District V: New to the Profession Virtual Pre-Con-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The District 5 Annual Conference, Case 5, kicks off on Sunday, with some attendees arriving Saturday. The conference is hosted at the Sheraton in downtown Chicago. The Pre-Conference Workshop focuses on supporting new professionals in higher education advancement. Courtney Baird outlines the agenda, which includes introductions, case overviews, acronym explanations, and professional etiquette tips. The session emphasizes networking, volunteer opportunities, and understanding the DISC assessment for effective workplace interactions.<br /><br />Eleanor Fortescue and Natalie Farmer discuss conference engagement activities like dine-arounds, a Griffin Museum visit, and a Second City improv show. They also encourage participation in breakfast round tables to connect with peers. Matt Ryan introduces the Mentor Connect program, which pairs new attendees with experienced professionals for guidance and networking.<br /><br />Chris Brunson provides an overview of the DISC assessment, explaining its science and application in understanding communication and work style preferences. The DISC platform, Catalyst, allows users to explore resources and compare styles with colleagues.<br /><br />The conference encourages active participation while respecting personal and cultural boundaries. Attendees are reminded they represent their institutions and are encouraged to be mindful of their conduct. A six-month virtual cohort program will follow the conference to support ongoing professional development.

Keywords

District 5 Annual Conference

higher education advancement

networking

DISC assessment

Mentor Connect program

professional development

Sheraton Chicago

conference engagement

workplace interactions

virtual cohort program