Professional Development Events
About
The Staff Council Professional Development Committee hosts opportunities for staff to strengthen their skills, expand their knowledge and develop both personal and professional excellence. This committee works closely with 91黑料网 Human Resources and other 91黑料网 units and constituents to promote career development, professional training, continued education and staff well-being initiatives.
Review the for the most up-to-date professional development events.
Upcoming Events
May 19, 2026: Staff Council Professional Development Conference
General Information
Join us for the Staff Council Professional Development Conference on May 19. The conference takes place 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year’s theme, Goals for Growth: Kicking It with Community, focuses on building connections, strengthening our campus community and growing both professionally and personally.
Register to Attend
Registration is open now. Early-bird registration closes April 30. Registration will remain open until May 15.
Conference Schedule
8 - 9 a.m., Bloch Executive Hall (BEH): Coffee Truck, Mingling, and Dignity Drive Donation Drop-Off- Dignity Drive Description: Bring hygiene products or period supplies to donate at check-in. Every contribution supports dignity, health and access to basic necessities for the Roo community.
- Keynote Speakers:
- : 91黑料网 alumnus, KC Comets player and entrepreneur
- : 91黑料网 alumna, co-founder of Cafe Corazon and artist
- Description: Success doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s built through connection, collaboration, and community. Explore how strong teamwork and meaningful relationships have fueled real success stories. Discover the power of working together, sharing ideas, and lifting each other up to achieve more than we ever could alone. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on what it truly means to grow and succeed together.
- Operation File Freedom: Winning the War on Digital Clutter
- Presenter: Joann Looten, Director, Records and Information Management
- Description: Attendees will find out why over-retaining digital information can be harmful and why it's so important to keep your digital files clean. In addition, helpful hints will be provided to assist in getting rid of ROT and performing file and email clean-ups.
- Prioritize Your Physical Well-being
- Presenter: Tanna Engle, Assistant Director of Fitness, Wellness, and Marketing
- Description: This session will give an overview of physical well-being, its importance in supporting your overall health, and techniques on incorporating physical well-being into your daily routine. We'll include activities and strategies for time management, sleep hygiene, and physical activity.
- The Work Between Us: What We Can Do to Strengthen Connections on Campus
- Presenter: Dr. Alexis Petri, Director of the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE)
- Description: The work we do every day shapes how people connect across campus and beyond, though that impact can be difficult to recognize when our focus is on results. This interactive session invites participants to step back and look at the “web” of our work—where connections are strong, where they are thin, and where small shifts could make a meaningful difference. Participants will leave with one concrete action they can take to improve connection, collaboration, or communication in their current role.
- Designing What’s Next: A Life-Design Approach for Higher Ed Professionals
- Presenters: Sarah Montgomery and Youssef Mekaway, Career Coaches
- Description: Odyssey Planning for Professionals is an interactive life-design workshop that helps university staff envision multiple compelling versions of their next five years. Through guided reflection and conversation, participants will explore future paths aligned with their values, strengths, and aspirations.
- Neurodiversity Matters: Creating Inclusive Workplaces
- Presenter: Ashley Morency, Educational Resource Coach
- Description: This session introduces participants to neurodiversity and explores how workplace practices can support or create barriers for neurodivergent individuals. Participants will leave with practical strategies to foster inclusion and belonging.
- What’s In Your Circle? Using the Circle of Control to Navigate Complex Situations
- Presenter: Carrie Paulette, Senior Executive Assistant
- Description: The concept of the circle of control is a simple yet effective way to approach complicated personal or professional situations. We will discuss how to acknowledge the things outside of our control, while finding ways to use the power we do have to take meaningful action, even in the face of overwhelming challenges or complex situations.
- Using Coaching for Professional Development
- Presenter: Melissa Newkirk, Early Childhood Innovation Center Associate Director
- Description: This session introduces the Practice-Based Coaching (PBC) model, an evidence-based approach to supporting staff growth through goal setting, observation, reflection, and feedback, with the core foundation of developing a collaborative partnership.
- Using Your Tuition Benefit to Expand Your Opportunities
- Presenter: Curby Piehl, Technology Procurement Team Lead
- Description: This will be a panel discussion with representatives from Human Resources and several graduate programs (Bloch, Law, and Master of Student Affairs). The conversation will focus on the mechanics and specifics of using your tuition benefit, and explore popular program options around campus.
- noon - 1:00 p.m.: Staff Council Membership Pizza Lunch & Learn
- Presenter: Sarah Amos, Staff Council Membership Chair
- Description: This session promotes 91黑料网 staff engagement by outlining how staff can get involved with Staff Council and broader campus initiatives. It highlights multiple ways to participate, making engagement accessible to staff with different interests and availability. Additionally, the networking component encourages connection and collaboration across departments, helping staff build relationships and feel more connected to the university community.
- 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Succulent Pot Painting Workshop
- Locations:
- Volker Campus - Bloch Executive Hall, Room 324
- Health Sciences Campus - Health Sciences Building, Room 4308
- Springfield Campus - Conference Room
- Description: Create and decorate your own succulent pot while engaging in informal conversation around the conference theme, “Goals for Growth.”
- Registration: No registration needed
- Locations:
- 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Brainpower Break: Then & Now—Goals, Growth, and Trends
- Locations:
- Volker Campus - Bloch Executive Hall, Room 414
- Health Sciences Campus - Health Sciences Building, Room 4308
- Details: Form a team of up to six members and test your knowledge of historic milestones and changing norms and trends over time. Refreshments provided.
- Registration:
- Locations:
Past Events
February 2026: Digital Accessibility
Review the February 2026 .
November 2025 Wellness Series
Email staffcouncil@umkc.edu to request slides and presentation materials.
Creating a comfortable workstation
- Presenter: Jennifer Thornhill, Assistive Tech and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist
- Description: Learn how to make your workstation more comfortable and productive, whether on-site or at home. Explore optimal positions for sitting or standing and discover tools to adjust your setup. Ergonomics affects all aspects of daily life.
Improving access and inclusion for employees with disabilities
- Presenter: Bea Bohrer, MSEd, MAT, ACTC, Doctoral Student and ELEVATE Transition Fellow, University of Kansas Special Education Department and KU Center on Disabilities
- Description: This session provides an overview of accessibility, inclusion and universal design, with actionable steps employers can take to improve access and inclusion for employees with disabilities.
Mindfulness meditation for a better you
- Presenter: Makini King, Assistant Dean for Engagement and Well-being, School of Dentistry
- Description: Participants will learn how mindfulness practice shapes life and reduces stress, and will practice various methods of mindfulness meditation.
Navigating tomorrow with care: Creating a consent-centered workplace
- Presenter: Aly Frydman, Outreach and Prevention Education Coordinator, Resources, Intervention, Support and Education (RISE)
- Description: Explore how consent-centered and trauma-informed practices can be integrated into workplaces. Participants will gain understanding of these practices, receive actionable implementation tips and engage in an interactive reflection activity.
Love & PIES: Centering authentic relationships and connections in our work
- Presenter: Zach Parker, Assistant Director of Student Support Services
- Description: This session explores how care, authenticity and connection shape our work. Through discussion, activity and reflection, participants will consider how centering love can transform professional and personal life.
Accessibility at Staff Council Events
91黑料网 Staff Council is committed to making events accessible for all 91黑料网 staff. For accommodations, email staffcouncil@umkc.edu .