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Manager's Essentials

Welcome to CCRI's new Manager's Essentials Program!

CCRI is a dynamic environment and the role of a manager is critical to creating a culture that drives student success, experience and completion; expands partnerships and programs; and strengthens institutional effectiveness.

Whether you're a new manager stepping into a leadership role for the first time, or have experience and are looking to develop your skills, this program is designed to equip you with essential tools and knowledge to excel here at CCRI. Effective management is not just about overseeing tasks and teams; it's about inspiring, guiding, and fostering an equitable environment where everyone can thrive.

Over the course of this program, you will engage in interactive sessions, and real-world scenarios that challenge and enhance your problem-solving abilities. You will also have the opportunity to network with peers, share experiences, and learn from other members of the college community.

By the end of this 8-week training, you will be well-prepared to lead with confidence, motivate your team effectively, and contribute to our shared success. We are excited to have you join us on this journey of growth and excellence in management.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, participants will gain a better understanding of the role of a manager and the skills necessary to be effective. We will cover such topics as being an effective manager, what it means to go the distance for our students, understanding our mission and strategic plan, understanding college governance, collective bargaining and partnering with our unions, and how to motivate teams toward a common goal.

This module is presented by Alix Ogden, VP of Institutional Equity, Human Resources, and Organizational Development; and Sybil Bailey, Executive Director of Labor Relations

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, participants will develop a deeper understanding of equity principles and their application in leadership contexts. Participants will cultivate the skills necessary to create psychological safety, inclusive environments and a sense of belonging within their teams. Participants will also learn how to channel different leadership styles to achieve goals. Topics will include CCRI’s JEDI-B Action Plan, inclusive excellence framework, inclusive leadership, and methodology that drive equitable outcomes. 

This module is presented by Raekwon Grace, Manager of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Organizational Development

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, participants will be provided with information that will enable them to articulate the steps to hire; how to onboard, support, and offboard their employees. We will cover such topics as the stages of the employee lifecycle, the processes and best practices at each stage, and how best to support employees throughout their tenure at CCRI.

This module is presented by Carlin Weirick, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Talent Acquisition & Retention

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of being a manager. Starting with applicable CCRI, State and Federal policies; attendees will learn techniques for communicating and enforcing policies across their team(s) or department; learn best practices in developing employee schedules to optimize productivity focusing on managing employee absences, including sick leave, vacation, and other types of leave while ensuring compliance with legal and contractual requirements, gain proficiency in managing payroll processes; learn to manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditures and identify cost-saving opportunities; understand the procedures for planning and approving work-related travel, gain knowledge of procurement processes and procedures, including vendor selection and contract management.

This module is presented by Terri-Ann Milligan, Associate Director of Human Resources; Shaune Hogan, Associate Director of Financial Systems; and Pete Bardsley, Associate Director of Organizational Effectiveness

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the importance of difficult conversations, be equipped with effective communication and preparation skills, be able to manage conversation dynamics and resolve issues, build confidence and resilience, and promote a positive and open organizational culture.

This module is presented by Sybil Bailey, Executive Director of Labor Relations

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the value and importance of performance evaluations, learn how to develop goals and measure progress, understand the importance of processional development, be skilled in the evaluation process, and be knowledgeable about legal and contractual obligations. 

This module is presented by Pete Bardsley, Associate Director of Organizational Effectiveness

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to use progressive discipline to work with employees when there is a performance concern, determine the seven factors of finding cause, understand the role of the union’s involvement, conduct employment investigations when receiving a complaint against another employee, develop a professional improvement plan, and process a step one grievance.

This module is presented by Mickey Dargon, Associate Director of Labor Relations

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, participants will have an understanding of the civil rights laws that apply to higher education; Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, and the Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504, and what their rights and obligations are under these laws.  We will cover such topics as the types of behavior prohibited by these laws, the reporting obligations of employees and managers, and the resources that are available for employees at CCRI.

This module is presented by Kara DiPaola, Esq., Assistant Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX