Special Session

17th Annual ��ݮ��Ƶ Staff Conference

Krystal Mittler — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:18:02 +0000

17th Annual ��ݮ��Ƶ Staff Conference Krystal Mittler Fri, 02/28/2025 - 14:18

Join us on April 8-9, 2025

The ��ݮ��Ƶ Staff Conference is an annual two-day learning and development opportunity designed exclusively for staff at ��ݮ��Ƶ. Featuring employee-led workshops and expert keynote speakers, the conference is hosted by Human Resources Organizational and Human Development (OHD) team and made possible through the Staff Excellence Fund. This conference has both in-person and virtual opportunities and is free for all participants.

Upwards of 1500 staff members participate every year, and it’s a wonderful way to delve into new topics, reflect on your own professional growth, and connect with colleagues from across all our campuses.

Register and learn more

On March 4, register for the ��ݮ��Ƶ Staff Conference and discover what to know before you go to attend your two-day experience.

Intended Audience

All U��ݮ��Ƶ staff

Format

Two-day hybrid event; in-person at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ's main campus and on Microsoft Teams

OHD Lending Library

Michelle Qureshi — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:35:15 +0000

OHD Lending Library Michelle Qureshi Mon, 06/23/2025 - 15:35

Workshop Overview

OHD (Organizational and Human Development) is opening its doors, and you're invited to come explore! Search our curated collection of learning and development books that are perfect if you're looking to dive into new learning materials, revisiting keynote topics, or finding new inspiration.

Bring a colleague (or a few!) to flip through books on well-being, inclusion, leadership, time management, and more. Reconnect with peers, enter a raffle for a conference keynote speaker book, and discover titles to share with your team or community. You might even find the perfect conversation starter to share with others browsing alongside you.

Why stop by?

Browse a wide range of books on topics like well-being at work, inclusion, leadership, time management, and more
Enter a raffle to win a free book from one of our recent keynote speakers
Reconnect with colleagues from across campus
Discover opportunities to bring books back to your team or community of practice for shared learning and discussion

Summer mystery book packs

Want to get a head start on summer reading before the drop-in event?

You don’t have to wait! Apply for a mystery book pack for a surprise bundle of inspiration. Fill out the request form by noon on Friday, July 18, 2025 to request a personalized selection of 2-3 books based on your interests.

Please note that this opportunity is intended for staff that can visit and/or are located on ��ݮ��Ƶ’s main campus. Available while supplies last.

Intended Audience

All U��ݮ��Ƶ staff

Format

In-person, EC1 - 1004

Facilitator

Sarah Lewis, Employee Career Advisor and Learning Specialist

Michelle Qureshi, Events and Programs Assistant

Keeping Well at Work: Nidra Nap

Krystal Mittler — Tue, 27 May 2025 20:33:22 +0000

Keeping Well at Work: Nidra Nap Krystal Mittler Tue, 05/27/2025 - 16:33

Workshop Overview

Give your mind and body a break! Yoga Nidra is a style of meditation/relaxation that can be an effective way to reset during the workday. In this in-person session, facilitator Monika Kitor will explain what yoga Nidra is, how it works, and the importance of rest on our bodies and how rest works against stress during the day. Then Monika will lead everyone through a short Nidra session and debrief. This session is done lying down to help ease the body.

Note: Due to the tranquil environment needed for this session, we are requesting that participants arrive no later than 11:20 a.m.

How to Prepare

You can expect some light stretching, lying down or sitting on provided blankets, and a guided mindful activity. It is recommended that you wear clothing and footwear that are stretchy and that you would be comfortable lying down or sitting for a longer duration, such as yoga pants and a T-shirt.

Intended Audience

All U��ݮ��Ƶ employees

Format

In-person, PAC Studio 1

Facilitator

Monika is a staff member and has been a yoga Nidra guide and workshop facilitator for over three years. She especially enjoys offering yoga Nidra practices on campus to the U��ݮ��Ƶ community.

Keeping Well at Work: Introductory Swing Dance Lesson

Krystal Mittler — Fri, 23 May 2025 01:09:16 +0000

Keeping Well at Work: Introductory Swing Dance Lesson Krystal Mittler Thu, 05/22/2025 - 21:09

Workshop Overview

Take a break from work and move your body with an introductory swing dance lesson. A cultural phenomenon that developed in the early 20th century, it had a worldwide resurgence in the late 90’s and has been going strong since. We’ll get comfortable with dance posture, pulse, and moving around the dance floor. We’ll dance to some great swing tunes, focusing on contemporary black artists who helped shape the music and culture of this dance.

Note: dance/partner roles will not be gender-specific

How to Prepare

Wear comfortable clothing, flat shoes with smooth soles (socked/stockinged feet are fine as well) and bring a water bottle. We will be moving our bodies. Expect an increase in heart rate, and perhaps a little muscle soreness the next day!

Intended Audience

All U��ݮ��Ƶ employees

Format

In-person, PAC Studio 1

Facilitator

Julie-Anne Desrochers is a staff member in the Faculty of Health. She has been an active member of the Swing and Blues dance scene in ��ݮ��Ƶ Region for nearly 20 years, and has been teaching Lindy Hop, Blues (mostly Jukin’ and Ballroomin’ idioms) and choreography for 14 years at HepcatSwing dance studio.