Staff development

The University's Strategic Plan is clear about the integral role staff play in meeting the challenges of advancing USC’s institutional capability and capacity. To ensure staff have the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their work, the University is committed to investing in a comprehensive range of staff development programs and activities.

Human Resources uses your PPR goals forms, which include a section for you to advise us about the development/training needs you have identified through PPR, to ascertain priorities and develop new programs.

To register your interest or enquire about current or new staff development opportunities, email staffdevt@usc.edu.au

Staff development calendar

A range of activities in many key areas is offered through the calendar – PPR Supervisor; Recruitment, Selection and Appointment; Supervisor Essentials; Servicing a University Committee (including minute-taking); Writing a position description. Over the last couple of years, we’ve added several leadership and management skills development programs for team leaders and those aspiring to apply for leadership positions in the future.

Academic leadership initiatives

Human Resources collaborates with the Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching (C-SALT) to offer programs that enable our academic staff to further develop their leadership skills and provide opportunities for them to work with visiting academics who are world leaders in learning and teaching. From 2013, we also hope to work with the Office of Research to advertise research training opportunities that are relevant to staff and undertake initiatives that further define research roles and develop research capability.

Leadership development workshops

Middle managers have been identified as a group to invest in as they can deal with the day-to-day management of staff, other significant resources and initiatives and can make a real difference to the success of the University. Through the Middle Managers Forums, a suite of complementary programs that focus on effective management and leadership, is offered.

For example, in 2012, we developed the “Conversation Series”. Again, with experienced and talented external consultants, middle and senior managers participated in two full-day workshops – Challenging Conversations and Coaching Conversations – that focussed on practising some of the skills needed to lead and manage staff effectively. In 2013, we will further develop the “Conversation Series” and offer two more “C” conversations workshops.

Professional Development Program (PDP)

PDP provides opportunities for staff to broaden their experience and further develop their scholarship, teaching and research skills and professional knowledge by working collaboratively and in a sustained manner with scholars, teachers, researchers and professionals outside the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). Through PDP, staff are able to undertake a significant project that is not normally available through other means within the University. A key component of PDP is being exposed to and immersing staff in a different organisation for a sustained period of time.

In 2013, we plan to call for applications in early June.

Sessional staff development and induction Days

From 2013, induction to the University for sessional staff will be available online.

The Sessional Staff Development Day, which focuses on Learning and Teaching, is held early in each semester and coordinated through C-SALT. The aims of the program are to:

  • Encourage and support effective learning and teaching practices
  • Foster commitment to the University’s programs and courses
  • Recognise the contribution of sessional staff.

The semester one program in 2013 is to be held on Saturday, 16 March.

Online PPR training

All ongoing and fixed-term staff are required to participate in PPR (Performance Planning & Review) training prior to participating in their first formal PPR discussion to ensure they understand the principles, purposes and practice of PPR at the University.

PPR training is available on the Portal in the Staff – Human Resources organisation.

New PPR supervisors need to attend PPR supervisor training before they have their first formal PPR discussion with their staff. Others who have not yet had the opportunity to attend the training or want to refresh their PPR supervision skills are also welcome to attend. Four sessions are held each year – in February and early-March and in September and October, as all formal PPR discussions need to take place between 1 October and 31 March to develop PPR goals for the latter year. Monitoring participation in PPR is undertaken in early April.

Online induction for new staff

Online induction helps familarise you with your new employer. It also outlines the University's strategic goals, provides information about how the University operates and how it fits together, and indicates our future directions. This training will help answer questions you may have concerning conditions of employment, information about your work environment and resources available to you during your initial and ongoing employment.

Online induction is available on the Portal in the Staff – Human Resources organisation.