Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Student Union
Join us for Staff Development Day 2026, a day of professional development, connection, wellness, and learning for Wright State employees. Most sessions will be held throughout the Student Union (SU), with tours meeting at designated locations. Contact human_resources@wright.edu with registration questions.
Register for Staff Development Day
On this page:
Schedule
Registration
8:30 a.m.
Skylight Lobby
- Network before the first breakout session.
- Refreshment details will be announced.
Breakout 1: 9–9:50 a.m.
| Session or Activity | Location |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Services 101: Financial Aid Updates and How We Support Students and Staff | Endeavor A, 156A SU |
| Customer Service at the Movies: Lessons from the Silver Screen | Endeavor C, 156C SU |
| MS Teams & 365 Tips & Tricks Virtual option available. |
Atlantis, 157 SU |
| Heartfulness Meditation | Group Exercise Studio B, Campus Recreation, 092 SU |
| Wright State Campus Tour | Presentation Room outside the Bookstore |
| Hiking on Campus | Presentation Room outside the Bookstore |
Breakout 2: 10–10:50 a.m.
| Session or Activity | Location |
|---|---|
| Money Matters: Budgeting Better to Demolish Debt | Endeavor A, 156A SU |
| Understanding the Value of Your OPERS Retirement | Endeavor B, 156B SU |
| Character Matters: Supporting Staff Success Through Everyday Interactions | Endeavor C, 156C SU |
| T.I.M.E. Freedom: 4 Steps to Find the Time to Actually Do the Things You Want Virtual option available. |
Atlantis, 157 SU |
| What’s New with University Communications and Marketing | Discovery B, 163B SU |
| TRX Suspension Training | Group Exercise Studio C, Campus Recreation, 092 SU |
| Wright State On-Campus Housing Spaces Tour Starts at 10:30 a.m. |
Presentation Room outside the Bookstore |
Breakout 3: 11–11:50 a.m.
| Session or Activity | Location |
|---|---|
| Titling of Assets and Estate Planning | Endeavor A, 156A SU |
| OperAtIons: AI for WSU Staff | Endeavor B, 156B SU |
| Beyond Books | Endeavor C, 156C SU |
| Basic Curriculum Training for Staff Virtual option available. |
Atlantis, 157 SU |
| Maintaining Mental Health and Wellness in Crazy Times | Discovery A, 163A SU |
| Quick and Healthy Meals | Discovery B, 163B SU |
| Pop Power Cycle | Group Exercise Studio A, Campus Recreation, 092 SU |
Keynote Speaker and Lunch: Noon–1:30 p.m.
Apollo Room
Speaker information and lunch options
Breakout 4: 1:30–2:20 p.m.
| Session or Activity | Location |
|---|---|
| Titling of Assets and Estate Planning | Endeavor A, 156A SU |
| OperAtIons: AI for WSU Staff | Endeavor B, 156B SU |
| Beyond Books | Endeavor C, 156C SU |
| Understanding the Value of Your OPERS Retirement Virtual option available. |
Atlantis, 157 SU |
| Retirement Benefits | Discovery A, 163A SU |
| Quick and Healthy Meals | Discovery B, 163B SU |
| Creative Arts Center Tour | Meet outside the Campus Bookstore |
Breakout 5: 2:30–3:20 p.m.
| Session or Activity | Location |
|---|---|
| Money Matters: Budgeting Better to Demolish Debt | Endeavor A, 156A SU |
| MS Teams & 365 Tips & Tricks | Endeavor B, 156B SU |
| Basic Curriculum Training for Staff | Endeavor C, 156C SU |
| Character Matters: Supporting Staff Success Through Everyday Interactions Virtual option available. |
Atlantis, 157 SU |
| Maintaining Mental Health and Wellness in Crazy Times | Discovery A, 163A SU |
| Medicare Parts A and B Enrollment | Discovery B, 163B SU |
| Wellness Walk | Campus Recreation Desk, Campus Recreation, 092 SU |
Breakout 6: 3:30–4:20 p.m.
| Session or Activity | Location |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Services 101: Financial Aid Updates and How We Support Students and Staff | Endeavor A, 156A SU |
| Perk Up! The Sweet Side of Working at Wright State | Endeavor B, 156B SU |
| T.I.M.E. Freedom: 4 Steps to Find the Time to Actually Do the Things You Want | Endeavor C, 156C SU |
| Customer Service at the Movies: Lessons from the Silver Screen Virtual option available. |
Atlantis, 157 SU |
| What’s New with University Communications and Marketing | Discovery B, 163B SU |
| Heartfulness Meditation | Group Exercise Studio B, Campus Recreation, 092 SU |
Keynote Speaker and Lunch
Beyond the Logo: The Power of Authentic Advocacy with Susan Schaurer
Scheduled presentation: Approximately 12:30–1 p.m.
You are not just an employee of Wright State—you are a brand ambassador whose stories, conversations, and interactions have the power to shape perceptions of the university. This session will encourage participants to consider the impact of their roles on recruitment, retention, and relationships; equip them with key messages, facts, and figures; and empower them to become authentic advocates and genuine champions of the Wright State brand.
About Susan Schaurer
Susan Schaurer currently serves as vice president of enrollment management at Wright State University, a role she has held since January 2022.
Schaurer oversees the Division of Enrollment, Marketing and Career Development and is responsible for numerous aspects of the student experience, including K–12 partnerships and initiatives, undergraduate and graduate recruitment, financial aid, registration, international education, and career education and success. Schaurer also leads the institution’s marketing and communications efforts.
Schaurer has a career in education spanning more than 20 years. Before joining Wright State, she spent 13 years at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she held numerous leadership positions in the Office of Admission and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success, including director of admission and associate vice president for strategic enrollment management and marketing. Schaurer also served as director of K–12 client relations for ACT and as a high school English teacher.
She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Dayton and a bachelor’s degree in English education from Miami University. Schaurer has been active in her industry and community, serving on a variety of boards and committees and delivering numerous presentations over the last 20 years. In addition to several volunteer roles in her community, she currently serves on the Higher Education Advisory Board for ACT.
Lunch
Lunch choices will include grilled chicken, a beef burger, or a veggie burger. Includes Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Garnish Tray, Sliced Cheese Tray and Assorted House Baked Cookies.
Prize Giveaways
Prize giveaway details will be added when they are finalized.
Session Descriptions
Basic Curriculum Training for Staff
Facilitators: Lisa Runyan and Laura Siegmann
Scheduled: 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Format: In person and virtual
This session will provide participants with an introduction to the Catalog and Curriculum systems. Attendees will learn how to navigate the catalog, locate current curriculum information, and apply best practices that support success in their roles.
The training will also cover the fundamentals of Curriculum, formerly Curriculog, including workflow processes, search and filter functionality, and tools that support efficient curriculum management. Participants will gain an understanding of how curriculum moves through the approval process and how to access relevant information and resources.
By the end of the session, participants will have a stronger understanding of the Catalog and Curriculum systems, know how to access and use available resources, and feel more confident navigating processes and locating the information needed to perform their roles effectively.
Beyond Books
Facilitators: Matt Shreffler, Head of Resource Delivery Services, and Phil Flynn, Head of Library Instruction and Research Services
Scheduled: 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Did you know that all Wright State employees can use materials from the Dunbar Library—and that includes more than books? Learn about all the library has to offer, including streaming resources and the Library of Things. Participants will also make buttons and cut out Ellison die shapes during this informative and interactive session.
Character Matters: Supporting Staff Success Through Everyday Interactions
Facilitators: Rachel E. Sturm, Ph.D., and Catherine Hernandez Hogan
Scheduled: 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Format: In person and virtual
The character and well-being of staff play a critical role in shaping the student experience at Wright State. This interactive session introduces the Character Champions initiative, a grant-funded approach to personal and professional development that helps employees cultivate virtuous habits such as courage, accountability, humility, temperance, and humanity in their daily work. Participants will explore how character influences leadership, collaboration, decision-making, and workplace culture while reflecting on opportunities for their own growth and development. Activities, examples, and small-group discussions will help employees create stronger teams, more supportive learning environments, and ultimately greater student success. Attendees will leave with practical tools for strengthening their own character and contributing to a campus culture where employees and students can flourish.
Customer Service at the Movies: Lessons from the Silver Screen
Facilitator: Dan Perry
Scheduled: 9 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
Format: In person and virtual
What can Hollywood teach us about exceptional customer service? More than you might think. This interactive session uses memorable movie clips to explore 11 essential customer service skills, including empathy, communication, active listening, and problem-solving. Participants will connect scenes from popular films to real-world customer service situations and leave with practical strategies they can apply in their daily interactions with students, colleagues, and guests.
Enrollment Services 101: Financial Aid Updates and How We Support Students and Staff
Facilitator: Blake Keucher
Scheduled: 9 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
Join Enrollment Services for a brief information session to learn how the office supports both students and staff. The session will cover financial aid basics, changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and how those changes affect student financial aid, student billing, and registration. It will also highlight the campus offices to which students are most commonly referred, helping staff connect students with the appropriate office the first time and reduce unnecessary transfers—the “Wright State Runaround.”
Maintaining Mental Health and Wellness in Crazy Times
Facilitator: Josh Francis, Ph.D.
Scheduled: 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Despite improved access to health care and resources, statistics continue to demonstrate an ongoing mental health crisis. Regardless of its source, it is increasingly important to develop a personalized plan for mental health and wellness. This session will provide an overview of current research on emotional wellness and offer practical tools and suggestions to help participants better manage their emotional health.
Medicare Parts A and B Enrollment
Facilitator: Theresa Busher, Social Security Administration
Scheduled: 2:30 p.m.
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Theresa Busher will examine how to enroll in the foundation of Medicare—Parts A and B. This session will cover Part A and Part B enrollment periods, rules for higher-income beneficiaries, and resources that can assist with the Medicare enrollment process.
Money Matters: Budgeting Better to Demolish Debt
Facilitator: Wright-Patt Credit Union
Scheduled: 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Learn how to build a monthly budget that reflects your unique goals and priorities, including paying down debt, so you can better live the life you want.
MS Teams & 365 Tips & Tricks
Facilitator: Catherine Wheeler
Scheduled: 9 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Format: In person and virtual
This session will cover what Microsoft 365 Groups and Teams are, how they work together, and the basic functionality and best practices of each tool.
OperAtIons: AI for WSU Staff
Facilitator: Valerie Shalin, Ph.D.
Scheduled: 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
In this brief introductory session, participants will distinguish between analytic and generative AI and identify applications of each that are relevant to university operations. These include pattern recognition in large data sets, assistance with mundane and repetitive tasks, and creating and formatting digital documents. The session will also address evaluating AI output, ethical considerations, and resources that can help participants get started.
Perk Up! The Sweet Side of Working at Wright State
Facilitator: Eric Corbitt
Scheduled: 3:30 p.m.
This fun and informative session highlights the many benefits of being a Wright State University employee. From professional development opportunities and wellness programs to campus discounts and a supportive community culture, the presentation will showcase the rewarding aspects of working at Wright State. Whether you’re new to campus or a longtime Raider, come discover—or rediscover—the perks that make Wright State a great place to work, and enjoy a few sweet surprises along the way.
Quick and Healthy Meals
Facilitator: Kettering Health
Scheduled: 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Develop strategies for planning and preparing quick, nutritious, and cost-saving meals and snacks. Learn how to stock your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer, along with preparation tips using helpful utensils and equipment. Participants will also receive easy recipes to help them get started.
Retirement Benefits
Facilitator: Theresa Busher, Social Security Administration
Scheduled: 1:30 p.m.
Join Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Theresa Busher for an overview of Social Security retirement essentials, including the my Social Security account, early versus delayed retirement options, spouse and survivor benefits, and how work affects Social Security benefits.
T.I.M.E. Freedom: 4 Steps to Find the Time to Actually Do the Things You Want
Facilitator: Kayla Mowrey, Certified Life Coach
Scheduled: 10 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
Format: In person and virtual
Most of us feel short on time, but what if there were simple strategies to create more of it? In this interactive session, participants will uncover the hidden “rules” running their calendars, rethink what work-life balance really means, and receive a hands-on introduction to the T.I.M.E. Freedom Framework—a practical four-step approach for making room for the things they keep putting off.
Participants will leave with a different perspective on work-life balance, a look at common beliefs about time that keep people stuck and a reframe for each one, and an introduction to the T.I.M.E. Freedom Framework applied to one real item already on their calendar.
Titling of Assets and Estate Planning
Facilitator: David Peterson, Attorney at Law, Peterson & Peterson, LLC
Scheduled: 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Topics will include last wills and testaments, financial durable powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, living wills, and transfer-on-death and beneficiary designations. Time permitting, Medicaid planning and revocable and irrevocable living trusts will also be discussed.
Understanding the Value of Your OPERS Retirement
Facilitator: Karen Cacciatore, OPERS
Scheduled: 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Format: In person and virtual
Learn the value of your contributions toward a secure retirement, the benefit of working longer, and how your Social Security benefit may be impacted.
What’s New with University Communications and Marketing
Facilitators: Nichole Rustad; Staci Grant; Amanda Earnest-Reitmann; Cassie McKinney; Mike Burianek; Deena John
Scheduled: 10 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
Hear from University Communications and Marketing about brand messaging, project requests, web support, and new tools for branding and self-service templates.
Tours
Wright State Campus Tour
Facilitator: Undergraduate Admissions
Scheduled: 9 a.m.
Join us to explore Wright State’s campus on a walking tour through the heart of campus with a Wright State student as your guide.
Meeting location: Presentation Room outside the Bookstore
Hiking on Campus
Facilitator: Erin Campeleo
Scheduled: 9 a.m.
Did you know Wright State has several miles of hiking trails? Discover the natural side of campus on a guided hike through Wright State’s scenic trail system. Along the way, participants will enjoy the trees, creeks, and wildlife. The hike will begin with a brief stretching and meditation session. The relaxed pace makes this activity appropriate for hikers of all experience levels, so lace up your boots, bring a water bottle, and join us for a refreshing morning on the trails.
Meeting location: Presentation Room outside the Bookstore
Wright State On-Campus Housing Spaces Tour
Facilitator: Ryan Winget
Scheduled: 10:30 a.m.
Visit programming spaces in Wright State’s residential areas. The tour will include indoor spaces, a model room, and a drive-by view of outdoor spaces that departments may reserve or use in collaboration with Residence Life and Housing.
Meeting location: Presentation Room outside the Bookstore
Creative Arts Center Tour
Facilitator: Steven Aldredge
Scheduled: 1:30 p.m.
Meeting location: Outside the Campus Bookstore
Go behind the scenes of Wright State's Creative Arts Center and explore performance halls, the Stein Gallery, costume and prop shops, and other creative spaces. Discover how art, music, dance, theatre, and motion pictures come together to bring performances to life.
Campus Recreation Sessions
Come check out the Campus Recreation offerings available during Staff Development Day. Participants should dress appropriately for physical activities.
Campus Recreation offerings, including the fitness center, classes, and amenities, will be free for employees during Staff Development Day on August 6, 2026.
Campus Recreation contact: Drew Corbett
Heartfulness Meditation
Facilitator: Dr. Kunal Desai, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Boonshoft School of Medicine and Certified Heartfulness Trainer
Scheduled: 9 a.m., 3:30 p.m.
Join us for a peaceful and rejuvenating Heartfulness Relaxation and Meditation session suitable for all experience levels. In this 25- to 30-minute class, participants will be gently guided through relaxation techniques and heart-centered meditation by an experienced trainer. The session is designed to help calm the mind, relax the body, and create a deeper connection with the inner self. Whether you are new to meditation or have an established practice, this class offers a supportive and nurturing environment to cultivate mindfulness, balance, and emotional well-being.
Location: Group Exercise Studio B, Campus Recreation, 092 SU
TRX Suspension Training
Facilitator: Campus Recreation
Scheduled: 10 a.m.
This class focuses on total-body strength, core stability, balance, and mobility using TRX suspension straps. Participants use their own body weight and adjustable angles to control resistance, making the workout accessible for all fitness levels. Proper technique, posture, and controlled movement are emphasized to improve functional strength and movement efficiency. Modifications and progressions are provided, allowing participants to safely challenge themselves while building strength, coordination, and confidence.
Location: Group Exercise Studio C, Campus Recreation, 092 SU
Pop Power Cycle
Facilitator: Shannon
Scheduled: 11 a.m.
This indoor cycling class is designed for all levels. Each ride is a new adventure combining pop music with cycling and may include resistance training, core strength, and high-intensity intervals. Riders are encouraged to move at their own pace while singing and moving along to the music.
Location: Group Exercise Studio A, Campus Recreation, 092 SU
Wellness Walk
Facilitator: Campus Recreation
Scheduled: 2:30 p.m.
Take a break and join a 30-minute Wellness Walk around campus, designed to help participants get moving, refresh their minds, and enjoy the outdoors. It is a great opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues, boost energy, and return to work feeling recharged and inspired.
Meeting location: Campus Recreation Desk, Campus Recreation, 092 SU