PSO & You: Growing Today, Preparing for Tomorrow
Thursday, September 18, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
2025 Staff Professional Development Conference
The 5th Annual Public Service and Outreach Staff Professional Development Conference kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 18. This event offers staff the opportunity to celebrate all the good service that PSO does across the state and provides a unique chance to network and build relationships across divisions.
The morning professional development sessions are designed to inspire professional passion and support skill development. Enjoy a delicious lunch before participating in campus exploration activities, designed to feature resources and places at UGA. End the conference with an interactive showcase highlighting the amazing work your PSO staff colleagues do to support the PSO mission.
Event Schedule
| Times | Description |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Check-in at the Conference Registration Desk; coffee and photos with Hairy Dawg |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Welcome and Keynote Session |
| 9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Refreshment Break with networking and activities |
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Professional Development Session 1 |
| 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | Break |
| 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Professional Development Session 2 |
| 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Networking Buffet Lunch |
| 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Campus Exploration Activities |
| 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Refreshment Break with networking and activities |
| 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Showcase: PSO Staff in Action and Closing Session |
Make Your Selections
A preview of the opportunities for professional development and campus exploration is available below as you plan for September 18. During registration, participants will select an option from Professional Development Session 1, an option from Professional Development Session 2, and an after-lunch on campus exploration activity. The keynote and afternoon general sessions will automatically be added to the schedule.
Keynote Session
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Dawgs and Cats and Ducks – Oh, My! Charting Your Own Path
Dr. Kathy Pharr (Opens in a new window), Chief of Staff of the President’s Office and Vice President for Marketing and Communications
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Professional Development Session 1 Options
- Balancing Work and Home: How to Thrive
- Public Impact to Posts – Social Media Strategies to Tell Your Story
- Better Together: Boosting Team Communication through Self-Awareness and Feedback
- Managing Your Own Professional Development
- Microsoft Teams – Tips and Tricks
- Integrating AI and GenAI Solutions into Work Routines
- Introduction to Microsoft’s Power BI
- Using Data to Make a Difference
- Fundraising@PSO: An Overview and Guide to Being Involved
11:15 – 12:15 p.m.
Professional Development Session 2 Options
- Never Not Working: Why Our Always-On Culture is Bad for Business and How to Fix It
- Making it Click: How to See and Take Great Photos
- Conversations that Count: Thriving Through Workplace Tension
- Retirement 101
- How Can I Get the Most Out of MS Excel?
- Integrating AI and GenAI Solutions into Work Routines
- Introduction to Microsoft’s Power BI
- Navigating Change in the Workplace
- Opportunities for Creative Engagement in PSO
1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Campus Exploration Activity Options
- Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall Sports Museum Tour
- Explore the Tate Student Center and Bookstore
- Founders Memorial Garden Tour
- Georgia Center Culinary Experience
- Green Roof Garden Tour
- Museum of Art Tour
- Pollinator Tour
- South Campus Arboretum Walk
- Vault Tour: Special Collections Libraries
- Trial Garden Tour
- WeatherDAWGS Station Tour
- WUGA Tour
- UGA Baseball: behind the scenes tour at Foley Field
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Showcase: PSO Staff in Action
Join your colleagues at the end of the day for a session highlighting staff contributions to PSO. Enjoy a panel discussion among staff members who work behind the scenes and are passionate about their role in PSO.
The session schedule is subject to change; the session locations will be posted on the on-site Georgia Center kiosks.
Additional activities will be held throughout the day to “grow today” as we prepare for tomorrow.
- You will have the opportunity to recognize a PSO colleague who helps you or others grow professionally.
- Activity cards will be provided at registration so you can meet new colleagues and expand existing connections with colleagues across PSO. Completed cards can be returned for a gift.
Cost:
The cost for the event is $35.00, which is paid by the participant’s home department, not by the individual. Registration for the event covers the entire day of professional development sessions and lunch.
Cancellations or Session Changes:
To alter your session selection or cancel your registration on or before September 2, 2025, log into the PSO Registration System with your login information. Once in the system you can alter, update and cancel your registration.
Continuing Education Information:
The University of Georgia awards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to those attending professional development sessions. A UGA CEU transcript is available at any time upon written request. For questions regarding CEUs or transcripts, please email gc-questions@uga.edu.
Hotel:
You can reserve a hotel room using room group code 4626 (Opens in a new window) until September 5, 2025. After that date, please call the Georgia Center to request an available hotel room under the group rate of $129, which includes parking.
Note: reserving a hotel room does not register you for the conference. Please use the box titled REGISTER NOW to register for the conference.
To change or cancel your hotel reservation, call 800-884-1381 or 706-542-2134.
Parking:
Limited parking is available in the South Campus Parking Deck, adjacent to the Georgia Center ($10 a day). Contact your business manager for parking passes. Parking deck rates are set by UGA Transportation & Parking Services.
Program Contact Information:
Program Contact:
Laura Raiford
678-985-6775
lraiford@uga.edu
Registration Contact:
706-542-3537
gc-questions@uga.edu
Special Needs:
If you require special services, email Laura Raiford by September 2, 2025.
Dietary restrictions should be indicated during the registration process.