Staff Development

Staff development consists of the activities and programs that help staff members learn about their responsibilities, develop skills and competencies to accomplish organizational goals, and grow professionally and personally. The term staff members refers to nonacademic staff employees who perform business operations such as supporting technology, monitoring and reporting on budgets, managing compliance and accreditation, interacting with external stakeholders, coordinating student activities, administering human resources, and maintaining and improving facility infrastructure. Staff development that is intentional, strategic, and aligns rewards, recognition, and career progression can help higher education institutions reach their goals.

This entry describes changes primarily in the U.S. higher education workforce and workplace that impact staff development; provides an overview of how staff development has broadened in its focus, delivery, and depth of content; ...