Upcoming Events
This calendar lists all the upcoming professional development courses, workshops, programs and events available to Student Affairs staff.
Summer Quarter 2026
Wellness Wednesday: Figgy Frolic
Join Norah for a Figgy Frolic!
Norah Shimokawa works in Health Promotion, but during her lunch break, you can usually find her pulling weeds and listening to the birds. She’s not an expert by any means, but she is curious, enthusiastic, mindful, and silly. Together, we’ll take a short stroll to the Student Co-op Houses to talk about nature, say hello to the chickens, and eat some fresh figs right off the tree.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, August 19th at 9:00 - 10:30 AM (We will head out at 9:05 AM sharp!)
- Location: Meet in the Cowell Building Lobby (in the 2-story section that houses Health Promotion and Counseling).
- What to wear: Closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. We won't be walking far, but we will be on unpaved, uneven ground with dry foxtails and other pokey plants.
Sign up: Register today!
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 by end of day, August 5.
Personify Leadership - New Offering!
Personify Leadership is an experiential-based leadership development program that provides comprehensive development for leaders. All aspects of the program are derived from a signature eight-core body-focused competency model, designed to provide a "head-to-toe" approach to leadership excellence. You will be exposed to five distinct learning methods: experiential simulations, video demonstrations, case studies, skills application, and personal reflection. Because leadership is complex, you need a toolkit ready to go. You will leave with tangible tools for real-world application in a variety of situations. You’ll have the chance to problem-solve, collaborate, compete, and challenge your peers in exciting, hands-on activities.
- Date/Time: Monday, August 31st and Tuesday, September 1st, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Mee Room, 3rd Floor of MU
- Eligibility: Supervisors of Students and Mid-Level Leaders in Student Affairs
Sign up: Program is full; sign up to be on the waiting list.
Check out this video for more information.
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
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, 12am-2pm
- Where: MU Games Area
- What: Networking, Bowling, Billiards and Lunch
Eligibility: Student Affairs Staff hired in 2026.
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.
- How to Register: Stay Tuned
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)
- Quarterly Well-being Event (every quarter)
Ongoing Offerings
The following offerings are available upon request throughout the year. Fill out the application or connect with the relevant contact to book these at any time.
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.