Staff Development Days

This two-day event provides training and professional development for Clark College classified, part-time, and administrative/exempt staff. 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 attend voluntarily (if off-contract) and are encouraged to present sessions—there is a $200 stipend for faculty who present a one-hour session (for both planning and delivery). Free morning refreshments and lunch will be provided on both days for session participants! 

Conference Theme: Staff Development Days is the theme

A theme has not been identified, but it could emerge based on the workshop proposals and/or the keynote speaker brings in one for us to use.

• • • Self
    • Campus & Community
    • Knowledge & Skills
    • Cultural Competence & Social Justice

Call for Proposals:

We invite you to submit a workshop proposal to share your expertise with our community. The Professional Development Planning Work Group seeks a balance of 20-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute dynamic, interactive, and fun sessions.

Share insights from a conference, clever work being done in your department, new procedures to increase productivity, or expertise in an area that will benefit your co-workers. Faculty presenters will receive a stipend for hosting a session.

• Self: Foster personal growth, wellbeing, and resilience. Topics like mental health wellness, mindfulness strategies, coping skills, and change management would be welcome.
• Campus & Community: Share your team’s work and break down the barriers between departments. Connect names and faces. Create new relationships and find ways to collaborate!
• Knowledge & Skills: Upskill through practical and technical skills, leadership techniques, communication tips, procedure and process updates.
• Cultural Competence & Social Justice: Build cultural competence and improve social justice in your role at Clark. How is your team using the Equitable Decision-Making Tool? Share ideas for creating a more inclusive workplace!

Proposal Guidelines

• • Your idea for a 20-minute, 60-minute, or 90-minute session
  • Session description
  • Primary contact and co-presenters’ names and emails
  • Plans to make your session interactive
  • Media, resources, or support you need to lead your session
  • Submit your proposal form by Friday, May 1, 2026   

Let us know if we can support you in the proposal process - we are so excited to hear about your ideas! For questions, please email Andra Spencer, aspencer@clark.edu.

Location

We are looking forward to meeting in person again on Clark College's main campus. Free Lunch will be provided for each of the Staff Development Days.

Unfortunately, due to staffing shortages and other logistical purposes, we will not be offering virtual options at this year’s conference.

Important Details

Open Offices: While most business offices will be closed to the public, essential services like the Security & Safety, the Bookstore, McClaskey Culinary Institute, Tutoring, IT, and Child and Family services will remain open.

Accommodations: If you need 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. 

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
Renn Bush
Vanessa Bural
Wendé Fisher