Staff Development Days

It's time to gear up and sharpen our skills at the Twelfth Annual Staff Development Days Conference. This event is all about YOU – the dedicated staff who keep our college running smoothly. Mark your calendars - Staff Development Days is happening August 11th & 12th, 2026.

To find the most up-to-date overview of the two days, please visit the Staff Development Days Schedule.

Participation

• • Classified, part-time, and administrative/exempt staff are expected to attend unless prior arrangements are made with a supervisor. This ensures maximum attendance and engagement, contributing to the success and objectives of the conference and supports the Employee Engagement, Empowerment, and Excellence tenet of our college strategic plan. Classes will remain in session, but most business offices will be closed to the public to allow all staff the chance to participate.
  • Faculty are welcome to participate on a voluntary basis
    
    
  • Volunteers Needed! Sign up to help via Signup Genius. Should you need assistance to navigate the sign-up app, please connect with Maggie Li at MLi@clark.edu.

What Offices Will Stay Open?

To support students and the college community, the following areas will remain open during the event: 

• • Bookstore
  • Child and Family Studies
  • IT
  • McClaskey Culinary Institute 
  • Safety and Security
  • Tutoring Services

Please coordinate with your supervisor if you work in one of these areas. 

Classes remain in session during Staff Development Days. 

Sessions Designed for You

Choose from engaging 20-, 60-, and 90-minute sessions across four focus areas: 

• • Well-Being & Work-Life Balance
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • Technology & Tools
  • Processes & Best Practices
  • Equity & Inclusion

Additional Highlights:

• • Higher Ed Works
  • Power, Privilege, and Inequity (PPI) 
  • Accessibility Training 
  • Opportunity to update college employee photo 
  • Department celebrations or meetings
  • Gratitude Cards

Accessibility Needs?

If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in this event, please contact Human Resource Consultant, Melody Williams, at MWilliams@clark.edu or (360) 992-2432. Please make requests as early as possible to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made. 

What's New This Year?

• • Opening session: we have designated a quieter engagement space for the opening activity, “Clark Trivia That is Not Trivial”
  • Accessibility training for each workshop session time
  • Opportunities for frozen treats on both days—thank you to the Bookstore and Executive Council

What's for Lunch?

We’re providing a complementary lunch for session participants on both days! To support the college’s commitment to sustainability, please remember to bring your own water bottles, as drinks will not be provided. 

• • Tuesday: Sandwiches (meat, gluten free, vegetarian) and vegan bowls 
    Provided by Foode Cafe and Catering 
  • Wednesday: Pizza (meat, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options)
    Provided by Champs Pizza 
  • Daily at 8:30 AM: Coffee, tea, and light refreshments  

Please note:   We are delighted to provide lunch and coffee and tea during Staff Development Days. We have made every effort (given constraints with our budget) to accommodate most dietary restrictions. Feel free to bring your own lunch if needed. 

Let's Celebrate What We've Built—Together

Staff Development Days are a time to grow, connect, and recognize the people who make Clark special. Come ready to learn, reflect, and share a little gratitude. 

Please contact Andra Spencer (ASpencer@clark.edu) or Marie Pham (MPham@clark.edu) with any questions.   

We can’t wait to see you there! 

Clark College Staff Development Days Planning Team:

Andra Spencer (co-chair)
Marie Pham (co-chair)
Abi Whittle
Alyssa Montminy
Carolyn Stark
Haley Tucker
Maggie Li
Mary Chavez
Michelle Golder
Mikey Waller
Renn Bush
Vanessa Bural
Wendé Fisher