Practical Applications of Supervisory Skills (PASS)

Supervising for the first time?

PASS gives you the practical edge.

Applications open November 2, 2026

Apply Here

Ideal Candidates

PASS is a strong fit for P&S, Merit, or SEIU staff who are:

1. New to supervision (<2 yrs) or have concrete plans to begin supervising in the near future

and

2. Supervises (or will soon supervise) career staff (not student-only roles)

3. Demonstrates desire for growth and level of readiness for rigor of program

Leadership Outcomes

Participants leave with:

Emotional intelligence to lead with awareness and empathy

Self-awareness of communication and work styles (DISC)

The ability to build trust and credibility as a supervisor

Core performance management skills for accountability and development

Confidence addressing conflict and navigating difficult conversations

PASS Schedule

Tuesdays, February 2 - March 9, 2027

Course Title	Date	Time	Location
Getting Practical: Equipping Supervisors for Success	February 2	1pm - 4pm	In-person UCC 2520D
Build to Lead: Discovering Your DISC Superpowers	February 9	1pm - 3:30pm	Virtual
Leading Teams with Trust: Practical Strategies for Productive Teams	February 16	1pm - 3:30pm	Virtual
Elevating Performance: From Feedback to Follow-Through	February 23	1pm - 3:30pm	Virtual
Navigating the Rough Waters: Leading Through Conflict	March 2	1pm - 3:30pm	Virtual
PASS It On: From Learning to Leading	March 9	1pm - 3pm	In-person UCC 2520D

Program Details

PASS is designed to help new and aspiring supervisors build confidence and capability through practical, applied learning. The program emphasizes turning supervisory concepts into real-world practice participants can immediately use with their teams.

Key elements:

Live, facilitator-led sessions with active participation
Practical tools and simulations focused on day-to-day supervision
Guided reflection and between-session learning exercises
Peer discussion and learning with other new supervisors

Participant Commitment

To complete the program & receive the PASS certificate, participants must:

Commit to ~3 hrs/wk for 6 weeks
Attend first & last sessions
Not miss more than one content session
Complete required learning exercises

Supervisor Support

Supervisor engagement plays an important role in helping participants apply what they learn in PASS to their day-to-day supervisory work. While no financial endorsement is required, supervisors are encouraged to actively support learning and growth throughout the program.

Supervisors are asked to:

Set expectations early by discussing learning goals and how PASS aligns with the participant’s current or upcoming supervisory responsibilities
Check in periodically to discuss key takeaways and how new skills can be applied on the job
Reinforce learning by connecting program themes to ongoing feedback, coaching conversations, and performance goals
Encourage practice and reflection as participants build confidence in their supervisory role

This partnership helps ensure learning translates into meaningful, sustainable leadership growth.