Supervisor Development
Our Supervisor Development programs are designed to enhance the leadership skills, managerial capabilities, and overall effectiveness of individuals in supervisory or managerial roles within their positions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. These programs focus on providing training, resources, and support to help supervisors excel in their roles and contribute to the success of their teams.
HR Series for Supervisors and Managers
Program Overview
The Human Resources Series for Supervisors and Managers (HR Series) is a multi-topic series focused on the basic information required to understand Illinois Human Resources (IHR) policies and guiding principles. Providing crucial information to create a positive workforce and productive work environment, this series of seminars is vital to successful supervision and management.
Each seminar is 3 hours, offered either virtually or in person. Individuals are not required to pursue the certificate in order to attend.
Learning Objectives
The HR Series helps supervisors and managers:
- Reduce conflict on the job Increase clarity of goals and objectives
- Address common human resources issues
- Know how and where to get help
- Give employees effective, timely, performance-based feedback
- Solve problems quickly
- Create a positive workforce and productive work environment
Completion Certificate and Badges
The HR Series Completion Certificate is completed when a participant attends all of the core curriculum seminars and 4 of the elective seminars within 6 HR Series terms (including the current term) of the first seminar taken. The HR Series Completion Certificate is being adopted as a professional standard for supervisors and managers by units across campus.
Target Audience
- All newly hired supervisors and managers
- All recently promoted supervisors and managers
- Managers and administrators who need an understanding of university HR policies and principles
Registration
Registration for the HR Series is available to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign employees free of charge. To register for these seminars, use the registration links located in the “HR Series” items on the HR Series calendar. We will open seminars for registration on the second Tuesday of each month. Pre-registration is required for all seminars.
Illinois Supervisory Skills Program
Program Overview
The Illinois Supervisory Skills Program provides new and recent supervisors opportunities to develop self-awareness of management styles and personal biases, to practice strategies for resolving conflict, and to build confidence in leading others through performance feedback and coaching techniques. Selected participants will learn and challenge each other throughout the semester as they engage with a cohort of peers from other units, motivating each other to create healthy, productive work environments.
This semester-long program offers a blended learning design. Selected applicants complete this five-session series as a cohort. Expected time commitment is 8 – 10 hours per month.
Learning Objectives
- Discover your personal managing styles’ strengths and challenges to enhance your communication skills.
- Recognize your power to create a positive environment where everyone is respected, appreciated, and individual differences are valued.
- Improve accountability by employing problem solving strategies to manage conflict.
- Develop practical skills vital in implementing effective performance feedback.
- Understand the foundations and purpose of coaching to incorporate the principles of continuous performance improvement.
Eligibility
Applicants must…
- Be a current academic or a civil service employee with at least a 75%-time appointment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- Eligible applicants should have completed the one (1) year requirement by the application deadline.
- Currently oversee status employee(s) or student employee(s) in a supervisory capacity or similar role.
- Have prior approval from a supervisor and/or department head.
- Be available to attend all the scheduled program dates.
- Demonstrate a commitment to learning, be open to dialogue and discussion, and be willing to challenge themselves through reflection and thought.
Application Process
- Obtain supervisor approval to apply and attend on program dates.
- Review the Illinois Supervisor Competency Model and write a personal essay (500 words or less). Identify a competency you would like to improve upon for professional development. Share a leadership lesson you have learned as a supervisor or from a supervisor as it relates to the skills you hope to gain by completing this program. How do you plan to use these enhanced skills to support the university community?
- Fully complete online application, including employment information, years of supervisory experience, and number of people currently supervising by the application deadline.
- Applications are due by the date indicated on the application form.
Participation Selection
The Illinois Supervisory Skills Program selection committee selects up to 30 participants from all eligible submissions and makes a recommendation to the Program Sponsor for final class participation. This program will be offered once each semester. Selected candidates will be notified via email.
Completion Certificate and Badges
A Certificate of Completion for the program will be earned at the end of the semester after participants have attended all five core program sessions. Make up policy: if, due to unforeseen circumstances, a participant misses one session, they will be given two opportunities to make up the missed session within one year to earn a certificate of completion.
The Future of Work at Illinois: Managing Hybrid and Remote Teams
Program Overview
As the University has embraced the future of work and workplace flexibility at Illinois, it is essential for managers to understand policies and best practices that will align teams for success at Illinois. Supervisors will learn how to establish boundaries, increase engagement, and anticipate challenges as they connect with other managers on campus to share lessons learned.
This program is delivered through a blended learning format that includes two live webinars and four modules of asynchronous (self-paced) content. The time commitment for this course is 10 hours over a four-week period.
Learning Objectives
- Understand policies related to telecommuting guidelines and hybrid work agreements specific to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus
- Examine virtual team meeting norms that encourage participation and practices to avoid
- Recognize the effectiveness of team performance by setting S.M.A.R.T. goals
- Recognize behaviors that encourage trust and relationship building
Target Audience
Current campus supervisors and managers.
Completion Certificate and Badges
A certificate of completion will be given upon the successful completion of the course assignments and course evaluation.
Registration
Registration for Managing Hybrid and Remote Teams is available to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign employees free of charge. Pre-registration is required.
Registration Link
Guidance on the Go: Short Lessons for Supervisors on HR Topics
This self-guided microlearning series is designed to empower supervisors and managers to address HR challenges efficiently, without interrupting their daily responsibilities. Developed based on program data and subject matter expert consultation, these bite-sized modules, each requiring between 5 to 10 minutes of your time, are available online from any device on demand. This allows for immediate application of learning in the workplace.
Each module functions as a standalone topic, giving you the flexibility to progress in any order and revisit modules as often as needed. Future releases will be announced in the ELOE Professional Development Opportunities bulletin.
Target Audience
Current campus supervisors and managers.
Self-Enrollment
Login to Guidance on the Go in Canvas with your NetID and password to self-enroll in the series and access the modules.
Guidance on the Go Self-Enrollment Link
Below are descriptions of what each module covers.
Who Should I Contact?
Who Should I Contact?
The inaugural module of the “Guidance on the Go” series, this convenient guide helps campus supervisors and managers swiftly identify the right contacts for various high-demand HR topics. It also provides a concise overview of Illinois Human Resources, showcasing our organization and its collaborative partnerships. Sign in with your university NetID and password to access the module in Canvas.
What Is the FLSA?
What Is the FLSA?
This module provides a brief yet comprehensive explanation of the essentials of the Fair Labor Standards Act, or FLSA, and the Illinois supervisor’s role in complying with the law. It includes an overview of the FLSA, descriptions of its key provisions, an explanation of how coverage and exemptions are determined with specific information on the university’s non-exempt and exempt categories of staff, and guidance on steps supervisors can take to ensure compliance. Interactive knowledge checks throughout the module reinforce core concepts.
What Is the PPP and How Does It Work?
Designed for supervisors of Civil Service employees at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, together these four brief modules provide a comprehensive picture of the Performance Partnership Program.
Introduction to the PPP and Informal Positive Steps
Start here for a concise and engaging overview of the Performance Partnership Program (PPP). The module includes an explanation of the purpose of the PPP, a snapshot of its structure, and a clear description of the PPP’s informal positive steps.
Addressing Performance Issues Informally Under the PPP
Learn about the two informal corrective steps of the Performance Partnership Program (PPP) and the purpose of addressing performance issues informally before moving to formal action. Walk through the processes involved in having a Constructive Contact and conducting a Performance Improvement Discussion.
Addressing Performance Issues Formally Under the PPP
Learn about the three progressively serious formal corrective steps of the Performance Partnership Program (PPP): Work Performance Reminders, Written Reminders, and Decision-Making Leave. This module discusses pre-disciplinary meetings, the steps and approvals required to initiate formal disciplinary procedures, and what happens when discipline is no longer active.
PPP Documentation
Access essential guidance on the documentation required for both informal and formal steps of the Performance Partnership Program (PPP). Discover which documents are needed at each stage and get practical tips on how to complete them effectively.
Additional Self-Guided Learning
LinkedIn Learning Survey Course: Managing Hybrid & Remote Teams
In the two-hour, self-paced LinkedIn Learning version of this course (no certificate awarded), participants will learn about hybrid team effectiveness, structuring communication, and aligning the team for success by cultivating connections and building trust. Hear from university leaders as they respond to thought-provoking questions around workplace flexibility from Senior Associate Chancellor for Human Resources Shari Mickey-Boggs.
LinkedIn Learning Collection for Managers of Remote and Hybrid Teams
Explore a collection of training resources from LinkedIn Learning for managers of remote and hybrid teams. Topics include “Virtual and Hybrid Meeting Essentials,” “Leading Productive One-on-One Meetings,” “How Managers Can Prevent Team Burnout,” “Support Accessibility in a Hybrid Workplace,” and much more!
Illinois on Coursera
Illinois on Coursera gives Illinois students, staff, and faculty free access to more than 170 non-credit online courses and Specializations. Created by Illinois faculty, Illinois’ Coursera courses provide opportunities to advance your career, explore your interests, or expand your skill set. With Illinois on Coursera you can take any course you want, whenever you want, the way you want. Complete the course and receive an Illinois/Coursera course completion certificate to post on resumes and LinkedIn ©.
Survive, Thrive and Lead
Program Overview
Survive, Thrive, & Lead is a leadership development program that emphasizes the value of peer learning. The overall goal of the program is to collaborate with and prepare a cohort of individuals to create and deliver a series of workshops to campus peers. Workshops are peer-led, highly interactive skill-building sessions tailored towards participants who supervise teams at Illinois. The content is developed in collaboration with the National Center for Principled Leadership & Research Ethics (NCPRE), the Office of the Provost, and Illinois Human Resources.
Interested in hearing more about upcoming Survive, Thrive & Lead workshops?
Past Workshops
Know Your Impact: Inclusion Starts with “I” offers tips for creating more inclusive workspaces and strategies to build psychological safety for teams.
Personal Scripts in a Virtual World prepare participants to navigate challenging conversations in a virtual environment.
Listening to Build Trust is designed to help foster healthy work relationships by improving listening skills.
Peer Facilitator Self-Nomination Process
- Peer facilitators will work with a team of advisors and mentors to develop and deliver a customized workshop using case studies, role play and group work from their extensive experience and university resources.
- Through content development, peer facilitators will enhance their communication and leadership skills, while also building confidence in speaking to a group of their peers.
- Fully complete online self-nomination form and submit current resume.
- Applications are due by the date indicated on the self-nomination form.
- Have prior approval and support from a supervisor and/or department head.
- Commitment of 1-year involvement in the program with flexibility to adapt around existing work obligations.
Program Advisors
- Dr Bob Easter, President Emeritus University of Illinois
- Dr C.K. Gunsalus, Director of the National Center for Principled Leadership & Research Ethics (NCPRE)
- Pat Justice, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Education Policy, Organization and Leadership
- Bria Marcelo, Assistant Chancellor for Culture, Learning, and Engagement, Illinois Human Resources
- Rosa Milagros Santos, Associate Provost for Faculty Development, Office of the Provost
Target Audience
Current campus supervisors and managers.
Being a part of the training team along with its knowledgeable advisors has been a rewarding experience. The program offers individuals a chance to network with colleagues across the campus while developing leadership and presentation skills. Working with the experts to create and share program content has been beneficial in developing my career as a business professional and there are a host of additional topics just waiting to be tapped into. I have enjoyed building friendships along the way and am excited for future training opportunities.