University Staff Conference
Join your fellow University Staff members for a day long conference! This event was planned by University Staff, for University Staff. It will kick off with an engaging and inspirational keynote helping us realize our shared purpose at UW-Whitewater. The event continues with meaningful breakout sessions of your choice – everything from how you as a US member can help identify students in crisis to how you can spread the word about the good work being done at UWW to how you can care for yourself. We’ll also have interactive sessions on campus history and future plans.
This is event is FREE and includes breakfast, lunch and refreshments. Registration is required.
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Registration
Agenda
(subject to change)
8:30 am – 9:00 am Registration & Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:10 am Welcome and Introductions
9:10 am – 10:15 am Keynote Speaker
▼ Purposeful Disruption Starts Now: One Team One Mission (The Warhawk Way)
True disruption doesn't happen alone, it happens when teams unite around purpose, create cultures of belonging, and move together toward one mission. In this transformative keynote, Dr. Joe Johnson challenges teams to reimagine what's possible when everyone feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute. You'll discover how to build a culture where purpose isn't just a statement on the wall, it's the heartbeat of everything you do, where belonging isn't an initiative, it's the foundation of trust, and where collaboration isn't forced, it's the natural result of people who believe they're part of something bigger than themselves. When we disrupt the status quo with intention, when we lead with purpose instead of just chasing results, and when we make every team member feel like family, we don't just achieve success, we redefine it. One team. One mission. One unstoppable force. This is how we rise. This is how we win. And it starts now.
10:15 am – 10:30 am Break
10:30 am – 11:15 am Breakout Session I
▼ Option 1: Crafting Warhawk Bold: Why Every UW-Whitewater Team Member is a Storyteller
Chris Lindeke, Communications Manager, University Branding and Communication
Join Chris Lindeke — a marketing and communications veteran with 18 years of experience, including more than 10 at UW-Whitewater — for a session on the power of storytelling and how every team member at UWW plays a vital role in shaping our narrative. Drawing from his background overseeing high-impact university campaigns, digital marketing, and media relations, Chris will demonstrate that storytelling isn't just a job for the marketing department — it is a collective effort. Attendees will learn simple, practical ways to spotlight the impactful moments from their own departments, proving that it takes every team working together to shape the narrative of the Warhawk experience.
▼ Option 2: Understanding Today’s Students
Staff from the Dean of Students Office and University Housing
Whether you work behind a desk, behind the scenes, in facilities, or anywhere else, your interactions help shape the student experience. Join us for this interactive session as we explore who today’s students are, what contributes to their success and well-being, and how each of us can create a welcoming campus while knowing when and to connect students with additional resources and support.
11:15 am – 11:30 am Break
11:30 am – 12:15 pm Breakout Session II
▼ Option 1: Thriving Through Change: Your Guide to Self-Care and Professional Growth
Jen Kaina, Wellness Coach and Institutional Research Compliance Officer, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
A strong team culture doesn't happen by accident—it is built through shared values, accountability, and a commitment to one another. The High Five Philosophy uses the five fingers of the hand as a simple yet memorable framework for creating an engaging, respectful, and high-performing workplace. Participants will explore five guiding principles: Fun, Accountability, Respect, Commitment, and Intentionality. Through discussion and practical examples, attendees will learn how these principles strengthen team dynamics, encourage mutual respect, promote personal responsibility, and create a culture where every individual contributes to the organization's mission. Whether leading a team or serving as a team member, participants will leave with actionable strategies for building positive relationships, fostering collaboration, and recognizing that small choices and everyday actions can have a lasting impact on team success.
▼ Option 2: Understanding Today’s Students
Staff from the Dean of Students Office and University Housing
Whether you work behind a desk, behind the scenes, in facilities, or anywhere else, your interactions help shape the student experience. Join us for this interactive session as we explore who today’s students are, what contributes to their success and well-being, and ow each of us can create a welcoming campus while knowing when and to connect students with additional resources and support.
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm Lunch & Networking
1:15 pm – 2:00pm Breakout Session III
▼ Option 1: Finding Our Roots: A Brief History Tour of the UWW Campus
Jennifer Motzko, Archivist
For over 150 years, UWW has welcomed students, staff and faculty to call our campus home for their educational and career journeys. Join our campus archivist for a short walking tour of the campus, highlighting a few of the buildings, landscapes and spaces that have been integral to the Warhawk story. We’ll learn about some of the people who made a lasting impact on campus and welcome you to share your stories of your time on campus.
▼ Option 2: Prairie Plans and Painting Pots
Wes Enterline, Sustainability Coordinator
Did you know that UWW has over 100 acres of prairie on the northeastern corner of campus? Join Wes to learn more about this campus gem, how you can experience the landscape, and the University’s plans for the future of the prairie. Get your creative juices flowing while learning about the prairie and paint a flower pot to take home or back to your office.
2:00 pm – 2:15 pm Break
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm Closing Session