University Housing at the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign strives to be truly a "learning organization."

University Housing Professional Staff attend the All-Housing/First Tuesday meeting once a month.  Led by Dr. Jack Collins, Director of Housing, these meetings are an avenue to both share critical information Housing-wide, and cover professional development topics. Dr. Collins has led the staff in topics ranging from book discussions to issues of working in a multicultural campus environment.

University Housing staff are part of the Student Affairs Division. Student Affairs sponsors professional development opportunities to encourage networking, resource sharing, and collaboration. Conference Days, New Staff Retreats, Program Committees, and Outstanding Staff Awards Receptions are all part of this program.

Professional Staff Training Programs *Sponsored by Residential Life

Summer Orientation & Training
Summer Orientation & Training takes place for 4 weeks prior to our student staff arriving on campus.  Summer Orientation & Training is designed for all staff, new & returning, to participate, but special emphasis is on our new Resident Directors. Orientation highlights include an overnight retreat to focus on team building, mentors for each new employee, and optional social opportunities on campus and in the Urbana-Champaign community. The second week transitions into training on procedures, policies, and issues, from community building to emergency response.  The last week is a preparation for our student staff training program.  A sample schedule from summer 2007 can be found by clicking this link.  

Professional Development Programs *Sponsored by Residential Life

Five Fast-Start Content Areas for Fall 2007:

• Professional Development Planning
• Supervision
• Post 1st 6 Weeks Community Development
• Advising & Leadership Development
• Administrative Processes Refresher
• Reunion & Planning for Spring Semester Community Model

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS-Every Residential Life Professional Staff Member at UI will complete with her/his supervisor a professional development plan that outlines the type of skills and experiences that the staff person needs to continue her/his professional growth. These range from central assignments, taking classes, professional conference & involvement in organizations, support for publishing, etc. The department makes a commitment to provide support to staff as they work on these plans.  These plans are meant to be guided by the department's Professional Staff Competency Model.

SLS (STAFF LEARNING SERIES) Approximately twice a month our 30 plus professional staff meet to learn about and discussion relevant professional topics in our staff learning series.  Many topics are facilitated by in-house trainers who have developed expertise in a particular topic. Leading trainers and faculty from around the country are also brought in to keep our staff on the cutting-edge of national trends.

BOOSTER SHOTS-Optional, once per month workshops to assist professional staff with a review of policies, procedures, technology, or further discussion of a particular topic of interest. 

SITE LINKS

Residential Life