Faculty and staff who attended the Drake Learning Symposium were introduced to an array of strategies to help navigate difficult conversations in both the classroom and in the workplace. Keynote speaker Dr. Kathy Obear was a dynamic and knowledgeable facilitator, addressing an audience of over 120 Drake employees.

Feedback from the event included a request by many for additional training and ways to carry the information into departments across campus. Those who attended received a packet of information with website links for free access to Dr. Obear’s books, resources to accompany the books, and webinars. Any of these might be used for additional small group work. Please contact Drinda Williams if you need these links.

In addition, the classroom and workplace scenarios generated by those in attendance have been recorded, and may be used for small group discussion or problem solving. Please contact Drinda Williams if you would like these scenarios.

The Learning Symposium was followed by this year’s first Drake Social in the Cline atrium. President Marty Martin welcomed new and returning faculty and staff, and shared some ways employees will be engaging with the Drake Values throughout the year.

See the Learning Symposium web page for more information.

Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost