Training & Development
The pursuit of Goucher’s mission and vision requires a shared commitment from staff,
faculty, and volunteers to the highest principles of respect, inclusion, communication,
service and social justice, and responsibility. To this end, Goucher college staff,
faculty, and volunteers receive training and professional development to reinforce
this shared commitment, continually learn and develop, and to comply with the requirements
of internal and external guidelines and policies.
Professional Development Programs
Goucher College is committed to ongoing learning and development in order to increase
employee work capabilities and competencies so that we can better serve the needs
of our students. Goucher encourages and provides appropriate training and professional
development opportunities for current and future roles at the College. Through professional
development, we also recognize employee contributions to the College and support them
in achieving their career goals. View the Training and Professional Development Policy (PDF) for more information.
Signature Programs
New Employee Orientation
New Employee Orientation (NEO) is typically offered twice per year, in the fall and spring terms. Attendance at this day-long orientation is required for all new staff and full-time faculty. NEO includes interactive sessions including Goucher’s history, strategic initiatives, and key College policies and processes. Attendees also have the opportunity to hear the President and Cabinet speak about Goucher’s current status, structure, and divisional priorities.
Liberal Arts College Racial Equity Alliance (LACRELA)
Goucher College is one of 72 colleges nationwide who have come together under the banner of the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA) and committed to participate in a three-year-long initiative designed to foster greater racial equity on our campuses. Goucher employees from all divisions have attended interactive virtual educational sessions led by respected leaders of national higher education associations, professors studying in related fields, chief diversity officers, and other experienced experts. Learn more about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice at Goucher College.
Building Bridges Across Maryland
Goucher College has joined eight local higher education institutions to offer the award-winning Building Bridges Across Maryland (BBAM) program. This program is designed for nominated administrative support staff and fosters professional/leadership development, collaboration, and idea sharing There is a cohort of individuals from each institution, who attend in-person and remote professional development sessions.
Strategic Leadership Program: Engaging People and Achieving Results (held bi-annually)
Goucher is proud to introduce a customized, cohort-based, multi-modular, and experiential program that reflects the emphasis that our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, “Cultivating Global Changemakers” places on collaboration, respect, development, change, inclusion, innovation, and care for the well-being of every individual. Bringing a diverse cohort of Goucher mid-upper level leaders together 5 times over the course of 3 months allows for both individual and collective growth and development. This customized program enhances the development of a cohesive leadership network for support and collaboration across the institution, builds a shared understanding of institutional issues, culture and strategy, and advances each leader’s understanding of and commitment to contributing to our mission, vision and strategy.
Unconscious Bias Training
Goucher College is committed to equal opportunities for all its employees and students. It is essential that all faculty and staff involved in the recruitment process ensure equal employment opportunity for, and the utilization of, all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veterans’ status. It is our policy to fully comply with the non-discrimination provision of all federal and state rules and regulations with regard to recruitment. Training on unconscious bias and fair practices, provides search committees with the means to ensure each search is conducted in a way that ensures job seekers have equal access to the entire process and equal opportunity throughout the hiring process.
Mandatory Training Programs
Goucher college staff, faculty, and volunteers receive education and training to reinforce our shared commitment as well as to comply with the requirements of external guidelines and internal policies. All new employees are required to complete identified new employee training. In addition, all employees are required to complete renewal training on an annual, biennial, or triennial schedule. Other required training may be required according to the needs of the College or the employee’s department or program. View the Mandatory Training Policy and Plan for additional information.