Upcoming Events
This calendar lists all the upcoming professional development courses, workshops, programs and events available to Student Affairs staff.
Summer Quarter 2026
Student Affairs Strengths Summit
The Student Affairs Strengths Summit is back! This special all-day event celebrates the power of strengths-based conversations, coaching, and programs that help Student Affairs employees, supervisors, and leaders bring out the best in themselves, both at work and beyond. Come connect with fellow strengths enthusiasts across the division and learn from one another.
- Date/Time: Thursday, August 27th 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Student Community Center, MPR
- Eligibility: Student Affairs professional staff,
Sign up: Register until it is full; just a few spots left as of 8/21
Wellness Wednesday: Tea & Totes
Join Leslie and Emma for Tea & Totes!
Come and decorate a tote bag while sipping some hot tea and chatting with colleagues.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, September 2nd at 12:00 - 1:30 PM
- Location: 114 South Hall
- What to wear: We will be using acrylic paint, so you may want to consider that what you wear could possibly get a little paint on it.
Sign up: Register today!
Fall Quarter 2026
Coaching Circles; Supervisors of Students
JDo you supervise students as part of your role in Student Affairs? This coaching circle will focus on Student Affairs staff who serve in a supervisory capacity to undergraduate and/or graduate students. You'll gain a network of supportive peers you can call upon for support, encouragement, and input. Coaching circles offer a focus on a specific topic for deeper exploration of how to address challenges effectively. They also provide dedicated time for listening, asking good questions, and reflecting, which helps every member discover their own answers and celebrates the expertise each person brings to the conversation.
- Date/Time: Every other Wednesday, Sep 23, Oct 7, Oct 21, Nov 4, Nov 18, Dec 2, Dec 16, 10:00 - 11: 30 AM
- Location: ARC 2nd Floor Conference Room.
- Who Can Apply: The Fall 2026 Cohort is open to all Student Affairs professional staff who supervise students.
Sign up: Register today!
Student Affairs New(ish) Employee Welcome Event
Created under the Student Affairs Strategic Plan Goal 3, "Prioritize Our People," the New(ish) Employee Welcome is a semi-quarterly networking and orientation event designed for staff new to the UC Davis Division of Student Affairs. Held at the MU Games Area, this event includes lunch, bowling, billiards, and prizes, providing a fun space for new hires to connect with peers and build partnerships. Attendees will also gain insights from veteran staff, hear from divisional leadership, and discover professional development opportunities to help grow their careers within the division.
- When: October 28th, 2026, 12pm-2pm
- Where: MU Games Area
- What: Networking, Bowling, Billiards and Lunch
Eligibility: Student Affairs Staff hired in 2026.
Trick or Trot: Pumpkin Painting and Horse Treat Making
You may have seen Amy Shuman’s LinkedIn posts every Halloween for her annual pumpkin painting event, now’s your chance to bridle your creativity and join in on the fun!
Come paint a pumpkin and help us whip up some simple, tasty horse treats for our four-legged friends. We will provide the small pumpkins, paints for the craft and mixing bowls, food supplies and nitrile gloves for treat making.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, October 28th at 3:00 - 5:00 PM
- Location: Campus Rec Equestrian Center
- What to wear: We will be using acrylic paint, so you may want to consider that what you wear could possibly get a little paint on it. Plan to wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don't mind getting a little dirty.
- A Quick Note on Comfort: Hold your horses, there's no pressure here! Please participate in whatever way feels best for you. There is zero obligation to pet or feed the horses, you are more than welcome to just hang out, paint, and admire them from afar.
Sign up: Register today!
Pump Me Up Presentations
Get ready to brag, boast, and get hyped! Pump Me Up Presentations is an un-serious, high-energy event designed purely for fun, stress relief, and good vibes
Here is how it works:
The Presenters: Create a quick, 3-to-5-slide PowerPoint celebrating literally anything you're proud of—a huge work milestone, mastering a sourdough recipe, keeping a houseplant alive for six months, or finally organizing your inbox.
The Crowd: Bring the noise! Your only job is to go wild, cheer, and give our presenters the rockstar applause they deserve.
Whether you want to take the mic or just come enjoy the hilarity and boost your colleagues, everyone is welcome. No judgment, no formal presentation rules, and absolutely no boring status updates—just a delightfully silly way to network, destress, and lift each other up.
Join Norah Shimokawa in an uplifting afternoon to celebrate together and learn about colleagues.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, November 18th from 3 pm to 4:30 pm
- Location: Moss Room on the 3rd Floor of the MU
- What to Expect: Fun, laughter, celebration, and noise!
Sign up: Register to to pump...YOU up!
Leading with Strengths
Leading With Strengths is a three-day immersive strengths-based leadership course grounded in Gallup’s CliftonStrengths framework. Through a blend of individual reflection, coaching tools, and team-based exercises, participants learn to apply their unique strengths to build trust, stability, compassion, and hope within their teams—the four essential needs of followers.
- Who Can Apply: This workshop is for any university-designated supervisor who is supervising at least 2 FTEs.
- When: All day December 7th, 8th, and 9th, 9 am- 4:30 pm
- Where: In-person on the Davis campus at the International Center
- Cost: Applicants in the Division of Student Affairs will have their tuition fully covered. For applicants who are outside of Student Affairs, tuition is estimated to be $495.00 per person and will be charged via departmental recharge.
Crafting for the Holidays: Cozy Creations & Festive Cheer
Get into the seasonal spirit and unwrap your creativity! Join host Sanne Fettinger of the Craft Center for an afternoon of warm, festive crafting as we head into the winter holiday season.
While we are still putting the final touches on our holiday craft project, expect to make something cozy and festive, perfect to keep for yourself or bundle up as a thoughtful, handmade gift for someone special in your life. No prior crafting experience needed!
- Date/Time: Wednesday, December 16th at 2:00 - 4:00 PM
- Location: UC Davis Craft Center
- What to Expect: All tools and materials for the mystery holiday craft will be provided; just bring your festive spirit!
Sign up: RSVP today to pause during the busy season, prioritize your well-being, and celebrate the holidays with your colleagues!
Recurring Offerings
The following events occur yearly, quarterly or upon request. Yearly offerings will be posted the quarter prior to the start of the program once dates are finalized.
Annual Programs
- The Small Group Mentoring Program (every July to December)
- Leading with Strengths (every December, once a year only)
- Burnout to Wellbeing Coaching Programs (now available upon request)
- HR Best Practices for Supervisors (every Spring)
- HR Best Practices for Supervisors of Students (every Spring)
- LEGO Serious Play (available sporadically throughout the year)
- Strengths Coaching (every quarter)
- The Student Affairs Scholarship Program (every March)
- Monthly Well-being Events (every month)
Programs by Request
Individual Coaching
Apply anytime to work with a certified professional coach to help you work towards goals, talk through complex challenges and learn how to harness your strengths to be the best version of yourself.
Learn More About Coaching Apply to Work with a Coach
Team Development
We offer tailored team coaching, team workshops and team retreats upon request to help your team reach the next level professionally.