Employee Learning and Development

Overview

Develop and implement a structured employee training and professional development program for both new and current managers and supervisors, supporting the successful execution of the university’s strategic plan. By intentionally aligning workforce capabilities with institutional priorities, the program strengthens leadership effectiveness, enhances workplace performance, and fosters organizational adaptability. This alignment ensures that leaders are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to drive institutional effectiveness, support a high-performing culture, and respond proactively to evolving challenges and opportunities.

The framework for this program will be:

IUP 101 (New Employee Orientation)

Develop and deliver a comprehensive New Employee Orientation program that immerses new faculty and staff in the university’s mission, values, culture, policies, and expectations while providing the resources, knowledge, and connections necessary for a successful transition and long-term success. The program will foster engagement, promote institutional awareness, accelerate time-to-productivity, and strengthen employee retention.

Job Skills Training

Develop and deliver comprehensive job skills training programs that equip employees with the technical knowledge, professional competencies, and practical skills necessary to perform effectively in their current roles and prepare for future career opportunities. Training initiatives will support employee success, enhance productivity, promote continuous learning, and align workforce capabilities with the university’s strategic objectives.

Management Skills Training

Design, implement, and sustain a comprehensive management skills training program that equips supervisors and managers with the knowledge, tools, and competencies necessary to effectively lead teams, manage performance, communicate expectations, resolve conflicts, support employee development, and advance organizational goals. The program will promote consistent management practices, strengthen leadership effectiveness, and foster a positive and productive workplace culture.

Executive Development Program

Design and implement a comprehensive Executive Development Program that prepares current and emerging senior leaders to effectively address complex organizational challenges, drive strategic initiatives, foster innovation, and advance the university's mission and long-term goals. The program will strengthen executive leadership capabilities, enhance organizational effectiveness, and build a sustainable leadership pipeline.

Progress Report: July – September 2026

The Employee Learning and Development priority has moved from planning into early implementation, with progress focused on establishing the framework for a comprehensive approach to employee growth and leadership development at IUP. In August, the university launched Crimson Welcome, an expanded onboarding experience designed to support new employees as they transition into and become part of the IUP community. The priority team has organized its work around four areas: new employee orientation, job skills training, management development, and executive development. Initial milestones are being reviewed and refined to guide the work ahead, while staffing plans are being developed to support the university’s long-term training and development needs. Together, these efforts are creating the structure needed to provide more consistent learning opportunities, strengthen leadership capacity, and support employee success across the university.

Next Quarter

• Continue implementation and refinement of IUP 101 and fall employee training opportunities.
• Advance the framework and milestones for job skills, management, and executive development.
• Continue developing staffing plans and identifying the resources needed to support the program over the long term.

Leadership Attention

Program Capacity and Planning: As implementation advances, the team is evaluating the staffing and resources needed to support and sustain employee learning and development over the long term.

Team Members

• Lindsey McNickle, chair
• Jennifer Dunsmore
• Rachel DeSoto-Jackson
• Steve Markiewicz
• Richard Muth
• Molly Russell
• Anna Shively
• Paula Stossel