Training and Development at the SSC
UC HR's training and development is spearheaded by the Staff Success Center (SSC). The SSC is UC's one-of-a-kind training and development hub. It's professional staff is entirely devoted to prioritizing staff needs in employee development while providing staff, faculty, and student employees the training and tools they want and need to succeed and grow. UC is committed to fostering the personal and professional growth of all staff, and the SSC is a key component of our Staff Enrichment Pathway.
The SSC's key goal is to inspire staff to achieve success by providing impactful learning experiences in inclusive environments. To achieve this vision, the SSC hosts and facilitates open-enrollment professional development and technical training courses, manages a number of cohort-based collaborative "academies," and offers personalized in-tact team retreats and training.
Please note that many of the buttons on this page route to resource for UC employees. Many require a UC ID and password to access.
"The SSC brought great energy and engaged with every person in the room. We accomplished so much during the day, but it didn't feel like work."
Training That Makes an Impact
Academies
Academies are our term for interactive cohort-based programs that provide deliberately designed paths participants can take to learn and practice skills. Employees interested in becoming effective leaders can join Aspiring Leaders Academy, those who have direct reports can enroll in Manager Academy, and individuals responsible for Human Resources functions can get involved in UCHR Academy. Whatever skills you need, the SSC has you covered!
Open-Enrollment Courses
If you're not ready to commit to an academy experience, the SSC offers a wide range of open-enrollment courses "a la carte" that are free to all staff, faculty, and student employees. Most classes are offered virtually so participants can join from anywhere!
Examples of SSC offerings include but are not limited to:
- Personal Leadership Courses
- Topics include:
- Communicating with Impact
- Constructive Conflict
- DiSC communication and behavioral styles
- Topics include:
- Leading Others Courses
- Topics include:
- Coaching for Peak Performance
- Documentation
- Engaging and Retaining Talent
- Topics include:
- Technical Systems Training
- Topics include:
- Concur Education
- Purchasing and Contracting Exchange
- Microsoft 365 Education
- Topics include:
In-Tact Team Sessions
In addition to a wide range of regularly scheduled classes and academies, the Staff Success Center also provides more customized services for in-tact teams. After filling out a consultation form, the SSC Training Consultant schedules a meeting to assess need and discuss potential options. These sessions allow teams to learn valuable skills together and build synergy.
"The excellent facilitation skills and thoughtful agenda really helped move the needle and get us off to a great start with momentum to move forward on next steps.”
Staff Professional Month
One month a year, we host Staff Professional Development Month (SPDM). SPDM is a signature annual event designed by UC Staff for UC Staff. SPDM is comprised of educational sessions, community building opportunities, recognition events, and a new employee mixer. This time is set aside for staff to focus on development and reflect on their impact on the UC community. SPDM is sponsored by the Staff Success Center, Be Well UC, and Staff Senate.
By carving out specific resources for staff at UC, we hope staff will take the time to prioritize their development, whatever that looks like to them.
Mentorship That Changes Lives
The Staff Success Center also manages an incredibly well-reviewed mentorship program called Mentor Me UC. This a program designed for both mentees and mentors. Through an informal but structured program that lasts at least nine months, Mentor Me UC creates space where employees can connect with a larger community, gain valuable perspectives, and receive real and actionable advice.
Through this program, mentees have noted how the progra allowed them to build a support network, gain insight about standards and proceedures, practice strategic planning, and greater insight into professional opportunites on and off campus. The mentorship relationship allows mentees to get personalized support all while making their campus community stronger.
"Mentorship has helped me be a better worker, leader, and supervisor at UC."
Program Mentee
Mentors have repeatedly noted how they find both their personal and professional needs met after being part of the program. One mentor noted that providing mentorship and guidance actually made their own role feel a bit less isolating and has created a great support system on campus. Others detail the many ways they're better able to do their jobs because they understand student needs, get insight into work in other units and colleges, and expand their professional development.
"Take the chance! I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside a new staff member at UC."
Program Mentor
