Winona State University is committed to Professional Development for faculty, staff, students, and administrators. Learning in the 21st Century requires new approaches to developing expertise and the ability to make connections beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

The L21 Professional Development plan grew from two years of all university study. As a result of that planning, we have begun a number of Learning Communities and Communities of Practice -- members of our community working together toward common goals. Research in professional development indicates that sustained long-term efforts best lead to long-term improvements and that one-time "workshop" type events do not result in significant gains. If you'd like to join one of these groups, please contact the designated facilitator.

Professional Development opportunities are being designed to address needs of different members of the WSU community. Programs for faculty, for staff, for students, and for mixed groups, as well as programs based on special interests, are being created. College-led (but University-wide) activities are also underway: the College of Liberal Arts is an active participant in the American Democracy Project; the College of Science and Engineering is participating in a national Project Kaleidoscope Leadership Initiative.