University Human Resources

Staff Essentials

Breadcrumb

Staff Essentials

The Staff Essentials Program is part of Brown’s commitment to supporting your professional development and engagement. Learning, Development & Engagement in University Human Resources (UHR) offers this professional development opportunity specifically for individual contributors—staff who do not manage direct reports.

The program is designed to help participants strengthen their knowledge, build connections, and establish a foundation for continued success at Brown.

The Staff Essentials Program is a two-part, in-person series of 3-hour sessions that provides foundational knowledge to help non-supervisory staff thrive in today’s dynamic work environment while highlighting essential services and resources available through University Human Resources.

  1. Session 1: 
    Learning, Development & Engagement and Compensation Services
  2. Session 2: 
    Benefits and Wellness, Employee and Labor Relations, and Talent Acquisition and Employment Services

Each session offers interactive discussions, real-world examples, and direct access to subject-matter experts who will share insights on policies, processes, and opportunities that shape the employee experience at Brown. No pre-work is required.

Important: Both sessions are designed to complement one another. Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions within the same cohort to receive the full experience.

The Individual Contributor’s Journey at Brown

At Brown University, the individual contributor’s journey is designed to foster professional growth, connection, and continuous learning. It begins with a strong foundation in onboarding, understanding University policies, and exploring the many resources that support your success.

Start Your Journey

Start your journey

 
  • Onboarding
  • Compliance training
  • Role-based training as required

Icon depicting virtual instruction

Participate in learning opportunities

 
  • New Employee Orientation
  • Staff Essentials
  • CliftonStrengths for Individuals
  • Leading From Where You Are

Computer video play icon

Explore other programs

 
  • Staff Development Day
  • Administrative Fellows Program
  • Employee Education Program
  • Communities of Practice
  • Departmental trainings and retreats

Webinar icon

Fine-tune your skills

 
  • LinkedIn Learning
  • eLearning
  • Learning, Development & Engagement Library
  • On the job training
  • Stretch assignments

Through these offerings, Brown supports every staff member in developing essential skills, confidence, and networks that lead to professional and personal growth.

Benefits of the Program

The Staff Essentials Program helps participants strengthen their understanding of key University resources and build the knowledge and relationships that support success in their roles at Brown. Through interactive sessions and direct access to HR experts, participants gain practical insights that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Upon completion, participants will

  • Enhance understanding of key HR policies and procedures across the employee lifecycle
  • Build valuable connections with colleagues across departments
  • Learn directly from HR experts in areas that impact their work and professional growth
  • Engage in meaningful dialogue to deepen understanding of University resources

Eligibility and Participation

The Staff Essentials Program is open to all staff members who do not manage direct reports. If you are a manager or supervisor, please explore the Management Essentials Program instead.

To ensure full participation and benefit from the cohort experience, participants should plan to attend both sessions within their selected cohort.

Schedule and Registration

You can enroll now through Workday Learning in one of the upcoming Staff Essentials cohorts.

If you are unable to attend both sessions within a cohort, please select a different cohort that better fits your schedule.

For more information or questions, please contact the Learning, Development & Engagement team at ldeteam@brown.edu.

Upcoming Cohorts:

Updates will be announced on this page and via Today@Brown once finalized.