Supervisor Foundation Series

Supervisor Development Program

The Supervisor Development Program is evolving with a new name – Supervisor Foundation Series – and an updated curriculum. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support supervisors with the tools to strengthen teams and confidently navigate CSU systems and policies. 

The Supervisor Foundation Series (SFS) is a comprehensive professional development program designed to support CSU faculty, staff, and aspiring supervisors in strengthening their leadership capabilities. Through six interactive courses – listed below — participants explore core supervisory skills rooted in self-discovery, people-centric skills, team effectiveness, and systems thinking. 

Developed by Talent Development, this program provides practical, real-world learning that enhances supervisory confidence and competence. Participants gain tools to foster positive work environments, inspire team engagement, and navigate the complexities of supervisory responsibility at CSU. Graduates of the series will be well-equipped to lead effectively and contribute to a connected, high-performing campus community. 


The Supervisor Foundation Series (SFS) Program Overview

The Supervisor Foundation Series requires completion of the six professional development courses listed in the timeline below. Through completion of this program, you will gain a My Learning completion and have access to a My Learning certificate for Talent Development’s SFS. The total time commitment is approximately 20 hours. Classes are rotated through both online and in-person formats. Register for the Supervisor Foundation Series in My Learning.

From Supervisor Development Program Certification to Next-Level Leadership Certification: This rebranded certification allows participants to choose from a wide selection of classes and experiences from across Talent Development’s four dimensions of leadership—self-discovery, people-centric skills, team effectiveness, and systems thinking—to create a personalized learning path for their next level of leadership. 

The rebranded certification program highlights leadership as a lifelong journey and the pursuit of the next level of growth based on your individual needs. 

All four Talent Development themed icons in a row.
Self-Discovery, People-Centric Skills, Team Effectiveness, and Systems Thinking
Elise Kulovany and Steven Workman holding their certificates
Talent Development offers two levels of supervisory learning mastery. When you complete the full Next-Level Leadership Certification program, you will receive an official paper certificate, a gift, a letter of acknowledgement to your supervisor, and invitations to additional learning events.

Track your progress

Your enrollment in the Supervisor Foundation Series program in My Learning will automatically track your progress toward completion. Track your progress in the Next-Level Leadership Certification by downloading and viewing the NLLC Checklist of classes offered through My Learning on a rotating basis. Then register for the NLLC program in My Learning. Learn how to pull and sort the status of all your classes from your My Learning learner transcript.

Request transfer credit

If you have registered and completed a training that does not appear in this list, or to receive credit for another training taken outside of the My Learning offerings, request transfer credit.

Questions?

Email Nakia Lilly or contact her by phone at (970) 491-1376 if you have questions about the Supervisor Foundation Series and Next-Level Leadership Certification processes or registration.  

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Next-Level Leadership Certification (NLLC) Program Overview

The Next Level-Leadership Certification requires the completion of the six foundation classes in the Supervisor Foundation Series and six additional elective professional development classes. Talent Development offers a wide range of content around the four dimensions of leadership—self-discovery, people-centric skills, team effectiveness, and systems thinking. Participants are empowered to choose to target a specific growth area, hone a key skill, or broaden their leadership perspective in new and inspiring ways. The total time commitment is approximately 40-45 hours. Classes are held in both online and in-person formats. Register for the Next-Level Leadership Certification in My Learning. 

  • Complete the six foundation classes in the Supervisor Foundation Series  
  • Choose an additional six elective classes offered through Talent Development  
  • Keep track of your progress with the new NLLC checklist 
Download the NLLC Checklist

The Supervisor Foundation Series process 

Foundation 1

Mindset For Supervisors

In this class, you will develop an understanding of who you are as a supervisor by exploring the strengths you bring to the role. In addition, you will build your knowledge of team dynamics, looking at how the team functions and how to enhance performance. Finally, you will explore how your team contributes to the mission of the institution.

Foundation 1

Foundation 2

Rules of The Road

Highlights aspects of the CSU employee/employer relationship including equal-opportunity employment laws, reasonable accommodations, leave management, confidentiality guidelines, and employee rights and protections.

Foundation 2

Foundation 3

Discovering Your Emotional Intelligence

Self-Discovery: Emotional intelligence is the “something” in each of us that is a bit intangible. It affects how we manage behavior, navigate social complexities, and make personal decisions that achieve positive results. Come explore strategies to expand your emotional intelligence, specifically geared to the work environment.

Foundation 3

Foundation 4

People-Centric Leadership: The Power of Perspective Taking

People-Centric Skills: When perspectives clash, it’s easy to “agree to disagree” and move on, but what if that’s where real understanding begins? In this session, participants will learn how to intentionally step into another’s point of view, uncover hidden assumptions, and expand their own thinking. Through practical frameworks and reflection, attendees will explore the practice of perspective taking to deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and build the ability to lead with a people-centric mindset.

Foundation 4

Foundation 5

Trust: Establishing a Foundation for Effective Teams

Team Effectiveness: Research has clearly shown that a culture of trust makes a meaningful difference in the workplace. How does trust specifically impact the workplace? What strategies can you use to build trust among colleagues, in departments, and within the university? Discover the foundational concepts critical for the building of trust, explore the various benefits from working in an environment built on trust, and learn various strategies you can use to increase trust in your work environment. 

Foundation 5

Foundation 6

Embracing Appreciative Inquiry: A Systems Thinking Perspective

Systems Thinking: Appreciative Inquiry as a Systems Thinking approach provides the generative, relational, and dialogic processes through which systemic understanding becomes systemic transformation. Given its inherent reliance on holism, Appreciative Inquiry mobilizes the human energy within the system toward desired futures. 

Foundation 6

CERTIFICATION THROUGH THE SFS + PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ELECTIVES

If you finish the SFS and wish to grow to complete the Next-Level Leadership Certification, make sure you have the Bridge completion for the Supervisor Foundation Series program AND for six additional professional development elective classes.