Susan (Suzanne) Bardasz

Temporary, out of class (OOC) assignment serving as a functional manager of and overseeing the Learning and Development Services (L&DS) Branch. This includes supporting the training and development needs, compliance with mandated training requirements, organizing training logistics, and designing and developing training for the Divisions of Traffic Operations and Safety Programs and the 2070 Program.

Assists in the development of Learning Management System (LMS) tools, reporting, and dashboards. Evaluates tools, implements computer-based training modules, and edits training materials. Supervises, coordinates, and oversees all branch staff and operations (including onboarding/ offboarding). Monitors branch workload, establishes priorities, and develops strategies to increase productivity and performance levels to achieve branch and office targets. Coordinates L&DS resources to provide effective support services. Coaches and mentors staff. Provides staff with feedback on their job performance. Provides related support services for various Traffic Operations and Safety Programs (including academies, conferences, meetings, and workshops).

Coordinates the use of the system-wide Learning Management System (LMS) within the Divisions of Traffic Operations and Safety Programs, including establishing courses, processing training requests, enrolling employees into courses, tracking attendance, and tracking mandated training compliance for the Divisions. Utilizes communication strategies effectively to attain highest department-wide training compliance rates (80% +). Responds timely to customer inquiries and requests and elevate issues as necessary. Designs and develops virtual instructor led trainings, computer-based trainings, instructional videos, and other learning and development products. Researches and analyzes source materials and/or uses source materials provided by subject matter experts to define learning objectives, design materials using division-specific style and graphics, and develop products according to established timelines. Assists in coordinating, setting up, supporting and/or facilitating learning and development events such as training classes, workshops, academies, webinars, and/or conferences (in person, hybrid, and virtual). Maintains Microsoft Planner to regularly monitor workload and establish priorities. Develops and updates procedures that aid in training new employees and serve as a reference tool for team members. Occasionally acts for the Branch Chief in their absence.

Delivered onboarding training sessions for new DaSB employees and co-facilitated caseworker training with implementation of facilitator guides and lesson plans. Designed and updated onboarding training agendas by working collaboratively with managers and trainers to ensure that the training goals were met effectively. Updated participant and trainer guides, interactive activities and exercises, instructional materials, and course evaluations for onboarding and caseworker training sessions to reflect business and system changes. Utilized technology tools (PowerPoint, Teams, Visio, Kahoot, Zoom) to develop and implement training. Proofread and updated procedures, job aids, and forms and disseminated information through appropriate venues. Supported and maintained the division’s forms management system, including forms, letters, and templates.

Remote short-term fellowship for a new international education startup specializing in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects among US and international universities. Responsibilities included:

-Co-creating and leading faculty training for COIL projects, including webinars pertaining to setting up and teaching on Microsoft Teams and using apps such as Flipgrid, Nearpod, and Wakelet.
-Exploring and reporting on learning management systems, virtual reality technology, and other collaborative technology platforms.
-Communicating with outside vendors and stakeholders, including educational technology sales teams and technical support, for assistance with research and troubleshooting.
-Troubleshooting technology and pedagogy issues with faculty members and tech providers.

Position impacted by COVID-19.

Responsible for the academic data management and academic advising of 100+ international undergraduate and graduate students. Advised students both face-to-face and online on academic-related matters, including registration, course progress, and academic struggles. Coordinated meetings regarding students of concern with the Student Services Advisors and tracked meeting outcomes. Created online academic resources Canvas page for students to access while off-campus. Collected student academic data and finalized reports for program directors as well as campus and external stakeholders. Developed and maintained student academic history and academic performance tracking via tools such as Excel, Google Sheets, Smartsheets, and Salesforce. Maintained student academic records and statistics, including progression statistics and notes about students of concern and grades from faculty. Assisted in registering students for courses within the campus registration system and Banner. Presented workshops with the Academic Team on registration and academic matters.

Responsible for academic program development, implementation, and delivery of custom English for Science and Technology and English for Global Business programs. Revised and customized orientations, program agendas, and curriculum materials with team members, resulting in more interaction among students. Utilized new site visit/field trip locations, resulting in improved rating among students in program evaluations. Hired and mentored new instructors on curriculum and instructional matters, including use of technology. Created new instructor onboarding program with positive feedback; retained instructors for programs among the center. Utilized course management sites such as Canvas to create classes, add content, and manage participant settings. Led faculty and program-related meetings; provided consistent email and communication throughout the programs.Tracked participant and program data, including attendance and final grades, by using databases, Excel, and Google Docs. Advised students on academic matters such as attendance and school policies as well as extracurricular activities. Created and finalized payroll budgets and information for instructors, including new instructor payroll documents and paperwork.

Lead instructor in the EST (English for Science and Technology) and regular 10-week Intensive English programs; co-curriculum leader for advanced level composition classes (2014-2016); reconstructed and finalized the curriculum for 800 level composition class (highest level offered in program) (2014-2016). Served on the technology committee; consistently used and integrated new technology in all classes. Organized and coordinated professional development meetings for faculty members; was a frequent presenter at local conferences, as well as statewide (CATESOL) and international conferences (TESOL; Symposium on Second Language Writing; Lewy Technology Forum). Assisted in the administering and proctoring of TOEFL exams, TOEIC exams, and Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency, as well as the written placement exam for new students. Created and implemented a workshop on TOEFL taking tips for students.