News

By Gail Hinchion Mancini

The University will launch a new era in employee development in August as it premiers the Learning at Work Academy. The program will provide free, on-site education for employees for whom high school or college degrees and language competency could prove crucial in advancing their careers.

“The employee survey, ND Voice, provided clear indication that many dedicated staff want to continue to serve Notre Dame, and would welcome the opportunity to do so in more challenging positions,” says John Affleck-Graves, executive vice president. “The enthusiasm and commitment of these employees are tremendous assets for the University. Their positive attitudes and work efforts benefit everyone who lives, works and studies at Notre Dame. I am delighted that the Learning at Work Academy will create new opportunities and open doors for these individuals, who are our most loyal and dedicated employees.”

Learning at Work Academy will launch with courses in English as a Second Language, and GED-preparation classes provided by the South Bend School Corp. In partnership with Ivy Tech, the University will offer a two-year associate degree program in business.

An information session at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 14 in Room 200, Main Building will introduce potential students to the details of the program and the community providers of the programming. The Office of Human Resources will manage the academy and asks that those who want to attend the session register by calling askHR at 631-5900 by July 9. Supervisors are invited to a meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, July 14, also in Room 200, Main Building, to see a preview of the program.

Up to 20 students can be accommodated in the Ivy Tech program, but no limits have been set for GED and ESL students, says Tamara Freeman, associate director of talent management who is coordinating the academy.

Before classes begin, those interested in the Ivy Tech program will take a personal assessment of skills and interests. Ivy Tech is prepared to offer degree-preparation programs for those who wish to enroll but need to brush up on fundamental skills, she says.

The GED and ESL classes are expected to meet one day a week. Ivy Tech is prescribing a specific curriculum that will move students toward a certificate degree after the first year and an associate degree after the second. Students will take two classes a week, each lasting three hours an evening, probably from 4 to 7 p.m, Freeman says. Students of the Ivy Tech program should expect an additional six hours of work each week to complete program assignments.

Learning at Work Academy responds to dual calls. At the officer level, administrators expressed a determination to develop programming that would help qualify staff for promotions. In addition to the call for professional development that was identified in the ND Voice survey, employee length-of-service and average-age statistics suggest that a substantial number of employees will retire in the coming years and could be replaced by existing staff with appropriate credentials.

The call for more educational opportunities also could be heard at the grass roots level, explains Freeman. Personnel from the Office of Human Resources who work with employee groups frequently reported a staff interest in continuing education. “Employees were telling us they look at our job postings and know they can do the job, but they don’t meet the educational requirements,” she says.

Members of the Business Operations staff, which include food service workers and various maintenance, ground and landscaping crews, are the most obvious benefactors of academy programming. Discussions with supervisors across the University have been enthusiastic, and most are prepared to support participation by assisting with the scheduling of those who want to commit to an academy class, Freeman says.

The associate degree program offers students introductory business courses and an overview of general management, marketing, law, financial accounting, human resources management and business writing.

While the programs generally respond to the educational needs of non-exempt employees, they are open to all, Freeman says.

In the past year, since ND Voice survey results demonstrated a need for educational opportunities, the University has introduced a variety of new programs.

• Business Operations, in conjunction with the Mendoza College of Business Executive Education program, has introduced a custom-designed certificate program for its supervisors and managers.

• The Office of Human Resources has offered “Supervising with Impact” as well as revamping its development classes.

• Last month, HR announced a new partnership with Indiana University South Bend’s School of Education to offer a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration. Information on that program, which also will be offered on campus, is available by contacting Freeman at 631-5190.

Discontinuing iLearn

The University will temporarily suspend online registration for employee training and professional development courses during the summer as it replaces its current system, iLearn, with a new system called Endeavor.

Employees are asked to register for upcoming courses by calling askHR at 631-5900. The transition is expected to take place during July. iLearn supports registration for programs run by the Office of Information Technologies, the Office of Human Resources and Procurement Services.