Personal Development

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Explore personal development through our workshop series, Education Advancement Community, and online learning platforms. 

Personal Development Workshop Series

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Join us each month for educational and inspirational speaker sessions designed to explore, enhance, and elevate Extension staff in all areas of personal development. From taking care of our physical and mental wellness to gaining education to enhance our careers, we offer something for everyone!

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Chair Yoga & Meditation

July 11 through December 19, 2024 | 10 to 11 a.m.

Join Christine Janak on Thursdays for a mid-morning break to relax and refresh your body and mind! 

These revitalizing chair yoga sessions will begin with a calming breathing exercise followed by gentle to moderate yoga poses and stretches to bring relief to your neck, shoulders, back, and hips. Each session will close with a brief guided mindfulness meditation to relieve stress and focus your mind for whatever lies ahead in your day. 

Yoga experience is not required, and modifications will be offered along the way so you can participate at your desired level of intensity. Feel free to participate as much or as little as you like. 

  • No special clothing or equipment required; however, if you have access, you may be more comfortable in stretchy pants and a shirt that is fitted or tuckable, so it won’t go over your head if you bend over. 
  • A straight-backed chair with no wheels and no armrests is ideal, but not required. Whatever kind of chair you have access to will be fine. 
  • You can participate with your camera on or off – your choice.

Sessions will take place via Zoom every Thursday* through the end of the year from 10 to 10:50 am. Recordings will be made available to registered participants after the sessions. 

If you have any injuries or mobility issues, check with your doctor first to make sure you are cleared for this type of activity. 

*There will be no sessions on 7/25, 8/29, or 11/28.

Register

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Conflict Management

September 9, 2024 | 10-11 a.m.

Join Dr. Sudeep Sharma, associate professor in the Management, Marketing and Operations program for our next Personal Development Series session, Conflict Management. In this session, participants will discuss critical skills for navigating difficult conversations with direct reports, colleagues or supervisors, especially when emotions run high and positive outcomes are essential.

Register

Professional Development

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Extension 2040
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Support a successful and sustainable Extension.

In today's rapidly evolving organizational landscape, adaptability is the cornerstone of organizational success. This four-part webinar series for Extension staff focuses on forces of change – technology, demographics, societal shifts, and climate – that will affect organizations between now and 2040. Learn how these forces will impact clients’ needs and expectations and how the workplace and workforce will need to adapt to thrive. Gain essential knowledge and strategies to thrive amidst transformative workforce changes and shifting client preferences.

Program Hosts

  • Amanda Cole, Assistant Director for Strategy, Planning and Implementation.
  • Elisha Hughes, Professional and Training Development Associate, Workforce Development.
  • Bobbie Lewis Sibley, Strategy, Planning and Implementation Outreach Associate.

For more information, please visit the MarCom page.

MarCom

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July 25, 1PM-2PM, Extension 2040: New Developments in Technology  

Presenters: James Hazzard, Director, IT and the Illinois Extension Information Technology Team

Register 

August 22, 1PM-2PM, Extension 2040: Impacts of Climate Change

Presenters: Dr. Shiba ‘Shibu’ Kar, Assistant Dean and members of the Natural Resources Energy Education Team

Register

September 26, 1PM-2PM, Extension 2040: Changing Demographics in Illinois  

Presenter: Zach Kennedy, Extension State Specialist, Community and Economic Development

Register

October 24, 1PM-2PM, Extension 2040: Cultural Shifts Impacting Extension 

Presenters: Nell Madigan, Associate Dean, School of Labor & Employee Relations, Ingrid Fulmer, Former Dean, School of Labor & Employee Relations

Register

 

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Education and Career Advancement

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Extension employees can access many education and career advancement benefits including tuition waivers, graduate certificates, non-credit courses, and more.

Education Advancement Community

Would you like to be part of an online community of Extension staff who connect with colleagues,share  experiences and advice, and access resources and support, while using the Employee Tuition Waiver?

We're here to help.