Manager Orientation Overview

Program Overview

SMU knows that managers play a key role in living out the mission and achieving the goals of the University. The objective of this orientation program is to support a new manager's successful transition to a supervisory role within the University. New managers participating in the program will have 12 months to complete all requirements.

Manager Orientation is designed to provide those supervising staff with essential skills and key information needed to successfully manage both employee performance and organizational initiatives. Managers will benefit from understanding University policies and procedures, knowing the right people to contact for assistance, and learning critical skills that support successful working relationships.

The New Manager's Responsibility

The Manager Orientation workshops are to be completed within the first calendar year of the employee's new role with the University. New managers are responsible for ensuring they complete the requirements for Manager Orientation which include 3 required and 3 elective workshops.  

Required workshops include:

  • Intro to HR
  • Legal and Risk Management for Managers
  • Workplace Discrimination Issues for Managers

 Elective Workshops may be chosen from a variety of Professional Development Workshops and/or specific manager oriented workshops.  Options are defined on the Course Description and 

Employees may view completion of all Professional Development Workshops and Manager Orientation workshops by logging into My.SMU and navigating to Self Service> Learning and Development>Training Summary. A summary of workshops completed, enrolled in, or cancelled will be generated.