This series of workshops is intended for leaders (executive managers, deans, directors, chairs, and supervisors, level 12-17) from across the University to work together to improve the current climate and culture in their units and across the greater campus community.
While sessions are repeated annually, content is updated each year to reflect changes in current policies and practices. We encourage you to attend sessions more than once as new information is regularly shared.
This series is a collaboration between the Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Development, the Office of Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, Human Resources, the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance, and the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.
Setting the Tone: An Introduction to Changing Climate & Culture
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Location: MSU Main Library, Green Room (4th Floor, West Wing)
Lydia Weiss, Assistant Director, Climate & Response Unit, Prevention, Outreach and Education Department
Carrie Moylan, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, College of Social Science and Advisor to the President and Co-chair, MSU RVSM Expert Advisory Workgroup
Stephanie Anthony, Director, College Access Initiatives, Office of University Outreach and Engagement and Advisor to the President and Co-chair, MSU RVSM Expert Advisory Workgroup
As leaders in a complex organization, we are often pulled in multiple directions and required to navigate several (sometimes conflicting) priorities. During this workshop, participants will examine factors that have large impacts on workplace climates – how to notice them and recognize their effects. Participants will develop effective strategies for strategically addressing and minimizing negative consequences. The workshop will introduce the Climate Assessment Toolkit, which helps leaders make meaning of the climate and culture among their team. The Toolkit provides practical skills and exercises to support leaders in creating positive environments, identifying concerns and challenges, reducing risk, and building healthy work and learning climates.
Navigating Conflict and Power Dynamics
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Location: MSU Main Library, Green Room (4th Floor, West Wing)
Shannon Lynn Burton, University Ombudsperson
Kathie Elliott, Senior Learning and Organization Development Specialist, Organization and Professional Development, MSU Human Resources
Jade Richards, Dialogues Coordinator, Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Francisco Villarruel, Faculty Grievance Official
Conflict is an inevitable part of human interactions, yet many of us try and avoid situations where conflict is present. Learning how to deal with conflict in healthy and productive ways is essential for personal growth, effective leadership, and creating positive change. At the center of many conflicts are issues around power (both real and perceived) that can relate to work roles and identity factors such as gender and race. This workshop is designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate conflict effectively, establish clear boundaries and expectations, and understand the various power dynamics that can influence the situation. Participants will learn practical skills for navigating conflict in a way that fosters team growth. When registering for the event, participants will be prompted to provide answers to a few questions that will guide the content presented at the session.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON!