Supervisor Training@Iowa
Supervisor Training@Iowa aims to establish a comprehensive approach to supervisory development at the University of Iowa. The online training is a required compliance and includes four courses designed to assist staff and faculty in supervisory roles with developing common knowledge, strengthening supervisory skills, and promoting consistent, equitable employment practices.
Supervisors' Toolbox
The UI Supervisors’ Toolbox is a resource designed to complement the Supervisor Training@Iowa initiative. The Toolbox helps provide additional learning resources for supervisors as they work to build culture, manage performance, and build teams. Supervisors can use the toolbox to refresh knowledge, find specific info on policies and processes, or delve deeper into supervisor training topics.
Practical Applications of Supervisory Skills (PASS)- Engaging Yourself
PASS is designed for relatively new supervisors or to be a thorough review of skills supervisors can use in daily practice. This certificate program provides supervisors with professional development that focuses on exploring what we, as individuals, bring to the supervision dynamic. PASS includes group activities, case studies, presentations, group discussions, and online learning opportunities.
Supervising Today's Students
The Supervising Today's Students Series (STS) focuses on developing skills for individuals who supervise and/or represent undergraduate students, while providing insights on how to best lead and support student employees. This certificate program was developed by Learning and Development, in partnership with the Pomerantz Career Center and the UI STEP program, for UI faculty and staff and supports the UI strategic goal of undergraduate student success.
On-Demand Supervisor Training
New UI Supervisors: Starting Successfully
All employees who have supervisory responsibilities at the University of Iowa are encouraged to take this course, regardless of any supervisory experience they may have already had. This online course helps answer the following questions:
- What is unique about UI supervisory excellence, and how do effective leaders bring it out in others?
- What are some predictable supervisory challenges, and how do you respond?
- What is essential for you to know as you begin, or expand, your leadership and management responsibilities?
Mental Health and Well-Being
This on-demand training is designed for UI supervisors and managers and focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of your employees. By improving your knowledge and skills in understanding and identifying mental health concerns, you will be better equipped to support your staff.
Creating a Welcoming Workplace
This course is designed to help you, as a supervisor, know how to act with competence and provide support when an employee acquires or discloses a disability, and will guide you through what you need to do to help the University of Iowa reach its goal of an inclusive community.
Leading Remote and Hybrid Teams
The University of Iowa has supported the concept of flexible work options for many years. Recent changes on a global level have sped up the adoption and implementation of various work arrangements. As a result, many supervisors now find themselves looking for unique ways to engage staff working on campus, hybrid, and/or completely remote.
Supervisor Resources & Support
Campus Resources
A University Human Resources unit, Compensation and Classification establishes job titles, pay structures, and related policies and procedures. It also manages the career status system for Professional and Scientific staff and assists P&S staff who’ve been furloughed.
Contact Compensation and Classification with questions about:
- Creating or updating job descriptions
- Reclassifying positions
- Making temporary appointments
- Setting pay levels and addressing pay-level requests
A unit of University Human Resources, Employee and Labor Relations helps manage the relationship between the university and its employees, with special emphasis on resolving problems that stem from work situations.
Contact Employee and Labor Relations with questions about:
- Conflict resolution
- Investigations of employee conduct or complaints
- Performance interventions and corrective actions
- Union contracts, activities, and grievances
A unit of University Human Resources, Faculty and Staff Disability Services consults with employees and departments on matters related to employment and health conditions. Its goal: Helping people with disabilities feel welcome and supported.
Contact Faculty and Staff Disability Services with questions about:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and workplace accommodations for people with disabilities.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Parental and medical leave
Housed within the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, The Office of Institutional Equity is charged with implementing equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity policies at the UI.
Contact the Office of Institutional Equity with questions about:
- UI policies and federal and state laws and regulations
- Equal employment opportunity compliance
- Discrimination concerns and complaints
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance
A unit of University Human Resources, Organizational Effectiveness provides tools and guidance for effective performance evaluations (along with training and resources on topics including leadership, organizational improvement, rewards and recognition, and much more).
Contact Organizational Effectiveness with questions about:
- Annual performance evaluation processes and deadlines
- Performance evaluation systems and tools
- Performance descriptors
- General info and advice for conducting performance reviews
The university’s Title IX coordinator ensures compliance with federal laws barring discrimination on the basis of sex, including in employment.
Contact the Title IX coordinator with questions about:
- Policies and practices related to Title IX.
- Sex discrimination concerns and complaints, including sexual harassment.
Additional Resources
Leadership Development
Leadership Programs & Services
In addition to the many programs and services specifically designed for supervisors and managers, there are also many programs available for Leadership Development.
Leadership Newsletter
Organizational Effectiveness sends a monthly email to subscribers that lists current Leadership Development opportunities across campus and throughout the community. Get the latest leadership news, right in your inbox, every month with our Monthly Leadership Opportunities Newsletter.
Sign-up for Leadership Newsletter