Learning Sessions Schedule for Staff Appreciation Month, March 1 - 31, 2022
Registering is easy! Sign up for any of the sessions below using UNT Bridge!
- Step 1: Log in to unt.bridgeapp.com.
- Step 2: Select the “Training Calendar” and find the course you would like to attend on the calendar or by searching the course title.
- Step 3: Click the “Register” button to register for the desired session(s).
| Day | Time | Title | Registration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Voluntary Retirement Plans | Register Here | |
| Learn about the different options with Voluntary Savings. Learn how to enroll, the different vendors, etc. Presented by Lisa Garner and Laurie Polser of the Human Resources Benefits Team. | ||||
| March 3 | 1 - 2 p.m. | Building Affective Commitment through Leadership Practice | Register Here | |
| The session is designed for those in leadership roles, with supervisory responsibilities, or those preparing to enter that space. It will cover research and practice that supports the use of interpersonal relationship skills to increase the degree to which employees identify with and support the operations of the team. Presented by Dr. Jae Webb of the Management Department. | ||||
| March 4 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Home Loans: What You Need to Know to Build a Solid Foundation | Register Here | |
| Overview of information on the home loan process helpful to potential buyers. Presented by Kinsey Boyd and Liza Tyrer, DATCU Real Estate Loan Officers. | ||||
| March 4 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Creating a Tag Using Blended Ink and Stamping Techniques | Register Here | |
| This session will allow the participants to create a tag that can be used as a bookmark or gift tag. The tag will be made using techniques in blending ink and stamping techniques that are beautiful and unique. Each participant will create a tag to take home. Feel free to contact the instructor to see examples of the technique we will use. Presented by Cheryl McQueen, College of Business Retiree. | ||||
| March 7 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Welcome to the “EAP Suite” | Register Here | |
| What is the EAP, and what can it do for you? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is literally a suite of services that can help you with work/life balance. You don't have to be a VIP to enjoy the EAP. Find resources to help with legal matters, moving/relocation, tax guidance, counseling support, fitness, wellness, budgeting, and so much more! Join us to learn about this great benefit to find out what you can enjoy in the “EAP Suite”. Presented by Mary Atkins and Laurie Polser of the Human Resources Benefits Team. | ||||
| March 8 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Glitter/Stress Jar | Register Here | |
| Relieve some stress creating your very own calming jar! Calming jars are used to help sooth children when they are getting ready to throw a tantrum but they also work great for adults as a small distraction to relieve stress. While sensory jars can be created with a variety of crafts, for this session we will be using glitter for the jars. Notes: Materials will be provided, please feel free to bring your own favorite jar if you would like. Presented by Maria Velazquez of Human Resources. | ||||
| March 8 | 1 - 2 p.m. | Savor Chocolate Truffles | Register Here | |
| Make your own chocolate truffles while learning to engage your senses and build awareness within the eating experience as key components in overall health and wellbeing. Presented by Danielle Gemoets, MS, RDN, LD with the Student Health and Wellness Center. | ||||
| March 9 | 3 - 3:30 p.m. | Your Voice, Our Mission: Senate Resources & Programs for YOU! | More Info Here | |
| The Staff Senate is here to advocate for our peers and provide professional development and engagement opportunities. Learn about the programs and resources we offer so you can maximize your staff experience. Immediately following this session will be information about how to become a Staff Senator for those who are interested! No registration is required. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. | ||||
| March 9 | 3:30 - 4 p.m. | Your Voice, Our Mission: Becoming a Staff Senator | More Info Here | |
| Are you passionate about advocating for yourself and others? Do you enjoy creative problem solving and facilitating events and resources? The Staff Senate may be for you! Learn about what it means to serve on Staff Senate, including expectations, opportunities, and the election process! Spots are opening for most units in the new year, so start your journey to being a Senator today! Immediately before this session will be a brief overview of Senate resources, opportunities, and programming for those who want to learn how they can benefit from the Senate right now. No registration is required. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. | ||||
| March 10 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Stretch Break Bliss | Register Here | |
| Learn the importance of taking a break from your computer and how to use stretching to feel rejuvenated at your desk. Presented by Christina Kibner of Recreational Sports. | ||||
| March 11 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Scam Awareness and Avoidance | Register Here | |
| The world of scams is dynamic and ever changing. Learn the common scams and tools to help keep you in the know on what to look for. Presented by Corporal David Causey of Police Services. | ||||
| March 14 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Your Voice, Our Mission: Senate Resources & Programs for YOU! | More Info Here | |
| The Staff Senate is here to advocate for our peers and provide professional development and engagement opportunities. Learn about the programs and resources we offer so you can maximize your staff experience. Immediately following this session will be information about how to become a Staff Senator for those who are interested! No registration is required. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. | ||||
| March 14 | 10:30 - 11 a.m. | Your Voice, Our Mission: Becoming a Staff Senator | More Info Here | |
| Are you passionate about advocating for yourself and others? Do you enjoy creative problem solving and facilitating events and resources? The Staff Senate may be for you! Learn about what it means to serve on Staff Senate, including expectations, opportunities, and the election process! Spots are opening for most units in the new year, so start your journey to being a Senator today! Immediately before this session will be a brief overview of Senate resources, opportunities, and programming for those who want to learn how they can benefit from the Senate right now. No registration is required. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. | ||||
| March 14 | Noon - 2 p.m. | Paint it Out! (sponsored by Staff Senate) | More Info Here | |
| Join the Staff Senate for an opportunity to relax and spend some time creating art for you to take home or keep in your workspace. All supplies will be provided, including a variety of canvases and alternative options from which to choose. Stencils will be available for those who do not want to paint their own design. This session does not require registration, but we do encourage RSVPs to ensure we have enough supplies! Learn more and RSVP at staffsenate.unt.edu/SAM. Participants may come and go throughout the event—there is no required time of arrival and you may stay as long as you wish. Please note this is not a guided painting session with a particular artwork in mind. We encourage staff members who would like to attend a paining class to check-out our Guided Painting Sessions for UNT Starry Nights during Staff Appreciation Month. | ||||
| March 15 | Noon - 1 p.m. | FMLA Basics | Register Here | |
| Learn about FMLA. Learn the different leave types, how to use FMLA Source, etc. Presented by Lisa Garner, Mary Atkins, and Laurie Polser of the Human Resources Benefits Team. | ||||
| March 15 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Build-A-Game Workshop (sponsored by Staff Senate) | Register Here | |
| Creating your own game is a fun and rewarding creative outlet that you can continue to enjoy for years to come! In this session, learn about the game making process from idea to final product! The presenter will demonstrate the process using her own past creations and provide a structured approach to making your idea come to life! A variety of game making supplies will be provided so you can start to build your creation right away! Registration on Bridge is required. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. | ||||
| March 16 | 11- 11:45 a.m. | Staff Senate Presents: Mindfulness 101 | Register Here | |
| Take a break to recharge while learning some simple but powerful breathing techniques and building your own zen garden to bring back to the office or home. Registration is required on Bridge for these sessions. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. Presented by Liz Berry with Student Affairs. | ||||
| March 16 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Simple Easy Cards Fast and on a Budget | Register Here | |
| Make handmade cards in minutes. I will show you how you can create lots of cards really quickly. This card-making tutorial is also perfect for beginners and for anyone that wants to create their own greeting cards fast. Presented by Sony Simon with Human Resources. | ||||
| March 16 | 1 - 1:45 p.m. | Staff Senate Presents: Mindfulness 101 | Register Here | |
| Take a break to recharge while learning some simple but powerful breathing techniques and building your own zen garden to bring back to the office or home. Registration is required on Bridge. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. Presented by Liz Berry with Student Affairs. | ||||
| March 16 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Guided Painting: UNT Starry Nights (sponsored by Staff Senate) | Register Here | |
| Take a break and learn to paint in Van Gogh's iconic style with your very own Starry Nights—with a UNT twist on the artwork! You're welcome to bring a lunch, and all materials will be provided by Staff Senate. Aprons will be available, but wearing clothes that can get a little paint on them is encouraged! If this session doesn't work well for you, check-out the virtual option on 3/24. Registration on Bridge is required. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. | ||||
| March 17 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Giftwrap Like a Pro! (sponsored by Staff Senate) | Register Here | |
| Learn fun and unique ways to wrap gifts so they stand out! We'll review how to get the often-elusive creased edges, how to tell what materials work well for you, and creative decoration options. Practice materials will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring actual gifts you plan to give to wrap during instruction. Registration on Bridge is required. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. | ||||
| March 18 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Healthier You! | Register Here | |
| In this presentation, we will take a look at practical things you can do each day to work toward a Healthier You. We will include tips, campus resources and will end the session with an optional tour of the Pohl Recreation Center. Presented by Wendy Comfort with Recreational Sports. | ||||
| March 18 | 1 - 2 p.m. | Jack be Nimble, Jack be quick, Come and Make a Candle Stick (sponsored by Staff Senate) | Register Here | |
| Candles play a crucial role in your self-care practice? Learn how to make your own! This workshop will provide a brief overview of the candle making craft, demonstrate the process, and guide attendees through taking their very own candle and endowing it with an affirmation using crystals and botanicals provided by the Staff Senate. Registration on Bridge is required for this virtual session so supplies can be provided to participants ahead of time. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. Presented by Shayleigh Ward from the Learning Center. | ||||
| March 21 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Budgeting 101 | Register Here | |
| Should you budget? How do you start? Learn the answers to these questions and more! Presented by Mike Vance and Don Richmond with DATCU Community Relations. | ||||
| March 22 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Toastmasters: Taking Public Speaking to the Next Level | Register Here | |
| What is Toastmasters? Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization
that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of
clubs. North Texas Toastmasters has been a part of UNT since 2003. Since 2003 over
100 UNT- faculty, staff, students, and North Texas community members have completed
Toastmaster programs becoming proficient public speakers, while enhancing their leadership
skills and communication. North Texas Toastmasters Club Mission: We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. Presented by Amy Ferman and Rachel Grimes with the Career Center and UNT Frisco. Benefits of Toastmasters to UNT & members: • Toastmasters provides a structured educational program that assists members in improving their public speaking, presentation, and leadership skills. • Members of Toastmasters have an opportunity to learn from other members and develop a network of UNT faculty, staff, student and community members leading to enhanced collaborations across departments & divisions. • Members can use the Toastmasters educational program to supplement professional development and reach professional goals as a part of their mid-year, and annual review process. |
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| March 23 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Journey to Wellness | Register Here | |
| From getting enough exercise to eating a well-balanced diet, you have many ways to
maintain your health and wellness. This presentation will introduce you to the wellness
resources and tools available to you and your covered dependents through HealthSelect
of Texas® medical plans, including Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM. These resources
will help you on your journey to wellness, starting with the Well onTarget® wellness
portal. Presented by Becky Gillespie with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. |
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| March 24 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Guided Painting: UNT Starry Nights (sponsored by Staff Senate) | Register Here | |
| Take a break and learn to paint in Van Gogh's iconic style with your very own Starry Nights—with a UNT twist on the artwork! All materials will be available for pick-up before this virtual session. Registration on Bridge is required. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. | ||||
| March 25 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Advance Your Career with Interdisciplinary Studies Master's Degree | Register Here | |
| Have you been considering graduate school at UNT? Join our session to learn about helpful information on how to pursue a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. This degree is an excellent opportunity for you to grow professionally and advance your career. The INSD program consist of 30 hours total and the self-styled format is very flexible. There are three concentrations, the primary concentration is anywhere between 12-18 hours and the following two concentrations are at least 6 hours each. Attend our session to learn more about our program and the application requirements. Presented by Jasmine Quezada with the Interdisciplinary Studies Master's Program. | ||||
| March 28 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Continuous Performance Management | Register Here | |
| Continuous Performance Management (CPM) is a modern, employee-centered approach to
promoting, evaluating and improving employee performance by creating of a trusted
environment in which employees feel empowered to contribute to their own development.
Essential to CPM is consistent performance conversations between supervisors and staff
throughout the year. Presented by Melinda Lilly with Human Resources. Passcode: 353529 In this forum, we will discuss techniques to: • Promote forward-looking growth by emphasizing feedback that's in-the-moment, informal and frequent • Strengthen relationships between supervisor and employees by improving communication and coaching |
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| March 29 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Brain Games | Register Here | |
| Get your brain in shape with some fun exercises that are good for both the mind and body. Come and enjoy a few easy games that you can play at home with any age to sharpen the mind and improve coordination. Presented by Jayne Colavecchia of Human Resources. | ||||
| March 29 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Embroidery 101 (sponsored by Staff Senate) | Register Here | |
| Learn some of the basics of hand embroidering while being guided through a beginner's level project! All materials will be provided by the Staff Senate. Registration on Bridge is required. Learn more about Staff Senate sessions and programs during Staff Appreciation Month. Presented by Taylor Torres from DSA Special Projects | ||||
| March 30 | Noon - 1 p.m. | Prepping for Promotion | Register Here | |
| This session provides tips and insights to employees who are looking for a promotion/change in careers. Creating an internal resume and interviewing. Presented by Sue Aichele with the Human Resources Talent Acquisition Team. | ||||
| March 31 | Noon - 1 p.m. | UNT Supervisor Networking Hour | Register Here | |
| In partnership with UNT Staff Senate, we ask supervisors to join us for a highly interactive informal session consisting of discussions, problem solving, and networking led by the group and hosted by UNT HR Organizational Development Consultant, Amanda Fisher. Please feel free to bring your sack lunch. Light refreshments will be available thanks to UNT Staff Senate! | ||||
| March 31 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Virtual UNT Supervisor Networking Hour | Register Here | |
| Supervisors, please to join us for a highly interactive, informal, virtual session consisting of discussions, problem solving, and networking led by the group and hosted by UNT HR Organizational Development Consultant, Amanda Fisher. | ||||
Recreational Sports Offerings
Pohl Rec Center Memberships
During the month of March, sign up for a seven-day FREE Trail at the Pohl Recreation Center! Log in to our UNT Rec Sports Member Portal, select FACULTY STAFF FREE WEEK, choose the date you would like for your seven (consecutive) day free trial to begin, and enter the promo code SAM7DAY before checking out to bring the price down to $0.00. The promo code will be available to use from March 1 - March 31.
Free Group Exercise Classes
From March 6 - March 13, all group exercise classes will be free for Rec Sports members (including those with a seven-day free trial membership) by entering the promo code SAMGX upon checkout. Free registration for these classes will begin on Sunday, March 6. View and register for classes.
For any Rec Sports questions, contact Wendy Comfort. We look forward to seeing you soon!
See all the Staff Senate information and offerings.
Questions?
Email Amanda.fisher@untsystem.edu with the subject line “Staff Appreciation Month.”
Special thanks to our volunteers!