PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Development Programs
PMG offers an integrated series of development programs for staff at varying levels.
VEI FAQs
As your session approaches, PMG wants to share the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the VEI.
Policies
What are the Covid-19 safety protocols?
As we return to in-person institutes, we would like to reassure you that we will be taking all necessary precautions to create a safe and healthy experience for everyone. We are constantly monitoring and adjusting based on the guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). We are working closely with each of our vendors and conference sites to ensure we follow federal, state, and local guidelines, and we are also taking steps of our own to ensure your safety. For more information and specifics, please see our PMG Covid-19 Statement_Updated 7.11.22.
What is the attendance requirement?
Participants are expected to attend the entire institute. Small-group work and group dynamics are adversely affected by sporadic attendance. Those who miss more than a total of one day will not graduate from the VEI.
May guests or spouses attend special events?
Receptions and dinners are an integral part of the VEI experience. Spouses and guests are discouraged from accompanying participants to the VEI.
What is the dress code?
Business casual is the most prominent attire during the day — something you would wear to the office on a “dress-down Friday.” The temperature in the conference rooms are sometimes difficult to control; therefore dressing in layers is advised.
What is the protocol for cell phones, electronics, etc.?
Speakers and participants appreciate you attending to business during scheduled breaks. Phones are disruptive and we ask that they be turned off during class. Consider your absence from the office a good opportunity to give your staff decision-making and operational authority as appropriate. You will have ample time to check in each day during breaks, which are generally taken around 10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. each day.
Location and schedule
Where will VEI be held?
unless otherwise noted:
Week 1: ​Virginia Beach​, VA
Week 2: Charlottesville, VA
Do I need to arrive on Sunday?
Checking in on Sunday is recommended as we start promptly at 9:00 a.m. and breakfast is provided beforehand.
What is the daily schedule?
Each day we’ll have a continental breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The morning session starts at 9:00 a.m. and lunch is usually around noon. The day generally ends around 5 p.m.
When will be finished on Friday?
The program ends by 2 p.m. on Fridays and all participants are expected to stay until the completion of the program.
Do I make my own hotel reservations?
Yes.
Feedback surveys and assessments
What is the process for completing the assessments prior to the session?
You will receive directions for the online 360° Feedback via e-mail. You must complete the survey yourself and then e-mail your raters — supervisors, direct reports and/or colleagues — the directions within the next few days. We will provide you with guidance regarding the online 360° Feedback. The responses from your raters will be submitted directly to our database for processing and report generation. You will receive helpful data and an interpretive report with suggestions for an action plan during the first week of the VEI.
As part of the 360° Feedback process, you will also complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI Step II) online. Many of you might be very familiar with the MBTI, but the Step II MBTI provides you with much deeper insight into the type and how different preference styles are likely to lead, address conflict, etc. Even those who have taken the MBTI multiple times tell us that they get much more out of the MBTI Step II. Login and password information will be e-mailed to you two days after the orientation. Most people report that it takes them about 20-25 minutes to complete the Step II MBTI.
May I receive feedback from family and friends for the 360°?
No. The 360° Feedback process is specifically for evaluating your work style and, although feedback from family or friends outside of work may be of interest, we prefer you focus on work relationships.
If I have not been at my current job long enough for my supervisor and direct reports to give me an effective evaluation for the 360°, or if my supervisor is new to the job, can I receive feedback from my previous supervisor?
Yes. If you feel that your current supervisor has not yet had enough time to fully recognize your work style, you may use the supervisor from your last job.
Can I receive feedback from coworkers or direct reports from my old job for the 360°?
Yes. However, we ask that you use them in addition to coworkers and direct reports from your current job. They should be categorized as “others.”
Can I find out who has completed a 360° survey and who hasn’t?
No. All surveys are anonymous and are not identified to ensure confidentiality.
Can I review my answers after completing the 360° survey?
No. The only way to review your answers is to click the “Previous” button after completing each page in the quantitative section. After the last open-ended question, there is no way to review your answers.
Does anyone else receive a copy of the 360° Feedback Report?
No. The copy you receive at the feedback session during the first week of the VEI is the only copy made. If you misplace your copy, you may request a PDF version be mailed to you.
Who do I contact for questions regarding the 360s or any other assessments?
Contact Mandy Fowler at afowler3@vcu.edu.
Other questions?
Please don’t hesitate to call us at (804) 828-8845 or email pmg@vcu.edu. We look forward to seeing you at the VEI!
Reminder: All attendees must submit a one-page biography to be included in the Participant’s Notebook. If you have not done so, e-mail your biography to pmg@vcu.edu or submit your biography as soon as possible. Additionally, please e-mail a photo or headshot of yourself.