The Illinois Supervisory Skills Program provides new and recent supervisors opportunities to develop self-awareness of management styles and personal biases, to practice strategies for resolving conflict, and to build confidence in leading others through performance feedback and coaching techniques. Selected participants will learn and challenge each other throughout the semester as they engage with a cohort of peers from other units, motivating each other to create healthy, productive work environments.
This semester-long program offers a blended learning design. Selected applicants complete this five-session series as a cohort. Expected time commitment is 8 – 10 hours per month.
Applications must be made by June 23, 2025.
The cost per participant is $250 and applicants must submit a 250 – 500 word essay. Program details, eligibility criteria and the application instructions are all available at: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1746002778
The Fall 2025 sessions will run from August 27 through December 10, according to this schedule:
Kickoff and Program Orientation on Wednesday, August 27, 2025; 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Session 1 – Core Functions of Supervision on Thursday, September 11, 2025; 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center
Session 2 – Leading in a Diverse Workplace on Thursday, October 2, 2025; 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center
Session 3 – Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving on Thursday, October 23, 2025; 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center
Session 4 –Performance Feedback on Tuesday, November 11, 2025; 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center
Session 5 – Effective Coaching Strategies for Empowering Employees on Wednesday, December 3, 2025; 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center
Program Wrap-Up – Reflections and Action Planning on Wednesday, December 10, 2025; 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Program Cost
A one-time registration fee of $250 is required. Participants in the program will receive the following:
Five sessions led by skilled facilitators; participant manual with activities corresponding to each session; Everything DiSC Profile self-assessment and individualized report; and additional training materials.