2025 All-Staff Conference Schedule

This two-day event will be held in the College of Business Howard L. Hawks Hall.  The objective of the conference is to provide professional development, encourage cross-campus dialogue and provide support for the University staff at every level.  The conference is designed to foster engagement among participants, cultivating a supportive, inclusive and dynamic community where every individual can thrive.  Breakout sessions will feature staff presentations in a variety of areas. We are excited to announce that based on feedback, a virtual conference option will be available for those who are unable to attend in-person.

This year's conference will provide over 40 opportunities to engage and grow professional. 

Dates: Tuesday, July 22 - Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Location: Howard L. Hawks Hall
Presentation Themes:  Professional Development | Communication & Collaboration | Financial Wellness | University Operations & Resources | Technology and Innovation | Well-being & Community and Belonging | Leadership

Presentation TitleLocationTime 
Check InHoward L. Hawks Hall Lobby12:00 - 1:00PM
WelcomeAuditorium 21:00 - 1:15PM
Keynote AddressAuditorium 21:15 -1:45PM

 

 

Finding Your Way: Maps of Howard L. Hawks Hall

Day 1

Session 1 | 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Presentation TitleLocationPresenter NamePresentation Theme
Keynote Continuation Feedback Fluency: Mastering the Language of GrowthAuditorium 2Keri MesropovProfessional Development
Procure to Pay - Then and NowClassroom 018Doug CarlsonUniversity Operations & Resources
Everything You Need to Know about the Future Ready Cloud Collaboration Workspace Project!Classroom 020Kate McCown and Mikeala PetersenTechnology and Innovation
From Colleagues to Community: The Role and Impact of Staff CouncilsClassroom 032Erin Chambers, Jordan Ashmore, Jodi Mackin, Michael Sandvold and Mel SedlacekCommunication & Collaboration
Invisible to Impactful on LinkedInClassroom 202Mikki SandinProfessional Development
What Does Title VI Have To Do With Me? Cultivating a Culture of RespectClassroom 204Marc Pearce and Nathaly JimenezWell-being & Community and Belonging
Managing Difficult Conversations Part ONEClassroom 211Jody KellasCommunication & Collaboration
Successfully Collaborating with FacultyClassroom 223Jennifer PeeksMeaseCommunication & Collaboration
Local Food, Stronger Communities: Strengthening Lincoln’s Food FutureClassroom 227Anna OettingWell-being & Community and Belonging

Session 2 | 3:00 PM - 3:45PM

Presentation TitleLocationPresenter NamePresentation Theme
Introduction to Project/Program ManagementClassroom 010Jerri HarnerProfessional Development
Title II and Digital AccessibilityClassroom 018Remy Sydik & Julia Remsik LarsenWell-being & Community and Belonging
UNL's Sustainability Commitments: The Smart Choice Starts With You Classroom 032Madeline Yeatts, Estelle DeJonge, Lucas Novotny, Scott Monroe, Nate Benes, Brianne Wolf & Morgan HartmanUniversity Operations & Resources
Subtract: How Doing Less Can Be More Helpful Classroom 040Jordan GonzalesWell-being & Community and Belonging
Discover & Develop Your Leadership StyleClassroom 202Kaitlin FerrisLeadership
Libraries at the center, a powerful storyClassroom 204Charlene Maxey-HarrisUniversity Operations & Resources
Managing Difficult Conversations Part TWO Classroom 211Jody KellasCommunication & Collaboration
Boosting Confidence and Self-Efficacy: Key Strategies for Professional Growth Classroom 215Michael SandvoldProfessional Development
From Impersonal Network to a Meaningful Community: Thriving as a Young Professional Classroom 223Natalie Becerra and Lizzie VietzCommunication & Collaboration
Welcome Home: An Immersive Approach to the Student ExperienceClassroom 227Mia Virgillito, Allie Woolworth & Kayla TupperWell-being & Community and Belonging
Work Smarter, Not Harder: A Hands-On AI Tools WorkshopClassroom 229Drashti Bhatt and Ben LennanderTechnology and Innovation

Staff Experiences | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

More Information to Come.

ExperienceDetails
Find Your Flow: Wellness Wonders at Campus Recreation

Description: Explore the state-of-the-art facilities and diverse programs offered by UNL Campus Recreation. This experience will showcase opportunities for staff to enhance their physical well-being, engage in recreational activities, and learn about the resources available to support a healthy lifestyle. From fitness centers and group classes to intramural sports and outdoor adventures, discover how Campus Recreation contributes to the UNL community

Limit: 2 groups of 12 participants

Digging into History: Unearthing Wonders at Morrill Hall

Descriptions: Discover the fascinating natural history exhibits housed within Morrill Hall, home of the University of Nebraska State Museum. This experience will highlight some of the museum's most iconic displays, including the world-famous mammoth fossils, and explore the ongoing research and educational initiatives that make Morrill Hall a valuable resource for the university and the community.

Limit: 30 participants

Building the Future: A Sneak Peek Inside Kiewitt Hall's Innovation Hub

Descriptions: Tour Kiewit Hall, the state-of-the-art home to the College of Engineering. Experience the innovative learning spaces, advanced laboratories, and collaborative environments that prepare UNL engineering students to become future leaders in technology and innovation. Learn about the college's cutting-edge research and its impact on various industries."

Limit: 30 participants

Rooted in History: A Walk Among UNL's Timeless Trees

Descriptions: Join a guided walk through UNL's historic city campus, focusing on its remarkable collection of trees. This tour will introduce you to the diverse species, some of which are over a century old, and share the stories and significance of these trees in the university's history and landscape design. A great way to enjoy the beauty of campus and learn about its natural heritage

Limit: 30 participants

Curtain Up! A Backstage Pass to the Lied Center Magic

Descriptions: Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Lied Center for Performing Arts, a premier venue that brings world-class performances to Lincoln. Explore the center's theaters, backstage areas, and public spaces, and learn about its role in enriching the cultural life of the university and the wider community. You'll gain insight into the technical and artistic aspects of staging major productions.

Limit: 35

Canvas to Culture: An  Art Journey at the Sheldon

Descriptions: Immerse yourself in Sheldon Museum of Art’s collection of art. Led by Randy Guthmiller, associate director for learning, engagement, and public practice, this guided experience will highlight key works from the museum’s significant holdings of American art, both in the collection galleries and outdoors in the renowned sculpture garden. Learn about the history and context of the art and the museum, as well as about upcoming exhibitions and programs. 

Limit: 30 participants

Free Ride + Free Treat: Campus Cruising & Dairy Delights!

Description: Join us for a bus ride to east campus and a sweet treat! Attendees will learn how to use their (free!) Token Transit bus pass to traverse campus and receive a (free!) ice cream from the Dairy Store. Your tour guides will help you download and use the Token Transit app, find the correct bus route, and ride safely there and back. Bypass parking and support sustainability by learning how to ride the bus with us! 

Limit: 15

From Columns to Crescendos: A Symphony of Spaces in the Westbrook Music Building

Description: Witness the transformative power of music and architecture on a tour of the stunning new Westbrook Music Building. Home to the renowned Glenn Korff School of Music, this facility boasts everything from a top-tier recording studio to dynamic rehearsal spaces and a beautifully appointed 300-seat recital hall. See where the legacy of music at UNL meets modern innovation, and anticipate the arrival of the university's iconic columns, creating a harmonious blend of history and future just steps from Kimball Recital Hall.

Limit: 20 participants

Day 2

Session 3 | 9:00 AM -9:45 AM

Presentation TitleLocationPresenter NamePresentation Theme
Growing and Protecting Your Wealth with UBT & BBBClassroom 010Brittany Planos & Josh PlanosFinancial Wellness
The Americans with Disabilities Act; Communication and Accommodations Classroom 018Jill FlagelWell-being & Community and Belonging
Beyond the Stereotypes: Strength-based Strategies for Understanding and Engaging with Gen ZClassroom 032Lydia Coulson, Rob Russell, & Jordan HeimWell-being & Community and Belonging
The Woos - Winning Others Over  by Creating a Staff Development CommitteeClassroom 202Natalie Becerra, Zac Franzen & Alisa SmithCommunication & Collaboration
Collaboration and Project Management with Microsoft ToolsClassroom 204Ben LassTechnology and Innovation
How to be a boss at giving (and receiving) performance reviewsClassroom 215Todd ThornockLeadership
All about Archives: Preserving and Providing Access to Stories that MatterClassroom 223Melanie Griffin, Traci Robison and Sarah GloverUniversity Operations & Resources
Anticipate Instead of ProcrastinateClassroom 227Kyla GorjiProfessional Development
Rediscover Career Interests to Craft Professional SummaryClassroom 229Sai Sato Mumm and Allison DocterProfessional Development

Session 4 | 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Presentation TitleLocationPresenter NamePresentation Theme
Calm in the Chaos: Redefining Well-Being in Challenging SeasonsClassroom 010Trina CressWell-being & Community and Belonging
AI 101: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It MattersClassroom 018Mel SedlacekTechnology and Innovation
Everything You Need to Know about the Future Ready Cloud Collaboration Workspace Project!Classroom 020Kate McCown and Mikeala PetersenTechnology and Innovation
 Supervising Student WorkersClassroom 032Celeste Spier, Zac Brost, Kadina Koonce, Mollie Rappl, Dan HudsonLeadership
Modern Business EtiquetteClassroom 040Shelley ZaborowskiCommunication & Collaboration
Civility in the Workplace: How to have a kinder campus Classroom 202Ranelle MaltasWell-being & Community and Belonging
Connecting Husker POWER to the Staff ExperienceClassroom 211Ruth Oliver Andrew & Jaci GustafsonUniversity Operations & Resources
Create Your Future: Vision Work for Professional DevelopmentClassroom 215Jannah VaniéProfessional Development
Navigating Tough Conversations with ConfidenceClassroom 223Kristen BlankleyCommunication & Collaboration
Choosing to Lead with Confidence: Empowering Women in LeadershipClassroom 227Yusong LiLeadership
Partnering with Your Supervisor: The Strategic Path to Career AdvancementClassroom 229Ben LennanderProfessional Development

Session 5 | 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Presentation TitleLocationPresenter NamePresentation Theme
Talk Data to MeClassroom 010Brook BerneyTechnology and Innovation
Decoding Credit: How Bureaus and Scores Shape Your Financial FutureClassroom 018Dena NoeFinancial Wellness
Safety First: Understanding the Role of Emergency Notifications on Campus Classroom 032Abby Schletzbaum, John Backer and Hassan RamzahUniversity Operations & Resources
Prevent & Overcome Burnout: A Strengths-Based ApproachClassroom 040Kaitlin FerrisWell-being & Community and Belonging
Bridging Gaps: Strengthening Support Systems for International Student SuccessClassroom 202Margaret Nongo-OkojokwuWell-being & Community and Belonging
Goal Setting and Behavior ChangeClassroom 204Annalisa DavenportProfessional Development
From Slogan to Best Practice: Every Person and Every Interaction MattersClassroom 211Barbara Woodhead & Pablo RangelCommunication & Collaboration
Growing Cultural Intelligence Skills From HomeClassroom 223Renae NinnemanWell-being & Community and Belonging
Managing Change and Transition in Times of UncertaintyClassroom 227Jordan GonzalesProfessional Development
Q&A for Insurance and Retirement Plan BenefitsClassroom 229Adrienne BlakeUniversity Operations & Resources

District Meetings | 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

District #Location
District 1: Business & FinanceClassroom 010
District 2: ChancellorClassroom 018
District 3: Academic CollegesClassroom 020
District 4: Student LifeClassroom 040
District 5: Additional EVC's OfficesClassroom 032
District 6: IANRAuditorium 2
District 7: ResearchClassroom 204
University of Nebraska SystemClassroom 202