Wilmington University’s HR experts Courtney Rossi and Jaimee Campbell took center stage at the 2024 College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA) regional conference, captivating higher education HR professionals with their innovative “90-Day Manager Roadmap and Toolkit,” a game-changer in onboarding best practices.

“Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked together and developed the roadmap, a guide to the onboarding process for new employees during their first three months,” says Rossi, employee relations/training and development specialist. “This crucial period for new employees is where managers seek the most guidance. 

Adds Campbell, a classification and compensation specialist, “As we transitioned to remote work, we faced the challenge of adapting this experience to effectively serve both in-person and virtual onboarding, all while preserving the University’s culture.”

After successfully implementing the roadmap and witnessing its impact, Rossi and Campbell recognized its value and felt compelled to share it with others. They submitted a proposal, which earned them an invitation to present at the prestigious CUPA regional conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to its website, CUPA is “higher ed HR.” It provides higher education with the knowledge, resources, advocacy, and connections to achieve organizational and workforce excellence. The nonprofit monitors trends, explores emerging workforce issues, conducts research, and promotes strategic discussions among colleges and universities. It also hosts conferences and webinars, publishes tools and resources, and offers online communities for collaboration.

Building on the success of their conference presentation, Rossi and Campbell were invited to extend their session through a CUPA webinar, allowing them to reach a broader national higher-ed HR audience. 

Both were humbled by the opportunity to highlight the positive contributions of the Human Resources Department and Wilmington University as a whole.

“Courtney and Jaimee’s work exemplifies our department’s commitment to always striving to enhance the employee experience,” says Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Nicole Romano. “Their innovative work on creating the ‘90-Day Manager Roadmap and Toolkit’ empowers managers and fosters a more welcoming and impactful onboarding journey for new employees. This effort not only supports our team but also strengthens our University community. I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication to enhancing the employee experience and the well-deserved recognition they’ve received.” 

— Maria Hess