Harper College

Professional Development

Harper College's Philosophy of Professional Development

Harper College believes the foundation of a dynamic learning organization is the ongoing professional growth of its faculty and staff. Investing in professional development enhances the skills of our employees, enabling them to more creatively and comprehensively drive student success and deliver Harper’s mission.

The college partners with employees on their paths to excellence and is committed to a culture of professional development that:

  • builds faculty and staff expertise in their individual fields and in the field of higher education to benefit the individual, the college, our students, and the community
  • facilitates individual career aspirations to provide an engaging work experience and prepare future leaders
  • supports the employee’s sense of well-being to enable them to contribute more fully
  • fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a sense of belonging among employees, students, and the community
  • encourages multi-directional collaboration to spark innovation in the various ways the college fulfills its mission

Harper recognizes the specific responsibilities for professional development by each level of the organization:

  • individual employees bring a willingness to learn
  • deans and supervisors encourage faculty and staff development and enable the time, resources, and space needed
  • the institution provides funding, access, personnel and accountability

This holistic approach to professional development underscores the college’s respect and appreciation for faculty and staff and their contributions to our institutional mission.

Acquire new skills and knowledge.

Harper College encourages all employees to participate in professional development through a variety of resources. 

The mission of the Academy for Teaching Excellence is to create a vibrant teaching and learning culture for full-time and adjunct faculty that cultivates professional development in support of student success.

For more information on specific events and programs, instructional support, resources, and Academy announcements, visit: http://harper-academy.net.

The William Rainey Harper Leadership Institute provides a year-long opportunity for faculty and staff to participate in a program designed to enhance professional effectiveness and provide a pathway to future leadership opportunities. The program is designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of Harper College within the context of the community college movement, for those desiring to improve professional efficacy, and for those who aspire to greater roles of leadership at the College and elsewhere. The Harper Leadership Institute is designed by a group of Harper colleagues and led by the President.

Download Leadership Institute Brochure.PDF

We are committed to making Harper College a compelling, enriching workplace. Our professional enrichment program is geared towards improving knowledge, skills and abilities for your everyday work life while also providing an engaging environment to collaborate with employees from other areas of the college; to share in successes and setbacks and expand our individual circle of contacts.

We are committed to making Harper College a compelling, enriching workplace. Our professional enrichment program is geared towards improving knowledge, skills and abilities for your everyday work life while also providing an engaging environment to collaborate with employees from other areas of the college; to share in successes and setbacks and expand our individual circle of contacts.

 

Last Updated: 12/14/23