Gore Concert Hall
Join the campus community in recognizing the annual Staff Community Award winners and nominees, celebrating staff graduates, and welcoming incoming Staff Council members.
4–5:00 p.m. Reception
Location: Tanner Atrium
Commemorate a day of learning and growth by gathering for drinks and dessert. Dessert was generously provided by the Dodo.
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.
Sessions are held both virtually and in-person, and the length of the sessions will be flexible to accommodate a variety of session types. If you have any questions about leading a session, reach out to the chair of the Professional Development Committee.
Staff Council Nominations
Staff Council is seeking to elect 4 new staff members to become part of our committee
starting July 2022. 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 are eligible to run for election if you:
- Are a part-time or full-time staff member of Westminster University
- Do not hold faculty status
- Are not an officer of the institution (e.g., a member of the President's Extended Leadership Council)
- Are in good standing with the university
If you were part of the recent mid-year elections and were not elected, you can submit
your name again for this new round of elections.
