University of Nebraska - Lincoln
EN-9: Staff Professional Development and Training

In order to help realize the goals of UNL’s N2025 Strategic Plan, the first ever UNL All-Staff Conference was held in May 2021. The All-Staff Conference aligns with the aim: "Prioritize participation and professional development for all Nebraska students, staff, and faculty." Professional development opportunities integrating inclusive excellence and fostering a culture of participative decision-making enhances the richness of the university experience. The comprehensive approach to professional development results in a vibrant and supportive climate characterized by excellence in all mission areas of our institution. Meaningful and impactful professional development for all reinforces that every person and every interaction matters. The inaugural 2021 conference was focused on empowerment and many of the 2021 conference sessions focused on community building, successfully communicating and adapting to change, increasing well-being, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The 2022 conference, held on May 24-25th, focused on the theme of “UNL Connects: Powering Development and Innovation”. During the 2022 conference, UNL Office of Sustainability staff engaged conference attendees in two specific focus areas: 1) developing a comprehensive and efficient recycling operation at UNL and 2) sustainability at UNL. The first interactive presentation focused on recent steps UNL has taken aimed at the development of a comprehensive and efficient recycling operation at UNL, and how these efforts impact and connect the entire UNL community. Participants gained an understanding of the Recycling Pilot Project (now the All in the Hall Recycling Program) currently operating on campus including its history and design, primary components, data and metrics gathered, and next steps regarding phased implementation across campus. Participants engaged in developing as a person, professional, and within their University community through a focus on how they can individually contribute to sustainability by practicing positive waste management behaviors including tips and strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle right at UNL. Through casual conversation and information sharing during the solution showcase session focused on sustainability at UNL, attendees learned about opportunities to engage in sustainability initiatives at UNL. In the second presentation, UNL’s Office of Sustainability (OS) provided an overview of recent sustainability accomplishments and accolades, current efforts, and future priorities. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with OS staff to learn about how they can personally integrate sustainability behaviors into their campus life, helping to develop them as a person, professional, and member of the UNL community.

In the Fall of 2022, UNL participated in AASHE’s annual Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education as a host institution, for the second year. This sponsorship helped engage a larger number of UNL community members in sustainability-focused professional development, as participation in the program was offered to 100 UNL community members.

UNL is also a member of the Global Council for Science and the Environment, which provides several opportunities for UNL community members to engage in sustainability-focused professional development opportunities, trainings, and other programs. A sample of GCSE offerings through membership include Sustainability Education and Educators for Energy Transformation Communities of Practice, EnvironMentors science education program, and other learning collaboratives focused on connecting with fellow leaders in the environment, sustainability, and science fields, cultivating research collaborations, and engaging in science-based decision making. https://www.gcseglobal.org/explore-our-programs