By Lindsay Brookey and Lisa Williamson, via NIRSA
Crafting training and development plans for student employees can transform the experience and lead to more prepared young professionals.
The WELL at California State University – Sacramento — a.k.a. Sacramento State — incorporates student wellbeing into student staff training each semester through its Leadership Training Series program. The program’s focus on student wellbeing allows student employees to participate in a variety of beneficial educational sessions and activities to enhance their overall wellbeing.
Andrew Reddish, assistant director, Intramurals & Student Staff Development, told us that, at Sacramento State, this training series is geared not only toward on-the-job training, but also emphasizes how students can be successful in the classroom, prepare for future careers, and increase their overall wellbeing.
How it works
Five major principles guide the Sacramento State staff in selecting sessions for the upcoming semester:
- Provide content useful for student staff to perform better in their role at The WELL.
- Assist student staff in the exploration and preparation of their career path.
- Deliver relevant information to develop personal life skills and wellness.
- Provide opportunities for interaction with Union WELL Inc. staff and collaboration with on-campus partners.
- Increase awareness of the campus recreation industry and opportunities to grow within the field.
Past educational sessions have seen average participation rates of 15-20 individuals. But, for more popular sessions, attendance has been as high as 40 staff members. Leadership Training Series sessions have included cooking demonstrations, nutrition jeopardy, crisis management, alumni panels, interviewing tips, motivational interviewing, risk management, inclusion, financial fitness, and public speaking. The WELL also works with campus partners such as the Division of Inclusive Excellence and Crisis Assistance & Resource Education Support (CARES) office to enhance the Leadership Training Series offerings.
Learn more about The WELL
The WELL is a part of Union WELL Inc., which is a proud member of the Sacramento State Division of Student Affairs within the California State University system. Through programs, services and facilities, Union WELL Inc. realizes its potential when it fosters personal growth, encourages social interaction, and provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills.
The involvement in campus life around Union WELL Inc. leads to memorable experiences and fosters a community that cultivates enduring commitment, pride, and loyalty to the university.
Explore new NIRSA resource for student staff training and development
Between now and over the summer, The Union and WELL will be recruiting for 30 different position types and more than 150 openings. Often one of the largest employers of students on campus, the recreation department can provide experiential learning opportunities and career readiness to its staff.
Campus Recreation Essentials: Student Staff Training & Development leads supervisors through the process of creating an intentional, effective training strategy grounded in student development theory. Written with examples of application in the field, guidance of good assessment practices, and suggested learning competencies, there are takeaways for any campus recreation professional.
Lindsay Brookey is the assistant director for Fitness and Wellness at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.
Lisa Williamson is the assistant director for Fitness & Wellness at the University of Georgia's Department of Recreational Sports and co-chair of the NIRSA Wellbeing Briefing Work Group.
