Strengthen the Ship: Building a Stronger Team Together
Enhance your professional skills with our six-part staff development series designed exclusively for Shippensburg University staff. This series covers essential topics to boost your workplace effectiveness and personal growth. Each session focuses on a different transferable or digital skill.
Participants will receive a ticket for free breakfast at Reisner Dining Hall the day of the session. They will also receive a certificate after each session they attend. Those who attend at least four out of the six sessions will earn a Certificate of Completion, a Digital Badge, and a special gift to showcase their commitment to professional development.
All sessions are located in the Faculty Dining Room, Reisner 107
September 10 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Leveraging AI – An Exploration and Overview
This session will provide a general overview of AI and include a hands-on exploration of AI tools useful for productivity and daily tasks. Bring your laptop!
Speaker: Dr. Christine A. Royce
Dr. Christine Anne Royce is a Professor in the Teacher Education Department. Her background and expertise includes instructional design and technology. Currently, she writes a blog for her professional association on the use of AI.
October 2 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
What Color is Your Personality?
Are you blue, green, yellow, or red, or a mixture of all four? Learn what makes you tick and how you might drive another crazy without even trying and why. This presentation is great fun for small to medium size groups. A brief preference test is administered and then the results are discussed in an open forum.
Speaker: Sara Songy, RN | UPMC Cares Coordinator
Sara Songy is a graduate of the former Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
After 26 years of service as an Officer in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, where she served during the Vietnam and Gulf Wars, Sara retired. She later retired from Capital Blue Cross, where she was the Director of Claims and Customer Service.
In 2020, Sara came out of retirement to support UPMC part-time during the COVID-19 pandemic. She currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator for the CARES and Community Wellness Team.
November 5 | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
First Steps with Conflict Resolution: Handling Peer and Customer Challenges
In this interactive workshop, participants will learn practical tools to approach conflict with clarity, calm, and collaboration. “Conscious Conflict Resolution” focuses on three key components essential for de-escalating conflict and finding effective solutions.
- Nervous System Regulation: Understand how conflict triggers the body’s autonomic response and how to implement techniques to regain control, fostering a calm, conscious mindset for more productive conflict resolution.
- Creating Trust: Learn how to build trust through active listening, uncovering hidden needs, and asking strategic questions, which help both parties feel heard and open to resolution.
- Collaborative Action Plans: Discover how to gain buy-in from both sides, ensuring that each party feels invested in the outcome. By fostering trust and collaboration, participants will leave with actionable strategies to create solutions that satisfy all involved.
This session is designed to provide attendees with the tools they need to resolve conflicts consciously, effectively, and with greater mutual understanding.
Speaker: Tarryne West | Founder and Lead Coach, Change One Woman
With nearly 15 years of professional coaching and consulting experience, specializing in empowering mission-driven women to create personal and professional success. Tarryne draws insights from diverse modalities, from psychology to neurobiology to help women become the most extraordinary version of themselves.
February 5 | 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Getting Started with Microsoft Teams
Learn the basics of how Microsoft Teams can enhance communication and collaboration in the workplace. This session will cover an introduction of the Teams apps, with a focus on the current adoption of Teams at Shippensburg University.
- Accessing Microsoft Teams
- Communicating with coworkers and groups
- Sharing files and content
- Introduction to calling and Teams meetings
- Creating, managing, and participating in teams and channels
- Interacting with other Microsoft 365/Office applications
Feel free to bring a laptop if you’d like to follow along!
Speaker: Jamie Rhine | Director, Technology Support Services at Shippensburg University
Jamie has been a member of the IT staff at Shippensburg University for nearly 20 years, beginning his career as a student employee in the department. He leads the department’s help desk services, desktop and user support initiatives, and the Media Services office. Jamie earned both BSBA and MBA degrees from the John L. Grove College of Business at Ship, and is heavily invested in the Ship community!
March 6 | 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
The Art of Politeness: Emailing with Success
In today’s fast-paced digital environment, effective communication is vitally important. Join us Thursday morning on March 6th for an engaging session focused on the nuances of politeness in email correspondence with coworkers. This workshop will explore principles of respectful and professional communication. It will emphasize how thoughtful language can improve digital correspondence, collaboration, and a positive workplace atmosphere. Participants will learn practical tips for crafting courteous emails, understanding tone, and navigating sensitive topics with grace. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the workforce, this session will equip you with essential skills to elevate your email etiquette and strengthen your professional relationships. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your communication style and contribute to a more respectful and productive university community!
Speaker: Dr. Colin Campbell | Frederick Douglass Institute Communications Teaching Fellow
Colin H. Campbell, PhD, is a professor, journalist, author, technologist, and Afrofuturist in the Washington, DC, metro area. He is currently a Frederick Douglass Institute Teaching Fellow at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania where he is completing his second year. Dr. Campbell’s research examines mass media effects involving journalism and artificial intelligence (AI) while encouraging the need for increased ethical AI vigilance. Dr. Campbell’s latest book, ‘Automated Journalism at the Intersection of Politics and Black Culture: The Battle Against Digital Hegemony,’ takes a critical look at the role and consequences of media produced by AI. Dr. Campbell’s research qualified him to be inducted into Yale University’s Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society in May 2020. Dr. Campbell is a former president of the Maryland Communication Association (MCA) and the current president of the Capital Press Club (CPC). He is also the creator of PanAfricanReport.com, an online digital news aggregator highlighting Black diaspora news and its connections to US polisocioeconomic culture.
April 3 | 8:30 AM -9:30 AM
Networking Like a Pro: Strategies for Building Meaningful RelationSHIPs
Speakers:
Hayley Anderson | Director of Communications and Outreach, Shippensburg University
Lorelee Isbell | Vice President of Strategic Workforce Development, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Hayley Anderson is an accomplished and forward-thinking young leader dedicated to leveraging technology, creativity, and psychology to enhance the lives of others. With a rich background in career development, digital marketing, and leadership roles, she brings a proven track record of driving innovative and impactful outcomes. Hayley’s experience spans from freelance web design/management and career services, to currently serving as the Director of Communications & Outreach for the Center for Career and Workforce Development at Shippensburg University.
When Hayley is not working, you can see her seeing live music or spending time with her friends, family, and beloved Goldendoodle, Oliver.
Lorelee Isbell is the Vice President of Strategic Workforce Development at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. In this executive role, Lorelee provides visionary leadership to advance the university’s workforce development initiatives, forge impactful industry partnerships, and create innovative programs that address regional and national workforce needs. She is dedicated to aligning education with evolving labor market demands, fostering strategic collaborations with employers, and driving economic growth through the development of skilled and adaptable talent.
With extensive experience in higher education leadership, Lorelee excels in creating pathways that prepare students for successful careers while strengthening connections between academia and industry. She is passionate about designing workforce solutions that enhance career readiness, support upskilling and reskilling initiatives, and contribute to the vitality of the communities Harrisburg University serves.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Lorelee is actively engaged in leadership and service within her community. She has held key positions with organizations such as Leadership Harrisburg Area, South Central PA Works, and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. She also serves on the board of directors for Community Carepoint, demonstrating her commitment to fostering positive change at both the individual and systemic levels.
Lorelee earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Messiah College and her master’s degree in organizational development and leadership from Shippensburg University.
April 7 | 2 PM – 4 PM
Networking Reception and Completion Ceremony
*This event will take place in Stewart Hall
