Professional Development Committee
Overview
The AP Professional Development Subcommittee’s vision is to foster a dynamic culture of continuous learning and growth for all AP staff. We believe that professional development is not just an investment in individuals but a cornerstone of institutional success, strengthening morale, retaining talent, and fostering innovation. By championing a culture of growth and adaptability, the AP Professional Development Subcommittee strives to position the university as a leader in empowering its employees to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the organization and its community.
By offering a variety of programs, we aim to support AP staff in their professional journeys. Additionally, we strive to create spaces for collaboration and networking, enabling employees to connect, and apply their knowledge to drive innovation and excellence within their teams and the university.
2025-2026 Academic Year Charge:
- Continuation of the AP Social
- Explore ways to improve welcoming new APs to GVSU
- Continuation of the professional development opportunities offered in 2024-2025
- Contribute professional development communications to the AP newsletter
- Explore how professional development funds are allocated to AP staff across the university
View a list of members on this committee.
At GVSU, professional development is comprised of a continuum of opportunities—internal and external to the University—which expand or enhance competencies and capabilities that contribute to GVSU’s mission. Professional development (PD) includes the pursuit/acquisition of skills, attitudes, or knowledge which is reasonably connected to the mission of the University. Such pursuits would include training, conferences, degrees, certifications, or experiences directly related to one’s current—or reasonable next—job within the University. Professional development includes more than training or classroom style events. Job rotations, shadowing, stretch assignments, communities of practice, coaching/mentoring relationships, conferences, travel, and service projects can all be vehicles for professional development.
Outcomes
- Assist AP staff in the development of skills critical to their roles
- Increase staff connections and a sense of community
- Enhance staff contributions to teams and projects
Goals
- Use GVSU Core Competencies to guide the content of professional development opportunities
- Provide accessible, diverse, and impactful professional development opportunities through interactive discussions, trainings, and workshops
- Promote leadership
- Encourage adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape
Professional Development Opportunities
- Creating Sustainable Careers in Student Affairs by Margaret Sallee
- Debunking the Myth of Job Fit in Higher Education and Students Affairs by Brian J. Reece, Vu T. Tran, Elliott N. DeVore, and Gabby Porcaro
- Designing Your New Work Life: How to Thrive and Change and Find Happiness – and a New Freedom – at Work by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
- Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle Hardcover – by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski
- Communicate for a Change: Revitalizing Conversations for Higher Education by Lori Carrell and Robert Zemsky
- Leadership Matters by W. Joseph King and Brian C. Mitchell
- Is Everyone Really Equal? An Introduction to Key Concepts in Social Justice Education by Ozlem Sensoy and Robin DiAngelo
- Let Them See You: The Guide for Leveraging Your Diversity at Work by Porter Braswell
- Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
- Think Again by Adam Grant
Events
Write it Right: Practical AI Tips for Professional Communication
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
10:00
a.m.
- 10:30
a.m.
This session explores how to work with AI as a creative partner, not a replacement for your voice.
Banish the Bore: How AI Writes Your Agenda (So You Don't Have To)
Monday, January 26, 2026
11:00
a.m.
- 12:00
p.m.
This session will give you the tools needed to plan strategic sessions, retreats, and meetings with simplified processes that save your brain space and produce results.
How to Think, Work, and Prompt AI with Purpose
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
11:00
a.m.
- 12:30
p.m.
This seminar + lab will incorporate beginner-level knowledge of AI capabilities to support empowered choices and strategies for using AI tools effectively.