Learning & Development | Human Resources

Welcome to Learning & Development!

The Amherst College community is built on a legacy of learning and growth which is lifted by the efforts of our faculty and staff. The Learning & Development team seeks to support the growth of the Amherst College staff and faculty along the dimensions of an aspirational culture as defined in the 2020 Staff Survey through individual growth, team development, and supervisory skill building.

On this page you will find updated offerings from the Learning & Development Team, and workshops from our partners around campus, including the Office of Workforce Equity and Inclusive Leadership and Information Technology.

How We Do Our Work

Drawing from the results of the 2020 Staff Survey as well as internal assessments, the Learning & Development team creates offerings which center individual growth, team development, and supervisory skill building. These three areas each have learning themes within them, and all feed the positive development of our culture.

An outline describing the Learning & Development themes

Learning & Development offerings promote growth along the dimensions of an aspirational culture through a variety of methodologies. We also recognize that the needs of the College shift with changing times, and will be introducing a special focus theme, where we will take a deep dive into a particular topic that is top of mind in our community. This theme will be announced later this year.

Highlighted Events & Trainings

Here are some of the exciting upcoming events and trainings we have for our community members. See the calendar below for a full list.

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Self-Awareness provides opportunities for staff to reflect and clarify who they are, what they bring to the work environment, and what they need to be successful.

This theme includes offerings related to one's own preferences, strengths, capabilities, and opportunities for growth within the work context.

Self-Awareness Current Offerings

Amherst College

The Annual Reflection Form and Annual Review Process for Staff and Supervisors (April 11)
Who, What, How? The Center for Restorative Practices at Amherst College (April 25)
Restorative Practices: Exploring Your Identity Wheel for Enhancing Empathy, Compassion & Conflict Prevention (May 1)
Restorative Practices: Using a Circle Practice for Building Community and Deepening Trust (May 7)
Engaging in Annual Review Conversations (Multiple options: May 9, June 11)

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Tool UP encompasses practical skills and tools that Unleash the Potential of individuals and groups.

This theme focuses on individual and group skills and tools that increase the positive impact of collaboration, productivity, innovation, and more.

Tool UP Current Offerings

Amherst College
- Compliance and Ethics Training (multiple dates) This is a required training for all new hires
- Employee Sexual Respect Training (multiple dates) This is a required training for all new hires
EAP, New Directions (Instructions to register for EAP Webinars)
- Establishing Attainable SMART Goals (April 24)
- Managing Up (June 19)
- Presenting Skills Tool Kit (August 21)

Wellbeing supports skill development and personal management in key aspects of our lives that impact our effectiveness at work.

This theme focuses on mental and physical health, resilience, financial health, and more.

Wellbeing Current Offerings

Amherst College
- Wellness and Fitness Classes offered through Athletics
Calm (Information for Calm Webinars)
- Calm Fundamentals (Weekly on Mondays)
- Calm Fundamentals for Stress (April 11)
- Finding Resilience with Calm (May 21)
Care.com (Information for Care Talk Webinars)
- Financial Wellness: Overcoming Debt (April 10)
- Aging & Adult Care: How to Modify Our Homes for More Safety, Serenity and Less Stress (April 17)
- Child Care & Parenting: Teaching Children About Money (April 24)
- Your healthy Lifestyle: Eating Right on the Run and On A Budget (April 25)
- Emotional Wellness: Tools to Live Your Best Life (May 2)
- Aging & Adult Care: Caregiver Burnout: Mental and Emotional Health Help (May 15)
- Succeed at Work: Managing Strong Emotions (May 16)
- Child Care & Parenting: Summer Care and Camp Options (May 22)
EAP, New Directions (Instructions to register for EAP Webinars)
- Parenting Tips for Blended Families (April 17)
- Managing Stress (May 22)
- Learning about Headaches (July 17)
- Suicide Awareness (September 18)
- Finding Motivation (October 16)
- How Highly Successful People Overcome Self-Doubt (November 13)
- Dealing with Challenging People (December 11)
TIAA (Instructions to register for TIAA Webinars)

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Team Development focuses on the tools and processes necessary for effective team functioning. Offerings focus on developing the capacity of team members, regardless of their role within the team.

This theme concentrates on the “why”, “what”, and “how” of team function. It provides opportunities for growth in collaborative skills, cohesion, learning from difference, and methods for developing a team culture.

Supervisory Skill Development brings role-specific learning to those who currently, or aspire to, supervise others.

This theme examines individual skill building, team development, and workplace tools through the lens of supervision. It focuses on skills and capacities necessary to supervise intentionally and effectively.

Supervisory Skill Development Current Offerings

Amherst College
- New Supervisor Learning Group (Ongoing Program)
- Facilitating Annual Review Conversations (Multiple options: May 2, June 11)
- Supporting Your Staff in Setting Goals (May 20)
EAP, New Directions (Instructions to register for EAP Webinars)
- Supporting Employee Wellbeing (May 29)
- Leading Efficient and Productive Meetings (June 26)
- Essential Leadership Skills (July 24)
- Behavioral Interviewing Skill-Builder (August 28)
- Preventing Employee Burnout (September 25)
- Supporting and Empowering Employees with ADHD in the Workplace (October 23)
- Managing Virtual and Hybrid Employees (November 20)
- Keep it Short and Sweet - The Power of Succinct Communications (December 18)

Meet the Learning & Development Team

Nan Dill

Director of Learning and Engagement

79 South Pleasant Street Room 200

Responsible for development and implementation of the learning and development system.

Ana Devlin Gauthier

Learning and Development Facilitator

79 South Pleasant Street Room 203

Proactively creates and implements staff and leadership development programs that support organizational objectives, foster highly effective leader behaviors and help employees achieve their career development goals.

Kate E. Wesolowski

Human Resources Engagement & Communication Coordinator