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, 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.
This page is updated regularly and additional opportunities will be added through the academic year. Please visit again soon!
STEP wellness opportunity: “Slow-Flow Yoga”
led by Anni Hine, HRC yoga instructor
Friday, June 28, Noon-1:00 p.m., HRC 050 (wet room)
Slow-flow yoga is a gentler, slower-paced form of vinyasa yoga that’s often recommended for beginners. It’s a meditative practice that emphasizes linking breath to movement, relieving tension, and moving mindfully. Slow-flow yoga can help improve strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. It can also enhance emotional wellbeing and mental clarity.
All are invited to participate but space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
STEP wellness opportunity: “Self-Care Day”
Thursday, July 11, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Dugan Hall lobby
Butler staff are invited to stop by on Thursday, July 11 any time between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to take some time for self-care and wellness. Relaxation-themed activities and swag will be available to help you get in the self-care zone, along with the opportunity to participate in a collaborative community art project, and to register for a chance to win a door-prize. Light snacks provided. Stop by when you can, stay as long as you like. No RSVP required. We look forward to seeing you there!
Summer 2024 sound bath wellness opportunities – free to all students, staff, and faculty
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.
Summer 2024 Sound Bath Schedule
If possible, participants are encouraged to arrive by a few minutes early to allow adequate time to settle in.
- Tuesday, July 16, noon-1 pm, HRC 154 (conference room) *UPDATED LOCATION
- Thursday, August 8, noon-1 pm, HRC 050 (wet room )
Free to all faculty, staff, and students. No registration required.
Please see designated tab on STEP website for additional information regarding sound baths at Butler.
2024-25 Sound Bath Schedule
- Tuesday, September 10, 5-6 pm, Ford Salon, Robertson Hall
- Tuesday, October 8, noon-1 pm, HRC 050 (wet room) *UPDATED LOCATION
- Tuesday, November 12, 5-6 pm, HRC154 (conference room) *UPDATED LOCATION
- Tuesday, December 17, noon-1pm, HRC050 (group fitness room) *UPDATED LOCATION
- Friday, January 17, noon- 1 pm, HRC154 (conference room)
- Thursday, February 20, 5-6 pm, HRC 154 (conference room)
Free to all faculty, staff, and students. No registration required.
Please see designated tab on STEP website for additional information regarding sound baths at Butler.
“Communication Values and Ethics: Belonging with Purpose in our Butler University Community”
Presented by Dr. Eileen Taylor (College of Communication)
Thursday, September 19, 11:00 a.m.-noon, AU 326
Our Butler community includes colleagues, friends, family, and strangers! Our values and ethics are collective strength that contribute to ongoing Butler University strategic direction outcomes. Staff are invited to gather at this first STEP session of the academic year to celebrate YOU in our culture of empowerment, engagement, and accountability while we continue to inspire future-forward communication about the Butler Way of belonging in our community. We look forward to having you join us!
Butler Strategic Direction Connection:
Priority 4: Build a culture of empowerment, engagement, and accountability.
Initiative 4.2: Development a shared sense of purpose and community and the connection vehicles that drive it.
Enhance internal communication and provide opportunities for increased connection with the Butler community.
Guests will be provided with meal vouchers to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
Student Disability Services (SDS) “Neurodiversity on Campus” – part of the “Learn About Butler” (LAB) series
Wednesday, September 25, 11:00 a.m.-noon, AU 326
In this session, staff from SDS will discuss the shifting definitions of disability and
neurodiversity, as well as the emerging culture of what it means to be
neurodiverse. They will also share best practices for universal design that
highlight the ways that small, intentional changes in how faculty and
staff interact with students can have a positive impact for all students, but
especially those who identify as neurodiverse.
Guests will be provided with meal vouchers to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
“Student Athletics” – part of the “Learn About Butler” (LAB) series
Tuesday, October 1, 11:00 a.m.-noon, Hinkle Fieldhouse room 1131
Staff are invited to this session to learn about academics and compliance in athletics. “Academic Eligibility,” “NIL” (Name, Image, and Likeness), “PTD” (Progress Towards Degree), the “Transfer Portal,” and “APR” (Academic Performance Rate) are all buzz words in college athletics, but what do they mean for Butler student athletes? Members of the Butler athletics academic support staff and compliance team will share information about who they are and what they do. Join us to learn how they support our student athletes, as well as how can you support our student athletes!
Guests will be provided with meal vouchers to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
“Using AI for Your Well-Being”
Tuesday, October 15, lunch (provided): noon-12:30 p.m., presentation: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Johnson Room, Robertson Hall
Presented by Kristen Palmer, Online Education and Educational Technology
Join us for this interactive workshop designed to help faculty and staff explore how AI tools can enhance personal and professional well-being. This session will cover practical ways to use AI for stress management, time management, and maintaining work-life balance. Participants can learn how AI can assist in simplifying daily tasks, fostering creativity, and supporting mental health. The workshop is structured as an open session, allowing you to drop in at any time to engage with the content and discover how AI can contribute to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Catered lunch provided.
Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
“Cybersecurity Awareness and Best Practices” – Faculty/Staff Lunch and Learn Opportunity
Presented by Wade Javorsky and Melanie Perez (Information Technology)
CANCELLED
Please check back for updates on potential rescheduling of this event.
“Our Fearless Era: A Taylor Swift Coded Approach to Confident Public Speaking”
Presented by Carly Middleton (CCOM)
Wednesday, November 20, 11:00-noon, AU326
Does the fear of public speaking have you staying up for Midnights? Want to have a better Reputation for leading meetings? Join us for a fun-filled workshop to learn how to Speak Now to audiences of all sizes. We’ll cover anxiety-reducing strategies you can implement in personal and professional contexts to exude confidence for Evermore.
Guests will be provided with meal vouchers to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
“Wellness Strategies for Staying Active During Winter”
Presented by Dan Scripter, Assistant Director of Fitness & Student Development
Tuesday, December 10, 12:30-1:30, Atherton Union 326
Join us for this session to learn practical tips for maintaining physical activity and staying fit when the cold weather keeps you indoors. Register now to discover easy, effective ways to keep moving all season long!
Guests will be provided with meal vouchers to enjoy lunch with colleagues. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
Yoga by Candlelight
led by Anni Hine, HRC yoga instructor
Thursday, December 12, 5:00-6:00 p.m., HRC 050 (group fitness room)
Feeling the stress of classes, deadlines, or work? Escape the end-of-semester hustle and enjoy an hour of relaxation by participating in this special (free!) yoga by candlelight class led by HRC instructor Anni Hine. All are welcome!
Why you’ll love it:
- Calm your mind with gentle stretches and soothing poses.
- Recharge in a peaceful, candlelit atmosphere.
- Connect with friends and colleagues while finding your balance.
Whether you’re a beginner or a yoga pro, this session is a perfect way to de-stress, improve flexibility, and enhance your mental clarity. Find your center. Shine your light.
Opportunity open to staff, faculty, and students. To ensure your spot, RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is strongly encouraged.
“Burnout: How to prevent it. How to heal from it.”
Presented by Brenda Johnston, Associate Professor of Arts Administration
Thursday, January 30
Lunch (provided): noon-12:30 p.m., presentation: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Johnson Room, Robertson Hall
At this lunch and learn workshop opportunity, Brenda Johnston will share her personal experiences with burnout, lessons learned, and tips and tools from experts regarding prevention and healing. Participants will be given time to develop their own mini-plans for prevention or recovery. Catered lunch provided. Space is limited. RSVP to step@butler.edu is required.
“Promoting Student Wellness” – Faculty/Staff Lunch and Learn Opportunity
Presented by staff from Butler’s Counseling and Consultation Services
Wednesday, February 5
Lunch (provided): noon-12:30 p.m., presentation: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Ford Salon, Robertson Hall
This presentation will explore how to create an environment in which students can thrive, how to communicate care and compassion to students, and when to seek professional guidance. Attendees will also reflect on how fostering student wellness not only facilitates their professional growth but also enhances their own well-being. By supporting students effectively, faculty and staff can contribute to a healthier, more balanced campus environment for everyone.
Catered lunch provided. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
“Enhancing Your Survey Skills with Qualtrics“
Presented by Sierra Davis and Justin Bauerle, Information Technology
Wednesday, February 12, 11:00 a.m.-noon, via Zoom
This engaging virtual workshop is designed specifically to unlock the full potential of Qualtrics. The session will cover the essentials of creating, distributing, and analyzing surveys with the Qualtrics platform. Participants will learn how to design effective surveys, utilize advanced features, and interpret data to make informed decisions. Whether you’re new to Qualtrics or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical tips to elevate your survey endeavors.
RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required to receive Zoom login information.
“Excel: Beyond the Basics”
Presented by Brandon Signorino, Office of Institutional Research and Assessment
Friday, February 21, 11:00 a.m.-noon, in-person training at Irwin Library 128 and via Zoom.
This Excel workshop is designed for those who already have a solid grasp of the basics and are looking to elevate their skills. Brandon Signorino will share techniques including lookups, pivot tables, conditionals, data validation, and more, with the intention to enhance your data analysis capabilities and streamline workflows, enabling you to work more efficiently and make data-driven decisions with ease.
In-person guests will be provided with meal vouchers to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required, including your preferred method of in-person or virtual modality. Zoom link will be provided to guests upon RSVP.
“Passover: Structures of a Tradition”
Tuesday, March 4, 11 a.m.-noon, AU326
Do you want to know more about the Jewish holiday of Passover but don’t know where to start? Butler staff are invited to this presentation by Michael Aronson, Jewish Life Advisor and lecturer in the College of Communication, for an introduction to the holiday. Selected portions of the service (the Passover seder) will be shared to help guests experience what Passover is about. Explore the holiday’s rituals and themes, and learn how Passover engages participants with structures of Jewish religious tradition.
Guests will be provided with meal vouchers to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
Butler Community Arts School (BCAS) – part of the “Learn About Butler” (LAB) series
Tuesday, March 25, 11:00 a.m.-noon, AU326
The Butler Community Arts School (BCAS) is an arts education hub on campus that engages with the community through three programs: private music lessons, group courses, and summer arts camps. By increasing campus-wide awareness of BCAS and its impactful programs, we can offer enriching opportunities to a wider audience. With the collaboration of Butler staff, we can explore innovative partnerships with campus departments, enhancing our engagement with the surrounding community and creating a richer cultural environment.
Guests will be provided with meal vouchers to enjoy lunch with colleagues following the session. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
Graphic Design Basics
Friday, April 4, 10:00-11:00 a.m., via Zoom
Presented by Phil Eichacker, Art Director of Butler Marketing and Communications
There are lots of ways to design good content. But maybe there are times when you need advice on the most effective and clear ways to visually get your ideas across. This virtual session will illustrate some basic design principles to give you a foundation to build your own ideas and make them effective communication.
RSVP to STEP@butler.edu required to receive the Zoom login details.
“Campus Sustainability and Native Plants of Indiana”
Thursday, April 17, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Johnson Room, Robertson Hall
Session description is forthcoming.
Catered lunch provided. Space is limited. RSVP to STEP@butler.edu is required.
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, 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.
Free to all faculty, staff, and students. No registration required.
- Tuesday, September 10, 5-6 pm, Ford Salon, Robertson Hall
- Tuesday, October 8, noon-1 pm, HRC050 (group fitness room)
- Tuesday, November 12, 5-6 pm, HRC154 (conference room) *UPDATED LOCATION
- Tuesday, December 17, noon-1 pm, HRC050 (group fitness room) *UPDATED LOCATION
- Friday, January 17, noon- 1 pm, HRC050 (group fitness room) *UPDATED LOCATION
- Thursday, February 20, 5-6 pm, HRC050 (group fitness room) *UPDATED LOCATION
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, and Advancement.
Step with STEP – Spring 2025
Looking for motivation to be your best you in the new year? Butler faculty and staff are invited to “Step with STEP” to increase awareness of your daily movement level and get walking!
Faculty and staff participants may elect to participate individually, with a buddy, or in teams of four.
Details
- Registration Dates: Sign up through January 17, 2025
Registration is now closed - Activity Dates:
- February 3, 2025 – March 29, 2025
- Registration is open to all Butler faculty and staff
- Those who have mobility issues can easily participate by using an alternative form of movement and calculating steps (see alternative activities step translation link)
- Participants have the following registration options.
- Non-competitively or friendly “healthy” competition with other participants
- A preference to walk solo, with a buddy, or in a team of four (quad)
- NEW for 2025! Weekly lunch hour (optional) group walks and social opportunities. To best accommodate a variety of schedules, day of the week for the group walk will vary throughout the program. Each Monday, all Step with STEP participants will receive that week’s group walk logistical details. We look forward to having you join us to make some new friends and enjoy special social connections while getting your steps in!
Weekly step counting
- Step counting dates February 3, 2025 – March 29, 2025
- Alternative activities may be used to walking or running.
- Participants will track their steps on a spreadsheet that will be emailed upon registration. Please be sure to enter your daily steps directly into the page link provided, as that spreadsheet will be live-linked to a master tally in MS Teams. Do not save the document as a static file as doing so will remove the live-link function.
Click here to view the weekly leaderboard results (Google sheet – must be logged in with Butler credentials to view)
Step conversion without a device:
- Walking 20 minutes per mile = 2,252 steps per mile
- Walking 15 minutes per mile = 1,935 steps per mile
- Running 12 minutes per mile = 1,951 steps per mile
- Running 10 minutes per mile = 1,672 steps per mile
- Running 8 minutes per mile = 1,400 steps per mile
Prizes will be awarded at the end of the event for the highest number of steps:
- First, second and third place – individuals category
- First, second and third place – buddy team category
- First, second and third place – quad team category
A group lunch will also be held on April 3, 2025 to celebrate everyone who participated in the program.
Questions? Email STEP@butler.edu
In cooperation with Butler’s Visiting Writers Series, STEP offers FREE reading opportunities to academic affairs staff.
Books provided for the first 50 to register! Choose a reading from one of the 2024-25 Visiting Writer Series authors. Click here to learn more and to register by Friday, November 15.

Sign up to receive communications from Butler’s Staff Assembly by clicking HERE. The mission of the Butler University Staff Assembly is to support, inform, and promote engagement of all staff in order to sustain a positive culture and community.
- 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