The Buff Way: Demonstrating our Culture of Care

Course Description

The Buff Way: Demonstrating our Culture of Care provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ employees need to demonstrate a culture of care that results in high student success and retention. The Buff Way is based on care standards, guiding principles, and operating guidelines developed by ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ. 

The program will develop the skills needed to provide exceptional service to all members of the ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ community from internal campus partners to students to external stakeholders. Join us to learn what it means to serve our community in The Buff Way.  

Learning Outcomes

After attending this training, participants will be able to:  

  • Demonstrate the mindset of a culture of care service provider 
  • Demonstrate how to mitigate unconscious bias in service interactions
  • Assess their current service skills and strengths  
  • Investigate the harms that can come when we do not demonstrate a culture of care, including the impact on student retention  
  • Demonstrate their knowledge of those we serve
  • Anticipate and respond to the needs, wants and expectations of those they are serving  
  • Implement a four-step process for managing a conversation to demonstrate a culture of care 
  • Implement the communication skills that demonstrate a culture of care, including the art of focused questions and problem-solving skills   
  • Cultivate skills for handling difficult conversations and situations when delivering service   

Who should attend

Faculty and staff who interact directly with students and others in a service capacity should take this course. 

Cost

There is no cost for this program.

Upcoming Sessions

  • Virtual: December 2nd, 4th, 9th, and 11th, 2025, from 10am – 12pm each day, via Zoom
  • Virtual: February 23rd, 25th, March 2nd and 4th, 2026, from 1pm – 3pm each day, via Zoom
  • In-Person: May 19th and 20th, 2026, from 9am – 1pm each day, East Campus

Contact Perri Longley with questions.