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March 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR:


Professional Staff Council is Feeding Tomorrows with our annual “March Against Student Hunger” campaign. Drop your non-perishable food and toiletry items at one of the donation boxes across campus and help us stock the student food pantries! Read on for a detailed list of wish list items and box locations.
 
It’s also award season at UToledo, so please consider nominating your colleagues for some well-deserved recognition. Watch for these award nominations to open this month:
Finally, please remind students that the PSA Scholarship Application deadline is this month: Friday, March 20, at 5 p.m. This includes recommendation forms, so please be sure to complete those as you receive them.

In the meantime, we hope to see you at our upcoming professional development events and the annual member meeting in May. Read on in this issue to learn more!
 
Think Spring and Go Rockets!
Melissa Gleckler
Feeding Tomorrows:
‘March Against Student Hunger’ Food Drive

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS: 

Health Science Campus: 
Four Seasons Bistro

Main Campus: 
Rocket Hall
   between Java City and
   UToledo Online

Stranahan Hall 
   lobby near the stairs

Or donate directly to the Food Pantry, which can also accept perishables: 
Student Union 2504
419.530.2171

Food Pantry Website 
utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/
food-pantry/

NON-PERISHABLE
ITEMS NEEDED:

  • Ramen Noodles
  • Pasta
  • Pasta Sauces
  • Snacks(e.g. chips, fruit snacks)
  • Cereals
  • Granola Bars
  • Toaster Pastries(Pop-Tarts)
  • Microwaveable
    or Quick-fix Meals

    (for students who do not have stoves)
  • Bottled Water
  • Drinks/Juice Boxes
  • Toiletries and Feminine Products
Look for boxes like these!
Professional Staff Development Series: 
Critical Conversations sessions held in February
Photo of staff at Professional Development series on Critical Conversations.
Our Professional Development Event in February focused on "Critical Conversations: Effective Workplace Communication" with Terrie Kovacs, Director of Human Resources Academics & Talent.
 
Without effective workplace communication, conflicts arise, gossip ensues, and performance deteriorates. The ability to clearly communicate is imperative. It is so important to always set clear expectations. Employees who know what is expected of them are productive and engaged with the institution. Effective communication enhances interpersonal relationships, builds trust and teamwork, prevents costly mistakes, motivates and gets things done. Open, effective communication, as well as clear channels for feedback optimizes the opportunity for discussion rather than avoiding conversations.

Terrie mentioned that Team Charter is available through HR for team building. The Department can call to schedule this. The Manager and Supervisor training will also be posted soon. 
 
Terrie continued to stress that all must communicate what is expected with realistic deadline dates, not being too brief in the description, and not assuming that they “got it” or understood what you were wanting. Allow them time to describe back to you what they think you want because what you described may not have been clearly communicated.
 
There were also great conversations around providing departments resources or links in regard to staff strengths/personality assessments which will aid in managerial approaches to their staff. She mentioned the predictive index as a great tool but not yet available for managers here at UToledo through HR. 
 
Thank you again Terrie, this was great information and a wonderful opportunity. We hope to have again in the future.
Download the presentation (PDF)
Leadership is the focus for March Professional Staff Development series session
Sandra Bishop from IMPACT Solutions will discuss Leadership on Tuesday, March 24, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Student Union, Room 2592.

To manage or lead? Do you want to manage the people who report to you or lead them? Since leadership can be learned, this workshop presents values and behaviors that help develop good leadership skills. It also debunks some myths concerning leadership. We'll discuss:
  • Leadership competencies
  • Leadership myths
  • Common leadership traps
  • Tips for effective leadership
Register for the session
Future Professional Development Events

Negotiation with David Rust
from IMPACT Solutions

Wednesday, April 8th
3 - 4 p.m.
Student Union 2592

Ideas for Professional Development

We're looking for ideas for the 2020-2021 school year!
Email PSAEvents@Utoledo.edu with Professional Development
topics you're interested in.

Visit our Professional Development page for more information
PSA Scholarship application closing March 20
Scholarship applications for the 2020-21 academic year must be completed using the online scholarship application form no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020

Please encourage all qualified students to apply for this non-college specific scholarship, which can be used to fund tuition, fees, books, or other educational expenses, and let them know they can list you as their recommender!

Recommendation forms are also due by March 20. 
Learn more about the PSA Scholarship
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Persistence
Women's History Month artwork with theme Celebrating Persistence, March 1-31.
The University is paying tribute to Women's History Month with this year's theme, "Celebrating Persistence." Read more in UToledo News.
Find more events
Rocket your Way Virtual 5K Race set for April 15
Join the UToledo community on April 15, 2020, for the launch of a new tradition to celebrate all forms of physical activity and goal achievement by taking part in the Rocket your Way Virtual 5K Race.

A virtual 5K is a race that can be run, walked, wheeled, or any other method to achieve 3.1 miles from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on the treadmill at the gym or on the track. You get to complete your own race, at your own pace.

The Rocket your Way Virtual 5K race will take place on April 15; you can complete the 3.1 miles anytime and anywhere in order to participate.

Submit proof of completion of the virtual 5K race by April 17, 2020 to add your name to a list of finishers that will be published for the UToledo community to celebrate and earn a finisher medal!

Race Day Groups will be meeting across UToledo to assist you in achieving your 5K goal. Please check back closer to the race for a complete listing of all Race Day Groups.
Learn more
Save the Date: PSA Annual Meeting
Please save the date for the Professional Staff Council Annual Meeting: Tuesday, May 19, 2020, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in Health Education Building, Room 100, on Health Science Campus.
Save to your calendar (.ics file)
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

Mary Youngs

Director of Student Affairs
College of Medicine and Life Sciences

How long have you been a Rocket and in what capacity?

I have been a rocket since 2013. I began my time here as a Success Coach on Main Campus. In 2016, I took the position of Assistant Director of Student Affairs for the College of Medicine and Life Sciences on the Health Science Campus, and in July 2019, I started my current role as Director of Students Affairs for the College of Medicine and Life Sciences.
 

How would you describe your job?

In my role, I oversee career advising programming for the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. I also get to work one-on-one with medical students to discuss their career goals, hold CV reviews, and interpret career advising assessments.
 

What distinguishes UToledo from other workplaces?

I enjoy walking on campus during the warmer months, and taking in the scenery. I feel fortunate to have two beautiful campuses to enjoy.
 

What resources from UToledo are your “must-haves” to perform your job?

The best resource staff at UToledo have is each other. I am constantly learning from my colleagues, and have formed some wonderful friendships during my time at UToledo, both on Main Campus and on Health Science Campus.
 

What is your favorite thing about UToledo?

My favorite thing about UToledo would have to be the encouragement I have received along the way to grow professionally. I have taken part in several professional development programs offered by UToledo that I probably would not have had access to had I chosen another institution.
 

Can you tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know or would be surprised to learn?

I have two Dachshunds that are the loves of my life (next to my husband and daughter).
Want to be in the Spotlight, or know someone who should?
Nominate yourself or a colleague for a Spotlight feature
in an upcoming newsletter with our web nomination form.


The Professional Staff Association (PSA) of The University of Toledo consists of all classified exempt, classified salaried, and unclassified administrative and professional employees who do not belong to a bargaining unit and do not have faculty rank. The group of approximately 1,200 employees
was officially recognized by the University in 1992.

The Professional Staff Council (PSC) is the elected body that represents PSA to the administration on topics such as the past PSA compensation study, changes in health benefits, assisting with the Outstanding Staff Awards and other various issues.

Please contact PSC with any questions, concerns and ideas.
There is also an anonymous feedback form.
PSA Committees
Website
Email
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