DSA Staff Professional Development

Restorative Practice Training

The Division of Student Affairs will offer Restorative Practice Training on the following dates:

• December 1–4, 2025 (1:00–5:00 p.m.) - Click here to sign up
• March 2–5, 2026 (1:00–5:00 p.m.) - Click here to sign up
• August 3–6, 2026 (1:00–5:00 p.m.) - Click here to sign up

This 16-hour, in-person training, delivered over four consecutive days, is designed to equip DSA leaders with the knowledge and skills to embed a restorative philosophy and practices within their departments. Through interactive sessions, participants will explore foundational restorative justice principles, including connectedness, peace, authenticity, accountability, healing, and inclusion, and learn to design and facilitate Tier 1 restorative circles, apply trauma-responsive practices, and foster a culture of community and belonging.

DSA Learning & Growth Series - In Collaboration with the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program

A monthly, 30-minute virtual Lunch & Learn series rooted in the university’s decades of experience in wellness and resilience. Topics range from managing stress and navigating change to fostering inclusive workplaces. Grounded in best practices and complete confidentiality, this series invites staff to learn practical, time-tested strategies for success. Learn more and sign up here.

Full-Time Staff Supervisors - Student Employee Education Series

A community of practice for full-time DSA staff who supervise student employees. Participants share effective practices, address common challenges, and strengthen skills for managing and supporting student staff. Learn more here.

DSA Connect: Career Mentoring & Networking

A refreshed and flexible program to help staff build meaningful connections across the Division through mentoring and networking. This version removes rigid timelines and structured pairings, focusing on accessibility, relationship-building, and personal agency.

How It Works - Staff may opt in as a mentor, mentee, or peer connector at any time during the year. - Participants can connect for one-time conversations, short-term support, or ongoing relationships. - Mentors may offer “office hours” or host informal career chats. Optional quarterly virtual huddles provide space for reflection, storytelling, and connection.

Express Interest - Sign up as a mentor - Sign up as a mentee

Professional & Personal Development Learning Circles

Small, informal groups of staff passionate about self-improvement. Similar to affinity and interest spaces, these groups meet to share knowledge, support one another, and build connections. If you want to create one, fill out this form

Learning Circle - UMD Peer-to-Peer Coaching Program

Strengthens leadership skills, boosts engagement, and fosters a coaching culture through structured, reciprocal coaching experiences. Participants both coach and are coached over three months, using coaching skills (Silence, Inquire, Mirror, Partner, Listen, Encourage) and embodying a coaching mindset (Curious, Open, and Non-Judgemental).

Program Expectations - Attend a full-day required training on one of the scheduled dates. - Commit 6–10 hours over 3–6 months to both coaching and being coached. - Engage in structured, one-on-one sessions focused on growth and leadership. - Maintain confidentiality and avoid advice-giving.

Upcoming Training Dates - October 21, 2025 – Sign up - February 17, 2026 – Sign up

Learning Circle - AI and Productivity: Strategies and Tools for Getting Things Done

Redefining Productivity: Focus, Flow, and What Actually Matters
Part 1 of the Productivity Learning Circle Series

Productivity isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. In this first session, we’ll explore the mindset, strategies, and reframes that can help us feel more focused, less overwhelmed, and more aligned in our work. From tackling productivity myths to introducing foundational approaches like the Eisenhower Matrix and energy-based planning, we’ll reflect, share, and get real about what it means to be productive in today’s world.

Facilitated By: Sarah Williamson & Ilker Erkut
Duration: 60 minutes
Focus: Theory, strategy, and mindset

Getting Things Done with a Boost: Tools, Tech, and AI in Action
Part 2 of the Productivity Learning Circle Series

Let’s put productivity strategies into action. In this second session, we’ll explore the tools—both analog and digital—that help us stay focused and efficient. You’ll get a peek into real-life systems from the facilitators and fellow colleagues, with a special spotlight on how AI can support your productivity. Whether you’re a planner, a list-maker, or just looking to get unstuck, this session will offer tips, demos, and resources to try out.

Facilitated By: Sarah Williamson & Ilker Erkut
Duration: 60 minutes
Focus: Tools, apps, workflows, and AI

Click here to sign up.

Enneagram 101 for Leaders

The Enneagram is more than a personality typing system; it's a powerful tool for self-awareness, personal growth, and building stronger relationships. In this introductory session, you'll explore the nine core Enneagram types and learn how understanding your type and the types of others can enhance communication, leadership, and collaboration at work.

Whether you’re brand new to the Enneagram or curious to learn more, this session will offer practical insights and a human-centered lens on motivation, behavior, and connection. Click here to sign up.

Book Clubs

The DSA Book Club will read The Caring University by Dr. Kevin McClure. Led by volunteer facilitators, these sessions will encourage engagement and shared learning. Learn more about the book | Sign up here

DSA Council Conversations:

Join members of the Student Affairs Team and the Admin for a series of professional development sessions throughout the year. Each session will focus on a different topic led by a member of Team Admin, with details and registration information shared in advance. 

Upcoming sessions include:

• Budgeting and Finance  – October 2025
• Assessment – November 2025
• Information Technology – December 2025
• Marketing & Communications – February 2026
• Data Analytics – March 2026
• HR – April 2026

More information to come!

Insourcing Experience

A pilot program allowing staff to apply for projects or initiatives of interest from DSA departments. Selected participants will be onboarded into their respective departments and work toward defined deliverables. Apply here

Leadership Coaching

DSA Leadership Coaching Opportunity - 2025-2026

The Division of Student Affairs is excited to announce an exclusive leadership development opportunity for our staff! In collaboration with SoundingBoard, LLC, we are offering a personalized, virtual leadership coaching program designed to help you grow as a leader and achieve your professional goals.

About the Program

This coaching experience offers you the opportunity to work one-on-one with a professional coach over six months, starting in Fall 2025. Participants will receive:

• Twelve virtual coaching sessions, each 50 minutes long, are held every two weeks.
• Support in identifying and working toward your personal leadership goals.
• A structured, focused approach to leadership development, customized to your specific needs and challenges.

Eligibility

This program is open to all staff members in the Division of Student Affairs who are eager to develop their leadership skills and make a positive impact within their departments.

Department Funding

Please note that the Division will not cover the cost of this coaching program. Instead, your department must agree to fund your participation. Please ensure that you discuss this opportunity with your supervisor before submitting your application.

Application Process

• Interested staff members are invited to submit an application
• All applications will undergo a review process, and selected participants will be notified.
• Those selected will begin their coaching engagement in fall 2025

How to Apply

Complete the DSA Leadership Coaching Opportunity Application. In your application, be sure to outline your leadership goals, explain how coaching will support your development, and confirm your department’s willingness to fund this opportunity.

Why Leadership Coaching?

Leadership coaching is a powerful tool for:

• Enhancing self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Developing core leadership skills such as communication, decision-making, and team building.
• Identifying and overcoming challenges that may be hindering your professional growth.
• Building resilience and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.