Do you supervise JMU students with on-campus jobs? Would you consider converting those jobs to WBLEs or internships?

Or maybe you are already doing this and have wisdom to share? 

Come and enjoy free professional development to enjoy support and enhance your work.

The University Career Center and Student Employment Office have teamed up to prepare a series of workshops for faculty and staff at James Madison University who wish to offer high-quality supervision to their student employees. We can also help you think through how to elevate student work to an internship!

Here's the schedule for Fall 2026 to Spring 2027. Attend as many workshops and round tables as you like.

2026 Fall Kick-Off: Creating Career Ready Students

Presentation by Sam Squyars and Anna Maria Johnson

Practical Strategies to Develop Student Career Readiness through supervision and the NACE Competencies: Sept. 17 from 1-3 p.m. in SSC 1075

• Creating Career Ready Students.Learn practical strategies to intentionally develop students' career readiness through everyday supervision and meaningful work experiences with the NACE competencies
• This is the first step to converting student employment positions to a WBLE or internship

Accountability and Difficult Conversations

Presentation by Sam Squyars

Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon in Taylor 306

• Build confidence in addressing performance concerns, setting clear expectations, and having constructive conversations that support student growth.

Mid Semester Check In

Bring your lunch to this Round Table format. Facilitated by Sam Squyars

Drop by and share your experiences and best practices: Oct. 27 11 a.m. -1 p.m. in Taylor 306

• Connect with fellow supervisors to reflect, ask questions and get ideas!

Building Belonging and Student Success in your Teams

Presentation by Barb Carlton and Megan Kite

Nov. 5 from 1-3 p.m. in SSC 1075

• Explore ways to foster an inclusive, supportive team culture that promotes student engagement, belonging, and success.

End-of-Semester Check-In

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026, from 10 am-12 noon in the Union 306

As the semester comes to a close, join us for an opportunity to connect with fellow student employee supervisors, reflect on the semester, and discuss successes and challenges. We’ll share ideas, discuss strategies for supporting student employees, and look ahead to opportunities for continued growth and development in the spring semester.

Whether you have something to celebrate, a challenge to work through, or simply want to connect with other supervisors, we hope you’ll join us!

Facilitated by Sam Squyars

• Connect with fellow supervisors to reflect on the past semester, prepare for upcoming transitions, and share best practices.
• Consider sharing your expertise and lessons learned in the March 11 Supervisors' Summit!

Spring 2027 Semester Kick-Off: Motivating and Coaching Students for Success

Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in UREC 124

Facilitated by Paige Hawkins, UREC

• Discover coaching techniques that increase student motivation, encourage ownership, and promote continued learning and development. 

Hiring and Interviewing Best Practices

Presentation by Sam Squyars, Amber Shifflett, and guests

Feb. 4 from 1-3 p.m. in SSC 1075

• Learn effective strategies for recruiting, interviewing, and selecting student employees who will thrive in your department.
• Explore reflection strategies that help students connect their work experiences to their academic, personal, and career goals.

Re-Imagining Student Employment: A Student Supervisors' Summit

SAVE THE DATE: March 11

Submit your idea for a workshop, panel, presentation, or round table to john28am@jmu.edu 

Audience: JMU faculty and staff who supervise student employees

Purpose: Share best practices, challenges, and resources. Build collaboration. Gain confidence in your supervision expertise!

Festival Conference Center Reserved 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Festival Allegheny, Festival Ballroom, and  Festival Conference Rooms 1-7)

End-of-Year Evaluations and Celebrations

April 8 from 1-3 p.m. in SSC 1075

Facilitated by Sam Squyars

• Learn how to conduct meaningful evaluations, provide actionable feedback, and celebrate student growth and accomplishments at the end of the year.