What is the Professional Development Academy?
The Professional Development Academy is a center dedicated to providing tailored development programs to foster career growth for targeted employee groups and to support Duke's staffing needs. The goals of the Professional Development Academy are to improve retention, strengthen the management workforce, develop the skills and capabilities of staff, and support Duke's commitment to diversity.
Why is emphasis being placed on front-line supervisor positions?
Good supervisors play a critical role in helping Duke develop a positive work environment dedicated to excellence in education, research and patient care. Supervisors are the front line for any organization, so developing strong, supportive supervisors is typically the best way to improve individual and operational performance, staff retention, and the overall work environment. New supervisors are sometimes hired or promoted into positions and assume management responsibility overnight without any support or training. The Front Line Supervisor Program is designed to provide structured development in areas related to business acumen, people management, project management and select supervisory competencies.
What will be included in the training?
During the 10-month program, participants will participate in classes, coaching, self-directed learning and stretch assignments within your department which will provide a variety of developmental opportunities.
Participants will take courses as a group that meet the core objectives of the program and the identified department projects will provide opportunities for participants to apply the knowledge and skills learned through coursework in the work environment. Coaching will be provided to clarify goals.
Why are mentors nominated?
Managers and employees are in the best position to identify the best person to support the newly- and/or recently appointed supervisor’s professional development. Typically, the manager will identify a staff member from your department or another Duke entity.
How are mentors selected?
Staff members from your particular department or area are identified and recommended by your nominee to participate as a mentor. You and your nominee identify potential mentors to assist the nominee throughout the program.
How long will it take to complete the program? How much time will participants be away from their current jobs?
The program will take 10 months to complete. This will include one day per month in which participants will need to be released from their regular work schedule. Additional training time will be scheduled during regular work hours for coaching and mentoring sessions, intersession assignments and a department project.
Will participants be paid for hours spent in training?
Participation in the program will be considered as part of normal work hours for the staff member.
What are the selection criteria for program participants?
The Front Line Supervisor program will include a diverse class of up to 25 participants. The following are the minimum requirements to be considered for the program:
- Full-time Duke employee with a minimum of three years continuous service
- Actively serving in an entry-level supervisory role where you have direct responsibility for directing the work of people
- Two or less years of experience in the role
- Performance, currently in good standing as defined by the department, with "fully achieves or meets standards"
- Nomination and full endorsement from current manager, including the completion of nomination form (hyperlinked) and recommendation letter
- Full endorsement from department/unit leader, with completion of recommendation letter
Will participants have to pay back any of the financial support provided to employees by Duke?
In return for the financial assistance provided for training, participants must agree to work at Duke for 24 months after completion of the program. If a participant drops out of the program or leave Duke prior to fulfilling their 24 month commitment, they may be required to repay a portion of the educational costs for instruction, books and supplies.
For more information, please visit the Duke Human Resource website or email Shannon.ashford@duke.edu.