Staff Training & Enrichment Program
STEP (Staff Training and Enrichment Program) is an initiative established under the provost’s office to provide academic staff with training and career development opportunities 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 and development 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.
This page is updated regularly.
Sound Baths
Sound bathing is an experience designed solely to help you relax. Singing bowls, gongs, chimes, turning 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. Bring anything that would help make you comfortable; pillows, blankets, mats, warm socks, or eye masks (mats are available if you do not have one).
Free to all faculty, staff, and students. No registration required.
Upcoming sound bath dates:
- Thursday, May 2, 5:00-6:00 p.m., HRC154
- Wednesday, May 15, 12:00-1:00 p.m., HRC154
For more information and how to best prepare, check out facilitator Sarah Gardner’s website for more info and resources: https://www.immersivesoundexperiences.co/ or visit her Instagram @immersivesoundexperiences for lots of video content and education.
These May sessions (open to Butler student, staff, and faculty) are sponsored by the Staff Training and Enrichment Program.
Buddhism: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times
Tuesday, April 23, 11:00 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
All staff are invited to this session to learn about the practice of Buddhism. Presenter Marguerite Stanciu, assistant director at the Center for Faith and Vocation developed the PWB course “Mindfulness in Everyday Life” which is taught from a secular perspective. Marguerite’s training in the Buddhist tradition began in graduate school when she converted to the Buddhist tradition. Attendees will receive vouchers to The Market Place to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the program. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
Small Steps, Big Impact: Navigating the Climate Crisis Through Personal Changes and Realizations
Lunch and learn opportunity presented by Julie Lindeman, Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability (CUES)
Wednesday, April 17, 12:00-1:15 p.m., SC001M
In today’s world, the urgency of addressing the climate crisis can not be ignored. This session will explore the role of what individuals and the university have in the fight against climate change. By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and promoting sustainable consumption patterns, we can amplify our impact and inspire others to join the cause! Lunch provided (gluten-free and vegetarian options available). Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
Learn About Butler (LAB) session: Division of Professional Studies (DPS)
Wednesday, March 27, 11:00 a.m.-noon, Atherton Union 326
Established in 2021 to significantly expand “Lifelong Learning” programs that extend access to the University, the Division of Professional Studies serves the needs of adult and online learners by executing the delivery of degree, certificate, and non-degree programs as well as custom training programs for organizations. While a relatively young entity at Butler, DPS has gone through a significant change and is in a building phase. In 2024, they will launch both a new brand, Butler+, and the University’s first undergraduate completion degree target adult learners, the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. This session, presented by Julie Straub (Senior Executive Director of DPS and Butler+), will provide participants with an overview of DPS and as well as provide a sneak peek into some future initiatives.
Attendees will receive vouchers to The Market Place to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the program.Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
Learn About Butler (LAB) session: Diversity Center
Friday, March 8, 11:00 a.m. – noon, AU326
The vision of the Efroymson Diversity Center (DC) is to ensure every student has equitable access to opportunities to belong and thrive as an authentic holistic person. This session, presented Efroymson Diversity Center Director Randall Ojeda, will introduce the audience to the multifaceted approach that the staff of the DC takes to pursue this vision throughout the institution. Guests will learn about student organizations, scholarship programs, events, and engagement opportunities for collaboration, and the many students that make the DC the success that it is.
Attendees will receive vouchers to The Market Place to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the program. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu required.
Learn About Butler (LAB) session: Student Success Center “Success from Day One”
Tuesday, February 27, 11:00 a.m. – noon, Atherton Union 326
The Student Success Center uses a holistic approach to help students be successful from day one of their college journey through graduation. The staff of the Student Success Center partners with faculty, other staff, and students to help students be successful and make the most of their Butler University experience. All staff are invited to this session to learn more about how the Student Success Center’s team helps Butler students be successful.
Guests will receive vouchers to The Market Place to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the program. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu required.
“The Quran: How Muslims Understand God, Revelation, and Faith”
Lunch and learn opportunity for faculty and staff presented by Anisse Adni, CFV Muslim Life Advisor
12:00-1:15 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, AU326
What is the Quran? What are the primary concerns of the Quran? How do Muslims engage with the Quran? How similar is the Quran to other Abrahamic scriptures like the Torah and the Gospels? With Ramadan just around the corner, all staff and faculty are invited to a lunch and learn session with the CFV’s Muslim Life Advisor, Imam Anisse Adni, as he answers critical questions on the Quran as Scripture and its role in the lives of Muslims.
Vouchers to The Market Place provided. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu required.
Learn About Butler (LAB) session: Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Friday, February 2, 11:00 a.m. – noon, Gallahue Hall 110
Formally launched in July 2023, the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) provides the vision, strategic direction, guidance and leadership to create and sustain a welcoming and inclusive campus environment where all members of the Butler community are valued, celebrated and can thrive. The division serves as an important collaborative partner with students, faculty, staff, administrators, various university committees, and external partners to proactively develop and implement plans, programs, and activities that educate and motivate members of the university community to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values to be collectively upheld in support of student learning and success.
This session will provide an overview of our this new division, and explain and how the participating departments are working together to achieve our strategic priority to “create an intentionally diversity, inclusive, and equitable learning and working environment.”
Guests will receive vouchers to The Market Place to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the program. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu required.
“Coffee Cake Break”
Thursday, January 11, 9:00-10:30 a.m., Jordan Hall 155
All staff are invited to stop by Jordan Hall 155 for a special treat on Thursday, January 11 between 9:00-10:30 a.m. Reunite with colleagues before classes begin, enjoy some morning treats, and pick up some fun STEP swag. No RSVP required! We look forward to seeing you there.
Hands-On Hand Sanitizer Compounding Lab Session
Tuesday, December 12, 11:00 a.m.-noon, Pharmacy and Health Sciences Building, room 302
Staff are invited to participate in a unique hands-on opportunity to learn the science of creating their own hand sanitizer gel at this special lab session led by Beth Hospodarsky (COPHS). Space is limited! RSVP to STEP@butler.edu to reserve your space today!
Chemicals and scents will be used. If you have questions or concerns, please email bhospoda@butler.edu.
EMS Best Practices – Virtual Workshop
Friday, November 10, 11:00 a.m. – noon
RSVP to STEP@butler.edu to receive Zoom login details
All staff are invited to join us for a virtual workshop to brush up on best practices when using EMS, Butler’s space scheduling software. Abby Tauber, Operations Coordinator with the Butler Arts and Events Center (BAEC), will provide direction to help EMS users understand the space approval work flow process. Participants will learn how to efficiently and correctly navigate the system interface to book spaces on campus, request building services or other special set up needs, edit existing reservations, enter recurring space requests, when to collaborate with other members of the BAEC team, and more. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required to receive Zoom login details.
Eco-Therapy Trail Shared Experience
Tuesday, October 24, 11:30 a.m. start time
As part of STEP’s wellness initiatives, all staff are invited to participate in a shared experience of Butler’s accessible eco-therapy trail (route 2). Staff may choose to participate solo or with colleagues, but everyone is encouraged to personalize their journey by comfortably progressing at their own pace. After completing the trail, participants will have the opportunity to gather for casual reflection over lunch (vouchers to The Market Place provided). So that we can best be prepared, RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is requested.
Butler Greenhouse Tour
Led by Phil Villani, Biological Sciences
Wednesday, October 4 – see below for details
The Butler University greenhouse is home to a collection of plants used for teaching demos to show the ways in which adaptations have allowed plants to colonize the globe. Additionally, the collection has many economically important plants from coffee, chocolate, and cinnamon, to ebony, castor bean, and vanilla. Staff are invited to join us for this special tour opportunity. Space is limited to a total of 20 participants and there will be staggered start times at 12:00 and 12:30 for the 30-minute tour. ALL TOUR SPOTS HAVE BEEN RESERVED. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu to have your name added to the waitlist.
“The Neurodivergent Student: understanding, supporting, and accommodating neurodivergence in the classroom and beyond”
Faculty and staff lunch and learn presented by Madison Morrett, Counseling and Consultation Services
Wednesday, September 20, 12:00-1:30 p.m., Ford Salon Robertson Hall
Participants will increase their understanding of the neurodiversity movement, gain awareness of the strengths and needs of neurodivergent students, and learn ways to support and accommodate neurodivergent students in and out of the classroom. There will be opportunities for questions, reflection, and discussion. Lunch will be provided, but space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
“Mindful and Intuitive Eating “
Nutrition Workshop led by Katy Maher, Bon Appetit Dietitian
Thursday, July 20, 11:00 a.m.-noon
Atherton 326
RSVP to STEP@butler.edu required
This nutrition workshop led by Katy Maher (Bon Appétit Dietitian) will provide an overview of intuitive eating. Intuitive eating is based on a set of 10 principles that teach you how to tune into your hunger and fullness cues, rather than relying on food rules that come with traditional dieting. There will be a special focus on mindful eating, which is rooted into the 10 principles, complete with a hands-on food demo and mindful eating exercise. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu required.
Wellness and Self-Care Day
Wednesday, July 12, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Irwin Library atrium
No RSVP required
Butler staff are invited to stop by our beautiful Irwin Library atrium any time between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12 to take some time for mental wellness. Relaxation-themed activities and swag will be available to help you get in the self-care zone. Light snacks provided. Stop by when you can, stay as long as you like. No RSVP required. We look forward to seeing you there!
Calm App webinar for staff
Wednesday, June 28, 2:00-2:30 p.m.
RSVP to STEP@butler.edu to receive Zoom login details
Get the most out of your mental health benefit. During this Calm App Webinar, the Calm team will show you how to get the most out of your Calm experience, the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation. You will learn about the benefits of Calm and participate in a 30 minute guided tour of the app. Find out how you can use Calm to help you and your loved ones on your mental health journeys.
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.
“Step with STEP”
Looking for motivation to get healthier in the new year? “Step with STEP” to increase awareness of your daily activity level and get walking this semester!
All Butler staff are invited to participate in this opportunity and may opt to enroll non-competitively or in friendly “healthy” competition with other participants by counting your steps and earning your way towards prizes.
Staff who have mobility issues but would still like to participate are encouraged to please review the “alternative activity step translation” on the registration website to explore other ways to participate.
Participants may elect to participate individually, with a buddy, or in teams of four. Pedometers will be available for staff who do not have technology to help track their daily steps.
Participants will be asked to submit weekly reports of counted steps using a personalized tracker spreadsheet which will be provided via email.
Prizes will be awarded to individuals, buddy teams, and quad teams with the first, second, and third highest numbers of reported steps at the end of the program. A group lunch will also be held in later in the semester to celebrate everyone who participated in the program.
Timeline:
Registration: January 17-31, 2024 Click here to register!
“Step with STEP” official activity period: February 5-March 31, 2024
Celebration lunch: April 18, 2024, 11:30-1:30 (arrive when you can, stay as long as you like), Reilly Room, Atherton Union. Vouchers to The Market Place provided.
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Additional information is available at the official “Step with STEP” website. VISIT THE OFFICIAL STEP WITH STEP WEBSITE BY CLICKING HERE
Program: This program supports Butler University Academic Staff in professional development activities or training related to their work at Butler. Academic staff may receive up to only one award (up to $500) per fiscal year. Application requests should fund related activities or training required to meet the applicant’s normal job duties.
Examples of activities that would be supported through this funding opportunity:
- Course registration
- Webinar or online course registration
- Training for a new skill or program
- Purchase of equipment or supplies to support professional development goals
- Books, supplies, specialty, or other materials
- Association membership if applicable
This list is not exhaustive—other ideas may be accepted.
A maximum of $500 will be awarded, provided costs meet aforementioned guidelines. As application requests should fund related activities or training required to meet the applicant’s normal job duties, all efforts should be made to first receive departmental funding before applying for STEP funding. STEP can help provide bridge funding in those instances. If no departmental funding is available, written justification must be provided by the applicant’s supervisor. Please note that expenses related to degree-related tuition, tuition fees, or books for degree-related programs are not fundable through the STEP mini-grant program. STEP will continue to evaluate applications through the fiscal year as funding remains available.
Your application must consist of a program statement including:
- The nature of the program and the need for support
- Its relevance to your work at Butler or benefit to your department
- The objectives, significance, how the work will be conducted, and a time schedule for completion
Please use the form available at the STEP website to fill out a detailed budget, and also include documentation of any related costs. The proposal form should be signed by the applicant, head of department/program, or dean of the college. Proposals that do not conform to these guidelines will be returned without evaluation. Use the form that is currently on the website.
Deadline: Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, but retroactive requests will not be considered, unless under special circumstances. Signed, scanned applications in a single pdf file should be sent to STEP@butler.edu. Decisions on applications will be communicated within 30 days. STEP will continue to evaluate applications through the fiscal year as funding remains available.
Expense paperwork and reports: A brief report (roughly one page) reflecting on or describing the outcome of the project using these funds is due to STEP at the time reimbursement is requested. Final reports and expense reimbursement requests must be submitted within the grant’s same fiscal year deadlines. Reimbursement requests submitted without a final report will not be processed and may jeopardize eligibility for future funding. The expenditure of STEP professional development funds requires adherence to Butler University fiscal regulations, and business office/procurement policies. Awardees should work directly with Rebecca DeGrazia regarding questions on business office or expense related concerns.
In cooperation with Butler’s Visiting Writers Series, STEP offers FREE reading opportunities to academic affairs staff during the fall and spring semesters.
Members of the STEP committee and VWS faculty and staff have provided recommendations of their favorite books from this semester’s visiting authors, and participants may select which book they’d like to receive by using the interface linked below. Books will be provided for the first 50 academic staff to register, and will be distributed via campus mail.
Participants may choose to read on their own, or may form book discussion groups with others who choose the same reading – whatever is most comfortable for you! Please indicate whether you are interested in joining a book discussion group by completing the prompt at the end of the registration form. Descriptions for each of the books being offered in the registration form.
Hurry! Deadline to register is Friday, February 23, 2024. We look forward to celebrating the Visiting Writers Series authors with you – happy reading!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE SPRING 2024 STEP/VWS READING OPPORTUNITY.
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- 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 Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- 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