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 Worker Potential“
Wednesday, September 2, 11 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Mike Thomas, Career and Professional Success (CaPS)
Managing student employees requires balancing departmental goals with student professional development. This workshop offers practical strategies to help your student workers refine and articulate the valuable career competencies and transferable skills they build on the job. Join us to learn actionable approaches to supervising students, designing meaningful assignments, and maintaining workflow efficiency to create a win-win experience for your entire department.
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.
“Behind the Scenes: A Tour of the Fairbanks Media Studios“
Thursday, October 15, 11 a.m.-noon
Led by Mark Harris, College of Communication
Step inside the classroom environments of the College of Communication’s recording and broadcast hubs right here on campus. This tour takes you into a variety of control rooms and studio spaces where Butler students get hands-on, real-world training in television and streaming production, and audio and music production. See firsthand where the next generation of creators and media professionals learn by doing—in some of the best kept secrets on campus.
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.
“Navigating the AI Frontier: Data Privacy and Responsible Use”
Wednesday, October 28, 11 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Wade Javorsky and Melanie Perez, Information Technology
Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, but how do we use it safely? This session covers the crucial guardrails of data privacy, intellectual property, and ethical AI integration. Learn how to protect sensitive information while leveraging new technologies securely.
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.
“Mastering MS Teams: Beyond the Basics”
Friday, November 6, 11 a.m.-noon, hybrid modality available
Presented by Information Technology
Ready to move past simple chat messages and standard video calls? Dive deep into the advanced features of Microsoft Teams to streamline your department’s collaboration, file management, and project organization. Unlock hidden tools that will save you time and help you to communicate more effectively with your peers.
In person and virtual modality available. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu, indicating your preferred modality, to receive the workshop location or Teams link.
“Excel Pivot Tables / VLOOKUP / XLOOKUP”
Friday, January 22, 11 a.m.-noon, hybrid modality available
Presented by Brandon Signorino, Office of Institutional Research and Assessment
Designed for intermediate users, this workshop demystifies PivotTables and essential lookup functions (VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP). Conquer the intimidation factor, level up your data analysis skills, and walk away with the confidence to tackle complex datasets with ease.
In person and virtual modality available. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu, indicating your preferred modality, to receive the workshop location or Teams link.
“Making Sense of Well-Being: How BUBeWell Works for You”
Thursday, January 28, 11 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Bridget Yuhas and Robin Coleman, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
We talk a lot about well-being, but what does it actually mean for your day-to-day life? This workshop will explore the different areas of life that impact your happiness and energy, using the BUBeWell model as our guide. Join us to discover how easy it is to access the tools and support systems already available to Butler staff.
Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu required.
“Leading with Love – Even When You’re Not the Boss”
Wednesday, February 10, 11 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Eileen Taylor, College of Communication
This session explores how professionals can lead effectively and influence others even without formal authority or leadership titles. Centered around the February theme of confidence, connection, and leading with love, participants will examine practical strategies for building credibility, strengthening communication, and creating positive organizational impact through everyday interactions. The session emphasizes that leadership is not defined by position, but by the ability to inspire, support, and empower others.
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.
“Legacy and Lore: Ovid Butler and the Voices of Our Past“
Friday, February 19, 11 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Kyle Stearns, Butler University Libraries
Butler University has a rich, pioneering history of inclusivity and innovation that began long before we moved to our Fairview campus in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood. This engaging historical overview provided by Kyle Stearns, University Archivist, will highlight the extraordinary lives of Ovid Butler and other key historical figures who championed equality and broadminded values in higher education and athletics. Discover the fascinating stories that define our campus community today.
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.
“Beyond the Stacks: Essential Library Resources for Butler Staff”
Thursday, March 4, 11 a.m.-noon, Irwin Library 129
Presented by Library faculty
Think the library is just for academics? Think again! At this session, library faculty will help you to understand the incredible array of materials, spaces, and services available to Butler staff for both work and recreation. Reintroduce yourself to the library and discover a wealth of hidden perks available to employees for entertainment, enrichment, or learning Butler history.
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.
“Boundaries at Work: Saying No with Confidence and Clarity“
Thursday, March 25, 11 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Abbey Levenshus, College of Communication
Saying “no” is an essential workplace skill, but it often feels uncomfortable. Unlearn the guilt of boundary-setting and discover how to communicate your capacity effectively to peers and supervisors. This workshop led by Abbey Levenshus, Professor of Strategic Communication, will provide practical and diplomatic strategies to decline requests without burning bridges.
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.
“Greening Our Campus: Sustainable Event Practices for Staff“
Wednesday, April 7, 11 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Presented by Noelle Schacht and MaCie’ Weathers, Office of Sustainability
From small staff meetings to massive campus-wide celebrations, our events leave a footprint. Discover practical, budget-friendly strategies to help you minimize the environmental impact of your events. This session will explore Butler’s broader sustainability goals and explain how staff can champion green event standards across campus. Learn how simple changes in planning can make a massive difference for our campus ecology.
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.
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
