Purpose: The purpose of the Staff Fellows Program is to make KU a stronger institution by providing opportunities for selected staff to take part in a structured program of professional development that includes skill and leadership development, the opportunity to gain broader knowledge of the University of Kansas, and the completion of an individual or group project that benefits the university.
Description: The Staff Fellows Program is coordinated by the Office of the Provost. KU has a wealth of talent within its staff ranks; however, few staff members have the luxury of availing themselves of national professional development experiences because of distance and cost.
To assist university staff in their professional development, the Office of the Provost and an Advisory Committee have developed a Staff Fellows Program modeled after the successful Faculty Senior Administrative Fellows program. This program allows selected staff the opportunity to explore higher education administration during regular work hours.
A group of 8-10 staff fellows who have been employed by KU for two or more years will be selected from applications to work together for approximately six hours per month during the academic year. A portion of the time will be spent exploring various aspects of the larger administrative structure at KU. A large part of the program will be devoted to working in a group setting on individual or group projects of interest. There is no stipend for this experience, and the applicant’s supervisor will be asked to make a recommendation for participation and to allow release time to participate. This program is primarily for professional development. There is no expectation that Staff Fellows will be given preference in job searches at KU.
You can expect:
Time spent with senior administrators at KU exploring the nature of the work they do and the challenges they face;
Twice-monthly meetings designed to give a general overview of the major units of the university and to increase skills necessary for leadership and team building;
Discussions on topics of leadership, the future of higher education, and public policy;
Time to work on an individual or group project to benefit KU;
Opportunity to work on a team with your peers to discuss in a confidential setting the challenges and opportunities of staff work. This team will also assist you in completing your project; and
An opportunity to share your expertise with the cohort of fellows.
Who is eligible: Application to this program is open to staff members who have been at KU for at least two years and who, with the support of their supervisor, would like to examine a particular area of interest in higher education administration through a group or individual project. Both Regular Unclassified Professional Staff and University Support Staff are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Benefits to the staff applicant:
A deeper connection to and understanding of the broader KU community;
Structured professional development that enhances one’s resume;
An opportunity to serve the University of Kansas; and
Assistance with individual or group projects initiated during the year by an advisory board and a cohort of peers.
Benefits to the staff’s home unit:
The development of a staff member who will have a broader understanding of how the university works;
Possible retention or re-invigoration of an excellent staff member who has hit a plateau in engagement; and
University assistance with a special project that will benefit the KU.
Benefits to the University of Kansas:
Part of the vitality of the University of Kansas is its size and the diversity of units. The difficulty is that individual staff can be isolated by their work loads and activities. Helping staff feel more connected to the larger university fosters cooperation and cohesiveness between units.
Many staff want to “make a difference” where they work. This program gives staff opportunities to make enhancements to their units and build stronger relationships which can result in retention of quality staff.
The program gives a way to recognize, nurture, and support excellent staff.
The ideal application for the program will possess:
A history of exceptional work at the University of Kansas, as documented by a supervisor’s letter of endorsement addressing the candidate’s potential for leadership;
The ability to work collaboratively with a cohort of other fellows in a seminar style of learning;
Innovative ideas that impact KU’s future;
Enthusiasm for the larger mission of KU and desire to engage in that mission; and
The ability to commit to a three-hour time block, twice per month.
2008-2009 Advisory Committee for the Staff Fellow’s Program:
Kathleen Ames-Oliver, Professional and Organizational Effectiveness Manager, Human Resources and Equal Opportunity
Claudia Bode, Education, Outreach and Diversity Programs Coordinator, Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis
Linda Dixon, Associate Program Director, Academic Achievement and Access Center
Emily Eichler, Administrative Associate Senior, Office of the Provost
Ola Faucher, Director, Human Resources and Equal Opportunity
Linda Luckey, Assistant to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Curtis Marsh, Program Director, KU Info
Susan Mercer, Associate Director, Institute for Policy & Social Research
Erin Spiridigliozzi, Assistant Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Jenny Mehmedovic, Assistant to the Provost, Office of the Provost
Email Page
Print Page