West campus celebrates first Supervisory Academy graduation

July 27, 2006

Arizona State University’s West campus celebrated its first Supervisory Academy graduation on July 27. The inaugural graduating class consisted of 10 West campus supervisors and managers. Graduates were given a certificate in recognition of their accomplishments and successful completion of the course.<separator></separator>The Supervisory Academy was recently expanded to hold classes at ASU’s West campus. Prior to the expansion, participants were required to attend classes at the Tempe campus.<separator></separator>“By expanding the program, we can now provide leadership training to more employees,” said Clayton Taylor, senior program coordinator for ASU’s Supervisory Academy. “We can also adjust the classes to better meet the needs of supervisors at each campus, as well as make the classes more assessable to our employees.”<separator></separator>The Supervisory Academy classes consist of lecture, interactive workshops, group activities, and networking, which expose the participants to real-life situations and obstacles they will face in their daily work at ASU. Participants are required to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts and ability to apply their skills in order to complete the course. Participants are also provided with a wide variety of resources and reference materials that they can take back to their job.<separator></separator>“For the past several months, these dedicated participants completed a series of rigorous classes, which helped them become more proficient leaders,” said Taylor. “Participants also learned how to improve their ability to problem solve, plan and organize, and communicate. They also enhanced their people and team building skills.”<separator></separator>The Supervisory Academy is not just limited to employees who would like to become competent, dynamic leaders. The class is open to all university employees in a supervisory role who would like to sharpen their existing management skills.<separator></separator>“Well-trained, knowledgeable leaders are a must in today’s business environment,” said Taylor. “Any successful organization has to have great leadership. The Supervisory Academy provides our managers with the necessary tools to effectively lead and manage ASU’s workforce.”