Lehigh Human Resources is excited to unveil the newly revamped Career Enrichment @ Lehigh (CE@L) program, a thoughtful initiative designed to revitalize professional development across the campus. Spearheaded by Learning Design and Development Specialist Lauren Hamory, the re-designed CE@L program aims to address challenges faced by employees seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers.
Unlocking the Mystery
In her diverse career, Lauren Hamory has been a zookeeper, a high school science teacher, and, since January 2023, the Learning Design and Development Specialist at Lehigh. When she arrived here, however, she hadn’t expected to add the role of Detective to her resume. But she soon discovered she had a mystery on her hands.
As one of her first tasks in the role, Lauren undertook a comprehensive analysis of existing professional development offerings. The findings were striking: many CE@L certificate tracks showed low engagement, with completion times averaging between 2.2 to 2.5 years. Lauren recognized a change was needed, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which had shifted workplace dynamics and expectations. But first she had to figure out what was keeping employees from being successful in accessing and completing professional development.
“We discovered that the previous tracks were overwhelming and inequitable,” Lauren noted. Some tracks required significantly more time and effort than others, deterring potential participants. Her goal was clear: streamline offerings to better fit the schedules and needs of all employees, particularly independent contributors whose roles vary widely.
Revamped Curriculum and New Professional Certificate Tracks
The revamped program retains the essential CE@L structure but introduces flexibility. Key changes include updates to the Essential Management track, which now incorporates practical skills such as feedback techniques and conflict resolution—skills essential for any leader. Previously limited to nominations, the program is now open to all, encouraging broader participation.
Additionally, the new program introduces a Personal Effectiveness and Organization track, which emerged from extensive staff feedback. This new track focuses on project management and time management skills that are universally applicable, making it a valuable resource for everyone on campus, regardless of their position.
Embracing Learning Partnerships
The revamped CE@L is placing a greater emphasis on collaboration with internal learning partners. “There are people within many areas of Lehigh like LTS, the Lehigh University Art Galleries and elsewhere, who are really stepping up to support learning in our university,” Lauren said. “So by incorporating these trainings into our professional certificate tracks, we’re able to provide the platform for recognizing these programs and help our employees easily find more outstanding learning opportunities.”
The inclusion of Lehigh’s LinkedIn Learning partnership in the track offerings also allows employees to engage with a wide array of on-demand training resources that fit seamlessly into their schedules. “We recognize that employees can't always step away from their desks for lengthy sessions,” Lauren explained. “By offering flexible, bite-sized training, we’re making learning both accessible and enjoyable.”
Participants can explore various subjects—from technical skills to soft skills—ensuring that they not only meet their current job demands but also prepare for future opportunities.
Sergeant Kyle Fisher shares his experience with CE@L in this new Q&A.
Looking Forward
An exciting feature of the new program that is currently at an earlier stage of development is the availability of Individualized Learning and Enrichment Plans (ILEP). This approach will allow employees to tailor their development path according to their strengths, interests, and career aspirations. The process begins with intake conversations with staff and their supervisors, followed by the creation of a personalized plan that outlines learning opportunities aligned with their goals.
Lauren notes that CE@L is not just about professional advancement; it’s also about fostering a supportive environment where employees feel valued and recognized for their contributions. “It’s about understanding the individual’s needs and connecting them with the right resources,” she said.
The evolution of CE@L is a significant step toward a more inclusive and effective approach to professional development at Lehigh University. By understanding and addressing challenges faced by employees and embracing flexible learning options, the program promises to empower staff members at all levels.
“This program is not just training; we are creating a culture of continuous growth and support,” Lauren explained. Through the renewed CE@L program, Lehigh HR is committing to enhancing the professional journey for all employees, ensuring that they have opportunities to thrive in their careers.
For more information about the new and renewed CE@L and to explore upcoming offerings, visit the Human Resources website or contact Lauren Hamory directly.