Exploring Stanford -
Staff Development Seminar
Overview and Purpose
The Exploring Stanford Staff Development Seminar will provide 10 to 12 staff members from across the University with an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the University’s mission, operations and culture. Sponsored by the Provost, at the recommendation of the Diversity Cabinet, the purpose of the seminar is to identify and develop a diverse group of staff members who have demonstrated an interest in and potential for leadership roles at the University. The program seeks to broaden participant’s understanding of the University through discussions with key University leaders.
The Staff Development Seminar will meet for dinner one evening each month during the academic year. Meetings will include a featured "guest" from throughout the University who will focus on three areas:
- Sharing their own "story", including specific challenges they have faced in their careers and how they overcame these challenges;
- A description of the role their department or unit plays at the University and an account of the current challenges and opportunities faced by the department / unit;
- Typical career opportunities within their department / unit including the types of knowledge, skills, competencies and experiences needed to be successful.
Objectives and Outcomes:
- Better understand the goals and leadership of the University.
- Meet and network with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
- Learn from current leaders what their leadership journey has been and how they became successful.
- Learn about career paths and opportunities for advancement at the University.
Selection of Participants:
Nominations will be solicited from managers and supervisors who will submit recommendations to the Diversity & Access Office. A selection committee will identify the participants. Particular effort will be made to ensure diversity within each group of participants. Participants will be announced in July and begin in September. The Diversity & Access Office will manage the Exploring Stanford- Staff Development Seminar.
Profile of Participants:
- Demonstrated interest and potential for leadership;
- Minimum of one-year employment at Stanford;
- Currently in an exempt level position;
- Diverse background, experience, perspectives.
The 2009-2010 Staff Development Seminar commenced on October 2009. The class includes 13 participants selected from throughout the University.
Nominations for the 2010/2011 program will be solicited in May 2010.
If you have questions regarding the Seminar, please contact Rosa Gonzalez, rgonzalez@stanford.edu.