Summer Games professional development challenge kicks off

From: Human Resources

Virginia Tech’s first Summer Games professional development challenge has kicked off. This event is open to all faculty and staff and provides employees development opportunities where they learn, compete, and earn digital badges in five categories. Employees have until Aug. 23 to compete.

Qualifying events

Professional development providers from across the university have listed qualifying events, which have been collected into five “ring” categories: Creativity/ Innovation, Cultural Competencies/Inclusion, Institution/Education, Leadership, and Technology.

Development events must be sponsored by a Virginia Tech department, office, or group and listed on the Summer Games roster in the Canvas site to qualify.

Registration and participation

Employees who want to compete in the Summer Games should complete the registration form to be added to the Summer Games Canvas site. Development events and activities can be selected from the roster under each “ring” category in the Canvas site.

Employees should self-report in the Canvas site as they completed development activities. As activities are completed, employees will be rewarded with digital badges. Teams are encouraged to compete together; simply complete the registration form.

Employees who wish to participate in learning development activities that require time away from their regular work should discuss and work with their supervisor first to clear participation and ensure proper coverage for their role or team.

What earning badges mean

In addition to the knowledge gained by completing development activities, participants earn digital bronze, silver, and/or gold badges as they complete and report development activities. They also earn badges for participating in categories to become a Hokie-lympian, Champion, Powerhouse, Flag Bearer, and/or Torch Bearer. Badges can be published on social media sites, including LinkedIn, and displayed in your email signature.

See the Summer Games site for more information on how many events and categories must be completed to earn badges.

Adding a development event

If a department, office, or group is interested in adding an event to the Summer Games roster, complete this event form.

Happy learning and we look forward to celebrating our “Olympians” accomplishments after the Summer Games end. For questions about the Summer Games, contact vttraining@vt.edu.