Updates in Academic Affairs: January 10, 2017
Inside Updates: Several trainings will be offered during spring semester for faculty and staff, including one focusing on workplace violence prevention and another on how to be an LBGT ally. Also soon to begin are this semester’s faculty and staff mixers known as Gold Gatherings.
New semester offers several professional development opportunities
As we welcome 2017 and the start of the spring semester, I hope you will join me for one or more of the outstanding training opportunities highlighted in this edition of the Updates in Academic Affairs newsletter.
These personal and professional development workshops are available to all members of the University community. We are highlighting several workshops in this edition of our newsletter, as requests for training and continuing education opportunities continue to be in demand by faculty and staff members.
We also are highlighting several luncheon and social mixer offerings sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs and the Redman Agency during the spring semester. We hope you will join us to meet colleagues from across the campus and make new connections.
With sincere best wishes for a healthy, safe and productive new year,
Tim Greene, provost and vice president for academic affairs
Workplace violence prevention workshops slated
Training sessions focused on the prevention of workplace violence are being offered for academic affairs staff and instructors Friday, Jan. 27, by two members of WMU’s Department of Public Safety.
Cam Vossen, emergency management administrator, and Andrew Bachmann, a sergeant in the police division, will together lead sessions on best practices and responses to violence in the workplace and in active shooter situations.
To assist with scheduling, two training sessions will be offered, both in rooms 1040-1050 Fetzer Center. The first session is set for 8:30 to 10 a.m. and the second for 2:30 to 4 p.m. Beverages and light snacks will be provided.
Attendance is limited to a maximum of 50 people per session. To assist with headcounts, RSVP by Monday, Jan.23, online at wmich.edu/provost/active-shooter-workplace-violence-response-training.
The Office of Academic Affairs is sponsoring this important training and discussion; supervisors are encouraged to accommodate staff participation.
Learn to be a better LBGT ally through Safe on Campus training
The Office of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services is offering an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to learn how to better advocate and be an ally to lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender people.
Those who participate in the three-hour Safe on Campus training workshop will learn how to provide support to students by reviewing terms, respectful language, climate issues and University policies, as well as by learning how to create respectful spaces. Participants may also choose to become members of the Safe on Campus program by signing a pledge of support for LBGT people.
This spring, the training workshop will be held in the Trimpe Building’s multicultural center at the following dates and times:
• Thursday, Jan. 12, 9 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, March 1, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, April 6, 1 to 4 p.m.
Members of the Safe on Campus program are given a placard to display in their work areas indicating they have taken part in the training workshop and are open to supporting LBGT students, faculty and staff. Membership is optional after completion of the training. Departmental trainings may be requested for groups of 10 or more registrants.
Participants can sign up for a Safe on Campus training online at wmich.edu/lbgt/programs/safeoncampus.
For additional information regarding the Safe on Campus training program, contact the Office of LBGT Student Services at (269) 387-2123.
Gold Gatherings on tap for spring semester
Faculty and staff are invited to connect with colleagues at the Gold Gatherings scheduled at various times and campus locations during the spring 2017 semester. Gold Gatherings, formerly Fridays with Friends, are sponsored during the 2016-17 academic year by the Redman Agency.
To assist with event planning, please RSVP at wmich.edu/provost/goldgatherings.
In addition, two evening mixers featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar are set for 4 to 6 p.m., in the Fetzer Center lobby. The first evening event is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 17, immediately following the Spring Convocation awards ceremony. The second evening mixer is scheduled for Thursday, April 20.
Members of the University community are encouraged to join in these opportunities to meet and build connections with colleagues from across campus.