Staff Training & Enrichment Program
STEP (Staff Training and Enrichment Program) is an initiative established under the provost’s office to provide university staff with training and career development opportunities, as well as workplace enrichment, in support of their vital contribution to Butler University.
Mission
Support Butler’s commitment to the highest quality of liberal and professional education by providing academic staff with meaningful learning opportunities that will enhance job skills, communication, collaboration, performance, and personal excellence.
Vision
A workplace culture that values and respects academic staff by providing learning, development, and enrichment opportunities and promoting innovation through communication and collaboration, thereby identifying Butler University as an employer of choice.
Have a topic to suggest for a STEP session? Interested in presenting at a STEP session? Please email STEP@butler.edu with suggestions or questions.
“Maximizing Student Employment: Balancing Office Needs and Student Development“
Wednesday, September 2, 11 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Mike Thomas, Career and Professional Success (CaPS)
Managing student employees requires balancing operational goals with student professional development. This session outlines actionable approaches to supervising student workers in a way that benefits your entire department in addition to engaging students in meaningful ways. We will cover how to design assignments, set clear expectations, and maintain steady workflow efficiency to help optimize student employee experiences.
Meal vouchers will be provided so that guests may enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session.
Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu required.
“Small but Effective Everyday Ways Staff Can Support Student Retention”
Thursday, September 10, 11 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Nii Kpakpo Abrahams and Madison Miyakawa, Student Experience and Engagement (S.E.E.)
Session description forthcoming.
Meal vouchers will be provided so that guests may enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session.
Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu required.
“De-escalating Tricky Situations and Navigating Difficult Interactions”
Wednesday, October 7, 11 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Roy Betz and Matt Grimes, Butler University Police Department (BUPD)
This special session, facilitated by BUPD officers Roy Betz and Matt Grimes, is designed to help campus staff manage high-stress encounters that fall outside of normal daily operations. They will offer practical guidance on how to handle heightened emotions from students or visitors, and share proven techniques for staying calm under pressure, recognizing early signs of conflict, and knowing when to de-escalate versus when to call for assistance. Space is limited. RSVP today to STEP@butler.edu to learn essential skills for keeping daily campus interactions constructive and secure.
Meal vouchers will be provided so that guests may enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session.
Additional opportunities for 2026-2027 will be added soon. Please check back for updates.
To request disability-related accommodations or inquire about accessibility, please contact STEP@butler.edu. Please allow two weeks’ advance notice in order to allow adequate time to make arrangements. Although attempts will be made to honor accommodation requests with less notice, it cannot be guaranteed that without two weeks’ notice a reasonable accommodation can be provided.
Sound bathing is an experience designed solely to help you relax. Singing bowls, gongs, chimes, tuning forks, and ambient music are there to help you get out of your head and into your body.
There are many benefits to sound bathing, such as the promotion of deep rest and relaxation. The only thing you need to do is show up and relax.
Free to all faculty, staff, and students. No registration required.
- Wednesday, June 24, 12:30-1:30 pm, HRC050 (group fitness room) facilitated by Sarah Gardner of Immersive Sound Experiences
- Thursday, July 16, 12:30-1:30 pm, South Campus 001M facilitated by Robin Coleman, Sekhem Institute for Holistic Healing
Please plan to arrive a few minutes early if possible to allow adequate time to settle in.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the Staff Training and Enrichment Program (STEP), the Center for Faculty Excellence, Human Resources, Financial Aid, and University Advancement.
Please check back for updates on Step with STEP 2026-27.
Questions? Email STEP@butler.edu.
- Rebecca DeGrazia, Academic Affairs Assistant, Office of the Provost
- Calie Dickey, Associate Director for Study Abroad, Center for Global Education
- Beth Hospodarsky, Technical Specialist, College of Health Professions
- Mike Thomas, Sr. Associate Director, Career and Professional Success
- Holly Zimbelman, Administrative Specialist, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office and International Studies
