On Tuesday, July 12, counseling, disability support and student wellness will offer a full day of training to help you gain the confidence and skill to effectively assist someone in distress. It can be hard to know how to approach a person you are concerned about and to ask important questions to help them seek help. The training is free and will be offered at Christ Episcopal Church in Rolla, 1000 N. Main St. A light breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.

The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), operated by the office of technology transfer and economic development (TTED), recently hired Karen Leatherman as a business counselor to provide assistance to small businesses in the region. She is based in the SBTDC office, which serves nine counties in east-central Missouri.

On May 3, approximately 70 representatives from local businesses attended training at the Columbia College Auditorium in Rolla to learn how to improve their social media presence. The three-hour seminar focused on effective use of social media to facilitate business growth. It was co-sponsored by the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at Missouri S&T and the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce.

Rhonda Byers, senior human resources manager for the student and auxiliary services/Mizzou Rec Services‐MU, has been named HR director at Missouri S&T. Byers’ position takes effect Monday, May 23.

Help the employee assistance program (EAP) target real sources of stress by participating in the stress analysis questionnaire. The EAP supports faculty and staff by offering confidential, professional services to teach stress management, improve the quality of work life, combat substance abuse, solve family problems and address many other concerns both on and off campus. The questionnaire takes just 10 minutes to complete, but the feedback you provide will help the EAP design and implement future services that will benefit faculty, staff and the university in general.

Staff Council is seeking donations for the Staff Day food auction. Baked goods and dinner items (homemade, store bought or gift certificates) are welcome. Food donations will need to be dropped off between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. the morning of Staff Day, Wednesday, May 25, at the Havener Center loading dock. For more information about the food auction, email Jeannie Werner.

The 2016 Staff Appreciation Day is quickly approaching. A list of raffle prizes for the Wednesday, May 25, event is now available at the S&T Staff Council website. To purchase raffle tickets prior to Staff Day, contact Kathy Inman at 341-7677.