Gustavus Professional Development Week
_{January 8 & 9 | May 13 & 14}

GPD Days 2025 Information Coming Soon!!

The Office of Human Resources invites all Gustavus employees to join in the many sessions offered during Gustavus Professional Development days, which will take place on January 8 & 9 and May 13 & 14. With the help of current Gustavus employees and a few outside experts, these sessions will allow you to engage with leaders on campus, explore a wide variety of topics, and learn something new!

See below for more details about each session. All sessions will be in the 3 Crowns Room, unless noted otherwise. Several sessions will have limited spots available, so registration will be required and closed after reaching max capacity.

GPD 2025 Committee: Gwen Donev, Haley Ling, Jeannie Peterson, and Jenny Schmidt

Please contact: Jenny Schmidt (Talent Acquisitions Manager, HR), jennyschmidt@gustavus.edu or x6315 with any questions.

Mark your calendar now!!

MONDAY

Title: Customer Service Toward Students and Each Other
Session Leader: Erin Kuiper
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Monday, January 29
10:00-10:50 AM

How we show up for one another and our visitors matters. Join Erin Kuiper for a 50 minute session exploring how the energy you bring to what you do impacts the outcomes of what you do.

Title: Archives Tour
Session Leader: Adrianna Darden
Location: Archives - Library Third Floor
Monday, January 29
10:00-10:50 AM

Come and experience a brief presentation about what the College Archives does and how it can help you and your office, then stick around for a behind-the-scenes tour of our closed collections area, plus grab some Archives swag! No registration required.

Title: Giving Back to the Community - Thrivent Action Teams!
Session Leaders: Amy Pehrson, Jenny Schmidt, and Kathi Tunheim
Location: 3 Crowns Room to Meet
Monday, January 29
11:00-11:50 AM

When we serve others, we look outside of ourselves, beyond our own problems, and seek to bring value to others. Join us as we live out the Gustavus core value of service by gathering needed food and care items from local grocery stores for the St. Peter Area Food Shelf and for the local family shelter in St. Peter, Union Street Place. Funding is provided by Thrivent Financial.

We will divide into four groups and drive together to local stores to gather the needed items. Then, the groups will deliver the items to Union Street Place and Food Shelf + help by stocking the shelves.

Meet in the 3 Crowns Room at 11am sharp where we will divide into groups and distribute shopping lists.

Title: Beck Hall Tunnel Tour
Session Leader: Travis Jordan/Scott Reiten
Location: Meet at Beck Hall basement level (near the east elevator)
Monday, January 29
12:00-12:50 PM

Ah, the infamous Gustavus tunnels. Whether you were fortunate to be privy to their secrets as a student or have yet to venture in, take a quick peek inside at the class murals and other lasting stamps from your era made on these legendary walls! *Hardhats will be provided.

Registration is limited to 10 participants. Click here to sign up!

Title: Workshop: How do we engage our stories and deepen our listening in Indigenous Relations work?
Session Leader: Katie Boone
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Monday, January 29
1-1:50 PM

Participants attending this workshop will be introduced to a Reconciliation Sense-making Framework that has been applied to regional reconciliation efforts as well as the President’s Council on Indigenous Relations efforts here at Gustavus.

Participants will engage in sharing, listening and harvesting stories to engage in sense-making and meaning making when it comes to experiential, participatory and applied practice in how we, as a Gustavus community, can continue our efforts in building good relations with Indigenous communities.

What participants will leave with: Participants will leave with 2 frameworks and an applied practice exercise that can be used in their classrooms with students and in their community engaged scholarship efforts to strengthen Indigenous relationships with Indigenous communities near and far.

*This session can count towards your DEIB SMART goal*

Title: Cookie Make, Bake, and Decorate
Session Leader: Amanda Wentzlaff
Location: Nobel Kitchen
Monday, January 29
2-3:30 PM *Note: 1.5 hour session

In this session, led by Head Baker, Amanda Wentzlaff, you will make the dough, cut out the cookies, bake and then learn decorating techniques. The cookies will be Valentine themed and we will use buttercream frosting and toppings while practicing piping techniques. Participants will be able to take home some blank cookies and frosting to decorate with the skills you learned from this session.

Registration is limited to 16 participants. REGISTRATION FULL!

Title: A Caring and Compassionate Presence
Session Leader: Grady St. Dennis
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Monday, January 29
3-3:50 PM

Whether it is in our professional or personal lives many of us have encountered a valued one experiencing great pain and loss. These encounters sometimes leave us feeling frozen in how best to support and talk to our friend in need. This session will offer reflections and best practices for serving and offering a caring presence to others who are experiencing a time of hurt, loss, and grieving.

TUESDAY

Title: Cake Decorating
Session Leader: Amanda Wentzlaff
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Tuesday, January 30
9-10:30 AM *Note: 1.5 hour session

Welcoming all bakers and decorators no matter your skill set! The first part of this session will be to learn and practice the art of cake decorating. The second part of the session you will take what you’ve learned and decorate a 6” cake that you can take with you afterwards. This session is blocked for 1.5 hours, but participants can leave once they’ve finished decorating their cake.

Registration is limited to 16 participants. REGISTRATION FULL!

Title: Insects in the Bible/Greek & Latin Literature
Session Leader: Blake Couey & Yurie Hong
Location: Bonnier Reading Room (Third Floor), Old Main
Tuesday, January 30
10:00 - 10:50 AM

Following up on Nobel Conference 59, this session explores texts about insects from the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and ancient Greek literature. These texts reflect collected observational insights about insect behavior as well as human interpretations of that behavior from societies that lived in close contact to the natural world. “How do the cultural perspectives of the ancient Mediterranean world compare to our own attitudes towards insects? What wisdom could we learn from them?"

Title: Meditation for Well-being
Session Leader: Julie Gilbert
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Tuesday, January 30
11:00 - 11:30 AM *Note: 30-minute session

Feeling stressed? Anxious? Disconnected? You aren’t alone. These are challenging times, both in the world at large and within our campus community. Studies show that just a few moments of meditation can help reduce stress, improve our sense of connectedness, and help us sleep better. Interested? Join librarian and meditation teacher Julie Gilbert for a 30-minute session to explore meditation for well-being. We’ll use our time to introduce meditation principles and practice for 10 minutes, followed by discussion. All are welcome, whether you are new to meditation or whether you have an established practice.

Title: Whoa…. This Just Got Real!!
Session Leader: Tom Flunker
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Tuesday, January 30
12:00 -12:50 PM

This session explores the connection between identity and personal or experienced narratives to bring historical context to life.

*Pizza will be provided during this session.*
#LunchAndLearn #DEIB #Belonging #Storytelling #History #Dialogue

Title: Financial Wellness 101
Session Leader: First National Bank
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Tuesday, January 30
1:00-1:50 PM

A representative from First National Bank will present on Financial Wellness, which will address the importance of budgeting and how to create a budget, the importance of the credit score and how to build good credit, and the importance of starting to save early for retirement.

Title: Sustainability at Gustavus: Walking Tour
Session Leader: Kari Wallin
Location: Meet at 3 crowns room and depart from there
Tuesday, January 30
1:00-1:50 PM

Join the Sustainability Manager, Kari Wallin for a fun, interactive walking tour to learn about our sustainability initiatives behind the scenes! You'll get a chance to see some of our rooftop solar installations, learn about the new solar field coming soon, see our composting and waste systems in action, and learn about how students, staff and faculty can all get involved and inspire us to create a better, more sustainable future for our campus. Dress for the weather (including good walking shoes), and bring your ideas and questions!

Registration is limited to 30 participants. Click here to sign up!

Title: Beck Hall Tunnel Tour
Session Leader: Travis Jordan/Scott Reiten
Location: Meet at Beck Hall basement level (near the east elevator)
Tuesday, January 30
2:00-2:50 PM

Registration is limited to 10 participants. Click here to sign up!

Title: Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
Session Leader: GPD Committee
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Tuesday, January 30
3-3:50 PM

Create a team of 3-4 people and race to complete a 200-300 piece puzzle the quickest. Check out more details about this fun session here. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team!

A team captain should register here by January 12, 2024.

WEDNESDAY

Title: Critter Getters Service Project–No Sew Pet Bed
Session Leader: Sarah Arriaza
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Wednesday, January 31
9:00-9:50 AM

Minnesota Critter Getters is a volunteer based organization located in Henderson, MN. They act as a local animal control for areas of southern Minnesota (including but not limited to Belle Plaine, Jordan, New Prague, Le Sueur, Elko New Market, Montgomery and other smaller towns/townships within Le Sueur and Scott Counties). They work with local police departments, clinics and shelters to help foster found animals until they are claimed or adopted. This activity will consist of making No Sew Pet Beds. Fabric and fill will be provided. There will be a couple fabric scissors to use, but please bring your own if you have them.

Title: Employee Headshots
Session Leader: Marketing & Communication + GPD Committee
Location: Heritage Room
Wednesday, January 31
9:00-10:30 AM

Making a strong first impression is more important than ever. Don't underestimate the power of employee headshots – they play a crucial role in forming those initial perceptions.

Be Authentic: While professionalism is essential, your headshot should also capture your unique personality. A genuine smile or a confident expression can make your headshot more relatable and memorable.
Dress Appropriately: Your attire should align with your specialty and reflect your company’s image and values.

We encourage you to upload and use your new headshot on your employee page on the Gustavus website.

No sign-up necessary, just show up in the Heritage Room between 9-10:30am to get your picture taken.

Title: Bridging the Generational Divide: How to Foster a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Culture
Session Leader: Doug Thompson
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Wednesday, January 31
10:00-10:50 AM

How can we create a campus that embraces and celebrates the diversity of generations, from Baby Boomers to Generation Z? How can we foster learning and collaboration across different age groups, with their unique characteristics, preferences, and expectations? Join us for this interactive session, where you will explore the generational differences and similarities of students, faculty and staff. You will also discover effective strategies and best practices to bridge the generational gaps and leverage the strengths of each generation. By the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of how to create a diverse and inclusive campus community that supports the success of all.

Title: Posters, Postcards, Flyers... oh my!
Session Leader: Neely Prenzlow and Jenny Kurth
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Wednesday, January 31
11:00-11:50 AM

It can be a scary and daunting task when it comes to promoting and designing materials for your event, but you don’t have to do it alone, the Marketing Office’s design team is here to help you. Hear from the director of design services and senior graphic designer and how they can help you create visually appealing and effective promotional materials that aligns with the College’s brand guidelines.

Title: Archives Tour
Session Leader: Adrianna Darden
Location: Archives - Library Third Floor
Wednesday, January 31
1:00-1:50 PM

Title: Change Management Workshop 2.0
Session Leader: Kathi Tunheim and Jacque Christensen
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Wednesday, January 31
1-2:30 PM *Note: 1.5 hr. session

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with change or excited for change to occur? Regardless of how you may currently be feeling about change, it is inevitable. Yet, our brain's natural reaction to changes can lead to fear, fatigue, and stress. Come learn more about the change management cycle, where things can go wrong, and techniques to help you cope, adapt, and move forward productively. "Our very survival depends on our ability... to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant, and to face the challenge of change." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Title: Beck Hall Tunnel Tour
Session Leader: Travis Jordan/Scott Reiten
Location: Meet at Beck Hall basement level (near east elevator)
Wednesday, January 31
2:00-2:50 PM

Registration is limited to 10 participants. Click here to sign up!

Title: Spruce-Top Pots: A Winter Tree ID Make-and-Take
Session Leader: Scott Moeller and Sam Mendoza
Location: Interpretive Center (The Arb)
Wednesday, January 31
2:00-2:50 PM

Back by popular demand–Make a winter spruce top pot with the Arboretum staff using decorations collected from the grounds!

Registration is limited to 20 participants. Click here to sign up!

Title: Meditation for Well-being
Session Leader: Julie Gilbert
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Wednesday, January 31
3:00 - 3:30 PM *Note: 30-minute session

THURSDAY

Title: Digital Wellbeing in the Workplace
Session Leader: Charlie Potts
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Thursday, February 1
9:00-9:50 AM

Our phones have become an integral part of our lives. The need to be constantly connected can be exhausting and - just like our students - we need to think about the ways we balance our phone use with our physical and mental health, social relationships, and how we do our jobs. This session will focus on the basics of digital wellbeing, opportunities for discussion and idea-sharing, and provide practical tools to help you manage your relationship with your phone.

Title: The Basics of 3D Printing
Session Leader: Charles Niederriter
Location: Olin 220
Thursday, February 1st
10:00-10:50 AM

The basic concepts of 3D printing will be discussed with examples of CAD modeling, sculpting, processing, slicing, and printing given. Participants will create or find something of their own to print and will go through the entire process of printing them

Registration is limited to 20 participants. Click here to sign up!

Title: Three Simple Steps That Can Change Your Relationships, Your Work, and Your Life
Session Leader: Neal Hagberg
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Thursday, February 1st
11:00-11:50 AM

This works for a six-year-old child and a 90-year-old psychologist. A Mayo surgeon and an elementary school teacher. How do I know? I’ve seen it. It can work for a custodian, professor, dining service worker, coach, fundraiser, president. It is what has caused 70,000 campers to attend Tennis & Life Camps over the past 47 years and changed lives. It can address our grief, our joys, inequitable systems, our capacity to adapt, and our ability to imagine and create.

Come and learn three simple tools that can change your life for the better. Steve Wilkinson, TLC founder, former Gustavus Men’s Tennis Coach, and the winningest coach in college tennis history, created it. If all else fails, you will at least have spent 50 minutes with people who care to make the world, Gustavus, and their lives a little better.

Title: Event Planning on Campus
Session Leader: Barb Larson Taylor
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Thursday, February 1st
12:00-12:50 PM

Planning an event on campus? This session will provide you with the basics of event logistics and publicity. We will cover a general planning timeline and checklist and other event planning details like how to make requests for tech and chairs. In addition, you will receive some key publicity tips. Join us to hopefully get all your questions answered, especially if you are new to planning an event or uncertain about how it all works. Presented by Barb Larson Taylor, who has a long history of planning large and small events on campus.

Title: Canvas Art Painting
Session Leader: Karri Anderson
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Thursday, February 1
2:00-3:50 PM *Note: 1.5-2 hour session*

Did you know that painting promotes mental health and improves your overall quality of life: Join a fun and creative session led by our own Karri Anderson as we create a one-of-a-kind canvas painting. Space is limited, so sign up today for a spot. Thanks to the Book Mark for helping to create and organize this event.

Registration is limited to 30 participants. Click here to sign up!

FRIDAY

Title: RESPOND Training
Session Leader: Counseling Center Staff
Location: 3 Crowns Room
Friday, February 2
9am - 4pm (1 hour break for Lunch)

**All day training session** REGISTER HERE.

In today's shifting landscape of higher education, we have observed an increase in the frequency and severity of mental health concerns among our students. Collective traumas, including the pandemic and political turmoil in recent years, have made addressing student needs more complex than ever. The Gustavus Counseling Center recognizes the pressing need for campus employees to receive support in navigating student mental health issues. That's why we're offering RESPOND, a training program designed to equip Gustavus community members with vital tools for addressing mental health challenges through a trauma-informed approach.

In RESPOND, you'll learn to identify signs of mental health concerns among students, engage in empathetic conversations, express your concerns, and guide them towards campus resources for further support. The training also emphasizes self-care strategies for you to bolster your own emotional well-being and prevent burnout in responding to complex student needs. By participating in this training, you are fostering a campus culture of wellbeing and enhancing the Gustavus community's capacity to meet the evolving needs of today's students.
This 6-hour training is led by the Counseling Center staff and will take place on Friday, February 2 from 9 am - 4 pm in the JCC Three Crowns Room. There will be a one-hour lunch break from 12 - 1 pm, lunch is on your own. Refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is required. If you register, please plan to commit to the full training session as the content is cumulative and each topic covered builds upon the previous ones. If this offering doesn't work in your schedule and you are interested in being notified of future RESPOND offerings, email Aaron Geringer at ageringe@gustavus.edu.

We strive for neurodiversity inclusion, offering various fidget toys and coloring materials. Bring whatever you need to help you stay engaged throughout this training.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED GPD WEEK!! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!

Gustavus Professional Development WeekJanuary 8 & 9 | May 13 & 14

GPD Days 2025 Information Coming Soon!!

Mark your calendar now!!

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Gustavus Professional Development Week
_{January 8 & 9 | May 13 & 14}