Organizational Development, Equity, and Health

Organizational Learning and Effectiveness (OLE) is pleased to welcome the newest member of our team, Training and Development Specialist – Jim Boyes. Jim worked at the University of Alberta within the Faculty of Extension between 2001 and 2008. His first role was within Academic Technologies for Learning (ATL), then moved on to the role of Facilities and IT Manager, and finally worked directing the efforts of a group responsible for curriculum development and instructor support. Most recently Jim managed one of Canada's largest timeshare resorts located in Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. His role was largely responsible for guest services and communications to an ownership group of approximately 12,000 lease holders. Sounds like pretty nice digs, so why come back to the U of A? We talked to Jim to find out more: OLE : What made you decide to come to/return to the university? JIM : I missed the academic environment with all its complexities and challenges. I also missed family and fri

The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) provides eligible support staff with funding for professional development courses. Oversight of the Fund is carried out by the Learning and Development Committee (HRDF Committee). The goal of the HRDF Committee is to increase access to learning and development opportunities and maximize the use of the Fund. To this end, the committee made recommendations to redirect additional dollars towards job enhancement opportunities. Negotiations resulted in agreements that altered several articles about HRDF. The full $400,000 fund remains available to eligible staff at a maximum individual reimbursement level of $750/fiscal year. Two changes made to the administrative processes of HRDF were: Funding allocation The wellness portion of the HRDF has been detached, enabling an additional $50,000 to be used towards job enhancement learning activities. The Lifestyle & Wellness Account for benefited employees on January 1, 2013, will provide acces

The purpose of Workplace Learning (WL) is to provide faculty and staff members with learning opportunities to enhance their skills and perform their work effectively. The Workplace Learning Workshops consist of courses and events that are open to all Support Staff, Faculty, and other Academics. Workplace Learning workshops are typically: short, free, diverse, tailored to U of A environment, and provide employees with the opportunity to network with other U of A Employees. On July 17 OLE ran two sessions on Generational Differences in the workplace . The sessions were well attended by a diverse group of 40 participants.   Quotes from the evaluations included: “It was nice to participate in a class offered by the University for staff.   Bill and Cynthia put "a face" to the fact that the University cares about me as a staff member, and wants to equip me to not just to know about generational challenges, but learn to engage all of those around me, not just those who are mo

OWN THE EXPERIENCE! – Exceptional Communities, Engaging work, Extraordinary Performance The Experience -> This aspect of OLE’s work explores the elements that lead to highly successful work teams, those who demonstrate extraordinary performance, apply positive engaging practices, and create exceptional workplace communities.  Our work is a highly consultative process that supports individuals, leaders and teams to grow. Philosophy -> The Faculty and Staff Experience is about People… -     engaging in the spirit of our community -     promoting our community where everyone fits and all contributions are respected -     providing orientations to our community that are immediately welcoming and inclusive -     valuing the gifts that diversity brings us -     fostering meaningful relationships and building a web of connections among the citizens of our community -     living our service mind-set -     discovering that opportunities abound when we bring our w