Loyola University Chicago

Division of Student Development

Professional Development

 

The Division of Student Development values professional development, as well as community building among staff members. A small committee (Jim Flavin, Shannon Howes, and Will Rodriguez) coordinate the Leadership Institute cohort program. For more information, please click here. The Professional Development Committee (PDC) is charged with providing all DSD staff with a variety of opportunities that support professional and personal growth, recognize achievements, and foster the development of collaborative relationships among staff.   

At the beginning of each semester, the PDC hosts a brief orientation to welcome new staff to the division, provide a brief training about the CURA Network, and share information about resources on-campus and beyond. Each academic year, the PDC coordinates four in-services. There are two half-day sessions at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters (during which new staff are welcomed), and shorter sessions part-way through each semester. DSD Staff are expected to attend these sessions.  

Additional “Magis at Work” professional development workshops will be offered on a range of topics throughout the year as well. Staff attendance is encouraged. Topics have included self-care, courageous leadership, and creative programming strategies. Magis at Work programs sometimes take place in-person and sometimes through Zoom. Formats may include (but not be limited to) a book discussion, lecture with activities, a facilitated discussion.  

At the end of the fall semester, the PDC hosts a holiday party for the division. In May, the annual DSD Awards and Recognition Celebration involves:  

  • The celebration of milestone anniversaries of work in DSD, 

  • The recognition of staff who earned degrees and/or completed certificate programs in that academic year, and 

  • the presentation of DSD awards 

To enhance relationship-building across units in the division, the PDC plans receptions to directly follow the August and January in-services, casual summer gatherings, and more.  

If you have feedback to share with the PDC, please complete evaluations after each in-service, and/or reach out to PDC co-chairs Shannon Howes, and Jae Joseph. Staff who are interested in joining the PDC should reach out to the co-chairs. The current members of the PDC are listed below: 

  • Shannon Howes – Co-Chair (Office of the Vice President of DSD) 

  • Jae Joseph – Co-Chair (Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution) 

  • Ron Alexander (Office of the Dean of Students) 

  • Emmi Infante (Residence Life) 

  • Thomas Mannion (Residence Life) 

  • Morgan Ransom (Center for Black Student Excellence) 

  • MacKenzie Rotherham (Graduate, Professional, & Adult Student Life)