À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ

Format: Hybrid conference

The À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Staff Conference is an annual two-day learning and development opportunity designed exclusively for staff to attend for free at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. Featuring employee-led workshops and expertÌýkeynote speakers, the conference is hosted by Human Resources' Organizational and Human Development (OHD) team and made possible through the Staff Excellence Fund.Ìý

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.

Format: Online session

Back by popular demand, join chefs Mari-Beth Davis and Donna Shin for another fun-filled virtual lunch session—this time with a focus on sustainable recipes!ÌýIn this interactive virtual cooking class, participants will make roasted broccoli soup and brunch casserole with day-old bread, eggs, and vegetables found in their fridge.ÌýÌý

¹ó´Ç°ù³¾²¹³Ù:ÌýIn-person workshop

Change is constant, but how we lead through it can either fuel us or accelerate burnout. In this interactive Leadership Lab: People Leadership, we’ll explore the dual challenge leaders face: guiding teams through ongoing uncertainty while protecting their own energy and capacity.Ìý

Together, we’ll reflect on the impact of change, identify the signs of burnout (in ourselves and our teams), and share practical strategies for creating stability, focus, and support while navigating shifting priorities. Through personal reflection and group discussion, participants will gain tools to help them lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose – without sacrificing wellbeing.Ìý

¹ó´Ç°ù³¾²¹³Ù:ÌýIn-person workshop

Change is constant, but how we lead through it can either fuel us or accelerate burnout. In this interactive Leadership Lab: Personal Leadership, we’ll explore the dual challenge leaders face: guiding teams through ongoing uncertainty while protecting their own energy and capacity.Ìý

Together, we’ll reflect on the impact of change, identify the signs of burnout (in ourselves and our teams), and share practical strategies for creating stability, focus, and support while navigating shifting priorities. Through personal reflection and group discussion, participants will gain tools to help them lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose – without sacrificing wellbeing.Ìý

Format: Online workshop

Effectively answering interview questions can feel challenging under the pressure of the moment. Join this session to discover tips on how to stay calm, address common interview questions, and effectively demonstrate your skills and accomplishments during an interview. Ìý

Format: In-person session

The À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Staff Orientation Team is delighted to partner with the Visitors Centre ambassador team to offer 90-minute in-person walking tours. Join us to learn aboutÌýÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's history, students, buildings, eateries, reputation, academics, campus life, and more! These tours are offered rain or shine.

Format: Online workshop

When was the last time you had a chance to revisit your résumé? Reviewing your skills and accomplishments can be a great way to identify opportunities for further education and explore career growth. In this workshop, we will explore best practices for building and creating an effective résumé that highlights your career accomplishments.    Ìý

Format: In-person workshop

Back by popular demand, GROOVE is a group dance experience where the moves are simple, the music is energizing, and no dance experience is necessary. It’s all about having fun in a space where everyone belongs. Cindy Howe, your facilitator, will UNITE everyone in simple movements and rhythms where you get to dance it your own way. You can’t get it wrong! Your way is the right way!Ìý
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Format: In-person workshop

Join staff from Special Collections & Archives (SCA) as they share an overview of what an archive is, explore potential collaboration opportunities with the department on special projects, and learn how to begin their own archival research for personal or professional purposes.Ìý

Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy a special guided tour of the stacks, where they can learn more about how we care for our collections and discover some of our unique treasures.Ìý

¹ó´Ç°ù³¾²¹³Ù:ÌýIn-person workshop on October 7; virtual workshop on December 4
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At the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ, our values are more than words on a page. They represent a commitment to build on our existing strengths while identifying areas to evolve.ÌýThis interactive workshop invites participants to explore, reflect on, and align with our values to think differently, act with purpose and work together. Through guided activities, meaningful dialogue, and real-world scenarios, participants will unpack what it means to challenge the status quo, take purposeful action, and foster intentional collaborations.ÌýÌý

Whether you’re a longtime UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ employee, leader, or new to campus, this session will spark fresh thinking and help you connect your work to the impact we strive to make. 

You're welcome to bring and eat your lunch during the first half of the session; the last 20 minutes will include more interactive components so you can engage with fellow participants.