WEBSTER
UNIVERSITY
CENTER
All-Staff Training
Introduction to the UC

Purpose of Training
 Each module in this online training and every
session of in-person training will be focused
around one or more of the UC’s four training
goals. Please keep these goals in mind as you
go throughout training. They are designed for
your personal and professional development.

Training Goals - 1
Team Construct
 Create and maintain a team-oriented staff environment where all
members feel a connection to one another and the group as a
whole.
Credit: Ryan Bissonnette, Assistant Director of Leadership & Training
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Training Goals - 2
Professional Identity
Development
 Foster an environment for the professional identity development of
each individual staff member creating a standard of accountability,
responsibility, empowerment, and respect.
Credit: Ryan Bissonnette, Assistant Director of Leadership & Training
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Training Goals - 3
Leadership Identity
Development
 Develop and empower each staff member toward an
individualized leadership model specific to their skills and
personality.
Credit: Ryan Bissonnette, Assistant Director of Leadership & Training
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Training Goals - 4
Self-Awareness
 Provide opportunities for staff members to reflect on themselves,
understand their impact, come to terms with their personality traits,
and encourage their identity development.
Credit: Ryan Bissonnette, Assistant Director of Leadership & Training
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Getting to Know the UC Staff
 The UC requires the hard work of many
individuals to run effectively. Get to know some
of those key people and their primary
responsibilities on the following slides.

Who’s Who
Katie Knetzer
Director
Supervises all units within the
University Center; directly
supervises the Information Center;
co-advises the Dining Advisory
Board and liaisons with all the
departments that utilize and interact
with the UC; overall facility and
budget management
Brett Olson
Coordinator of Fitness
Center & Aquatics
Supervises the pool lifeguards and
fitness center attendants; maintains the
pool and fitness center facilities; serves
as an adjunct faculty member teaching
lifeguarding and other water-related
classes
Jake Walters
Coordinator of Athletic
Facilities
In addition to serving as the Assistant
Baseball Coach, Jake oversees gym
scheduling; coordinates scheduling of
athletic team practices and games in
addition to non-athletic use of the gym; helps
to maintain the athletics facilities within the
UC

Who’s Who
Kathleen
Matecki
Fitness Center
Student Supervisor
Assists Brett with the UC Lower Level
day-to-day building operations and
assumes responsibility for
supervision of the Fitness Center
Attendants
Kiren Mathew
Information Center Student
Supervisor
Assists Katie with building operations and
assumes responsibility for supervision of
the UC Student Building Managers (SBMs),
as well as the evening and weekend
operation of the University Center;
responsibilities include supervision and
scheduling of SBMs, coordination of
training programs, event support, and

Who’s Who
Elena Hutson
Pool Student Supervisor
Assists Brett with the Swimming
Pool day-to-day operations and
assumes responsibility for
supervision of the Lifeguards
Jose Espinosa
Swimming Lessons
Student Supervisor
Assists Brett with the all day-to-day
operations of the Swimming Lesson
Program and assumes responsibility
for supervision of the Swim Lesson
Instructors

Who’s Who
John Chevakula
Patron Services Coordinator
Manages the processing of all membership forms
and materials for the University Center and
communicates with patrons regarding their
memberships. As well as assists the Director of
the University Center with the management of
building reservations and rentals. This includes
approving requests, reviewing set-up needs,
communicating with patrons and staff, and
Nicole Shapiro
Information Coordinator
Manages the processing of all
information forms and materials
for the University Center.

Organizational Chart
Katie Knetzer
John Buck, Dean of
Students
Brett Olson
Lifeguards
Student Bldg. Mgrs.Jake Walters
Fitness Center
Attendants

Beyond the UC
 The University Center is part of the Division of
Student Affairs at Webster University. We are
guided in our work in the UC by the mission of
Student Affairs. It’s important to keep yourself
informed about Student Affairs as a whole, in
addition to the UC.

Student Affairs Mission
 Student Affairs challenges and empowers
students to be global citizens who act
ethically, think critically, and assume
responsibility as leaders.

Division of Student Affairs
These departments make up the division of Student Affairs:
 University Center
 Office of Student Engagement
 Campus Dining
 Counseling and Life Development
 Health Services
 Housing and Residential Life
 First Year Experience & Undergraduate Persistence
 Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs
 Dean of Students Office
 Career Planning and Development Center
 Parent Engagement

Focus of the University Center
 The University Center has its own vision and
mission. As employees of the UC, it’s
important for you to know our vision and
mission and consider how they guide your
day-to-day work.

University Center Vision
Engaging Students
Enhancing Campus
Enriching Community

University Center Mission
 The University Center provides facilities,
services and activities that enhance the social,
educational and recreational involvement of
the campus community.

Responsibilities of the UC
 Facility Management
 Information Center
 Fitness Center
 Swimming Pool
 Dining Advisory Board
 University Center Board

Purpose of the UC
 On the next slide, read over the “Role of the
College Union” statement from ACUI
(Association of College Unions International).
The UC strives to serve this role for Webster’s
campus through our programs, services, and
facilities.

Role of the College Union
The college union advances a sense of community, unifying the institution by embracing the
diversity of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. We bolster the educational mission of
the institution and the development of students as lifelong learners by delivering an array of
cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs, services, and facilities.
By any form or name, we serve as the heart of the campus community and create a
welcoming environment by:
 Operating as a student-centered organization that engages in shared decision making
and holistic development through employment and involvement.
 Advocating for inclusivity and equity, fostering respect, and affirming the identities of all
individuals.
 Educating students in leadership and social responsibility and offering firsthand
experiences in global citizenship.
 Providing gathering spaces to encourage formal and informal community interactions that
build meaningful relationships.
Traditionally considered the living room, the college union enhances the student experience
and cultivates an enduring connection to the institution.

What’s it to me?
 The previous slides were meant to help you
see the bigger picture of which you are a part
by working in the UC. This is more than just a
job. You serve a critical role for the UC, for
Student Affairs, and for the entire University.
Your experience in this position should enable
you to grow as an individual and professional,
and your work will put you in a critical position
to guide and encourage other students and
patrons to their fullest potential as well. In
short, you’re kind of a big deal.

Areas of the UC
 Now that we’ve covered the big picture items,
let’s get down to specifics. What follows in the
Canvas classroom are explanations of each area
of the UC so that you are well-versed on all
aspects of the building.