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William Paterson University’s Summer Learning and Development Program has received the 2021 HR Innovation Award from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR).
The HR Innovation Award recognizes innovative thinking in higher education human resources, especially models that can be adapted for use on other campuses. In recognition of the award, CUPA-HR is making a $5,000 contribution to the University.
William Paterson launched the Summer Learning and Development Program in summer 2019 in response to employee requests for a more inclusive program that made it easier for them to set aside time to participate. The new program set aside one morning each week for 6 to 8 weeks during the summer specifically for development. During that time, daily business at the University was closed so that all 600 non-faculty employees could attend various workshops based on their interests and developmental needs. Workshops were structured with specific competencies to help drive organizational cultural change, including required bias workshops.
The program was supported by University President Richard Helldobler, who articulated and supported the program’s overarching themes and funding needs; managers, who committed to participating and dedicated time for their departments to participate; and employees, who volunteered not only to participate, but also to facilitate some of the workshops.
Each year, the Summer Learning and Development Program has grown better and more streamlined, even during the pandemic. Outcomes of the program to date have included significant progress toward the University’s cultural change process and a pilot employee mentorship program. Participants have been enthusiastic and report that they have been able to immediately use what they have learned in their personal and professional lives.
CUPA-HR serves higher education by providing the knowledge, resources, advocacy and connections to achieve organizational and workforce excellence. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, the organization serves more than 33,000 HR professionals and other campus leaders at nearly 2,000 member institutions and organizations around the country and abroad. The association offers learning and professional development programs, higher education salary and benefits data, extensive online resources, and just-in-time regulatory and legislative information.
Photo caption: Left to right: Allison Boucher-Jarvis, vice president, human resources; David Jones, chief diversity officer and director, talent management; Tony Krucinski, department coordinator, instruction and research technology; Annette Baron, talent acquisition and performance management; Amanda Oleski, senior administrative assistant to the president; and President Richard Helldobler. Not pictured: Myrna Torres, personnel assistant
