Lena Zentall didn’t know what to expect when she volunteered to be a pilot participant in a new certification program for supervisors, but ended up an enthusiastic graduate. “It’s been a great learning (and bonding) experience. I’m using what I learn in the e-course and discussion session immediately. I’ve been sharing what I’ve learned with the staff I supervise — using it as a springboard for discussion. It’s a great way to build relationships. I’m very pleased that UCOP is offering supervisor certification. Everyone at UCOP who supervises should go through this course.”

After a successful pilot, the Supervisor Certification Program is now being offered to UCOP supervisory staff who would like to enhance their management skills. This program will explore the best techniques for motivating, coaching, engaging and developing employees as well as managing performance through goals, feedback and performance appraisals.

Developed in response to staff engagement surveys and recommendations from the Efficiency Review, Career Development, Performance Management and Communications workgroups, this program has been designed to apply best management practices to the UCOP work environment.

The program blends e-courses with classroom sessions to put theory into practice. Participants are encouraged to exchange ideas and collaborate to find solutions to common challenges. As a cohort-based program, it provides participants with a peer network for support, ongoing development and career growth.

Who

This first round will enroll 15-20 participants, who may either be nominated by their manager or self-nominate. Please note that manager support of the participant’s enrollment is critical for success because of the time requirements and the benefits of ongoing support in applying new skills learned.

The program has been designed for staff who already have some supervisory experience and are classified as Supervisor 1, Supervisor 2, Supervisor 3 or Manager 1. All participants must supervise at least one employee, be familiar with the UCOP e-appraisal system and be able to complete all components of the course as described below.

What

The program has two primary components:

• Eight e-courses taken through the UC Learning Center will allow the participants to familiarize themselves with the principles of people management and work through self-guided exploratory activities. They will also provide continued support after the program, allowing participants to revisit topics they want to review.

• Five facilitated cohort meetings will enhance the methodology introduced in the e-courses through discussions, group activities and skills practice in a supportive peer-to-peer environment.

Upon completion of the entire course, participants will receive a certificate acknowledging their accomplishment and be included in a recognition celebration. Past participants will also be invited to attend in order to facilitate a network of support among all attendees.

When

The program’s cohort meetings will be held in the Franklin building every two weeks for two hours, for a total of 10 hours. The meeting dates are Feb. 25, March 10, March 24, April 7 and April 21, 2016. Participation in all sessions is required.

In-between meetings, participants will need to complete eight assigned e-courses, which should take approximately one hour each, for a total of eight hours.

How

To obtain an application form or find out more details, please visit the Supervisor Certification Program page. For questions not answered on that page, please contact John Blake in UCOP Learning and Development at 510-587-6258 or john.blake@ucop.edu.

Applications to attend the program need to be submitted by the participant or participant’s manager no later than Feb. 12, 2016. Applicants will be notified about enrollment no later than Feb. 16, 2016.

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