2024 Professional Development Forum

Session Descriptions

• LearnUNF – A Leadership Panel Discussion Highlighting UNF’s Accomplishments & Future Initiative

  Panelists: 
  Scott Bennett, VP Administration and Finance
  Dr. Karen Patterson, Provost and VP Academic and Student Affairs
  Brian Verkamp, VP and Chief Information Officer (CIO)
  Dr. Richmond Wynn, VP and Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) 

  Moderator:
  Alison Cruess, Director of Operations and Executive Assistant to the President

  Learn UNF is an opportunity for the campus community to develop a better understanding of UNF’s accomplishments and future initiatives.  Join four campus leaders for a lively discussion on the current issues and undertakings touching our campus.  This moderated session will include time for questions from the audience. 

• An Afternoon with the President

  Panelist:
  Dr. Moez Limayem, UNF President 

  Moderator:
  Kelly Harrison, Director of Professional Development & Training

  Join us for an informal sit down with our new UNF President, Dr. Moez Limayem.  We will discuss accomplishments from his first year as president and his plans, wishes, and dreams for UNF’s future. Time permitting, President Limayem will also field questions from the audience.

• Add Value to Your Organization

  Presenter:
  Amy Lehnhoff, Associate Director Operations & Finance, Coggin College of Business 

  Designed for new and mid-career staff, in this session, we will discuss an array of techniques – a majority at no cost – that you can use to add value to your organization (and potentially your resume). During the session, we will focus on areas such as skillsets, networking, organizational knowledge, tracking your goals, and staying organized. At the end, attendees should be able to identify at least one actionable step they can take to add value to their organization.

• Collaborating with Microsoft 365 and Copilot

  Presenter:
  Cesar Castellon Escobar, Cloud Architect, Systems Engineering (ITS)

  Co-presenter:
  Thomas Stewart, Systems Engineer, Systems Engineering (ITS)

  Join us for an informative session on how to use Microsoft 365 as a collaboration tool and an introduction to Copilot, the preferred AI for use at UNF. We will discuss how the seamless integration among the many Microsoft tools and services available to us at UNF allow for easy collaboration and communication within and across teams. With the onset, hype, and sometimes controversial nature surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), suggestions on the best ways to utilize Copilot’s functionality will also be discussed.

• Engaging in Tough Conversations

  Presenter:
  Caleb Garrett, Director of Development, CCEC Dean’s Office

  Tough or crucial conversations are often ones that are emotionally charged, have high stakes, or involve differing opinions. Generally speaking, leaders have to engage in these types of conversations on a more regular basis, especially when correcting team members or addressing conflicts. They also have a responsibility to create the environment for these conversations to take place in a constructive manner. In this session, we will discuss practical tips on how to engage in this type of dialog, creating a framework for the conversations to take place, and how to move from talking to action.

• Essential Group Dynamics for Leadership

  Presenter:
  Dr. Misha Bogomaz, Director & Psychologist, UNF Counseling Center

  Most of the time we think of leadership as a relationship between a leader and a follower. Yet, any leadership position requires us to be aware of and harvest group forces. This presentation will enhance your leadership skills by introducing you to the common dynamics present in any work environment. You will learn different ways of examining an individual behavior and enhance your ability to address challenging situations.

• Matrix of Leadership or Sight Beyond Sight? Lessons in Transformational Leadership

  Presenter:
  Kelly Harrison, Director, Professional Development and Training

  There are many types of leadership styles ranging from autocratic to laissez-faire, with specific attributes, purposes, pro’s, and con’s, but when organizations are looking to make significant changes or transformations, one style stands out – transformational. Together, we will take a closer look at this style and determine what makes it so appealable in times of change and how it can adapt to see the future, while still honoring the past.

• Ospreys... Communicate [& Take Flight]

  Presenter:
  Francesca Brant, Assistant Director – Resolution & Engagement, Dean of Student’s Office

  Co-presenter:
  Rebecca Weiner, Resolution Coordinator, Dean of Student’s Office

  In this session, using a Conflict Management Styles Assessment, participants will learn conflict resolution and communication skills. We will discuss how to approach and respond to conflict by learning the 5 conflict management styles and understanding when best to use them, along with other tools such as active listening and de-escalation techniques to help resolve conflicts.

• Sleep: The Foundation of Health

  Presenter:
  Seanna Aker, Registered Nurse, Student Health Services

  When we think of health, sleep often takes a back seat to diet and exercise. Yet without adequate quality sleep as the foundation, your health will still deteriorate. You cannot diet or exercise your way out of poor sleep and the diseases it contributes to. 1 in 3 Americans suffer from poor sleep, which equates to roughly 84 million people (about twice the population of California). In this session, we will discuss the importance of sleep to the body and how a lack of quality sleep can increase the risks of certain diseases and contribute to sabotaging diet and exercise goals.

• Start with Happy - Positivity in the Workplace

  Presenter:
  Sydnie Steele, Assistant Director of Curricular Engagement, Taylor Leadership Institute

  Co-presenter:
  Dr. Mattew Ohlson, Executive Director, Taylor Leadership Institute

  Positivity in the workplace is not merely a feel-good sentiment but a strategic imperative for organizations striving to enhance employee engagement, retention, and performance. Research consistently highlights the correlation between positive workplace culture and increased productivity, creativity, and employee well-being. This session seeks to delve into the multifaceted aspects of positivity, offering a comprehensive understanding of its role as a powerful driver of organizational success. Key topics covered in this session include leadership’s role in cultivating positivity, team dynamics and collaboration, innovative approaches to employee recognition, and building a resilient workforce.

• Tech Takeoff: Empowering Ospreys to Soar with Campus Innovations

  Presenter:
  Justin Begle, Director – Academic & Research Technology, ITS

  Co-presenter:
  Mike Holmes, Assistant Director – Endpoint Management, ITS

  Join us for an engaging session where we explore the latest advancements in campus technology, including ServiceNow, Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Papercut printing solutions, Adobe Express, Zoom, and LinkedIn Learning. This session will delve into how these tools have transformed the campus experience, enhancing efficiency, collaboration, and learning. From streamlined service management to seamless virtual desktop experiences, attendees will gain insights into leveraging these updates to elevate their work and learning environments.

• Transforming Terminology and Tasks From Banner to Workday

  Presenter:
  Megan Kuehner, Director, PMO

  Co-presenter:
  Erin Byrd, Assistant Director – Budget & Positions, University Planning & Budget

  Co-presenter:
  Megan Porter, Assistant Director – Pay, Leave, & Records, Human Resources

  Take flight into some new Workday terminology and processes! See a preview of the foundational Workday training courses, Workday Essentials, Time & Absence, Workday for Managers and Workday Finance Basics. Attendees will see information focused on both finance and HR functions, terminology, and navigation. This class is not designed to be a step-by-step training for completing transactions in Workday, but more of an overview of how the current processes will be handled and what those tasks are called once we get into the new system. Get a jump start on your Workday knowledge as we prepare to soar higher together!

• What’s Your Number? An Introduction to the Ancient Enneagram

  Presenter:
  Dr. Jennifer Perkins, Associate Director of Assessment, Office of Institutional Effectiveness

  The Enneagram is a personality system that describes nine archetypes, each with its own motivations, fears, and related behavior patterns. The model has its roots in several ancient traditions and offers a framework for understanding oneself and others. In the workplace, that understanding can lead to improved communication, collaboration, and productivity. However, it is important to approach the Enneagram with nuance and respect for individuals' unique experiences and personalities. Come learn the basics of the Enneagram and how it differs from other personality models; participate in discussions to explore your potential number; and leave with resources to explore the model more on your own.

• Workday Training – What Should I Take?

  Presenter:
  Kelly Harrison, Director, Professional Development and Training

  With the start of Workday training quickly approaching, many may ask, which class or classes should I take? In this session, we will dive into the UNF Workday course catalog and discuss which ones or which series of classes would be best. Recommendations will be based on your position, role, or tasks that you normally perform at UNF.