Building Core Supervisory Competencies (BCSC) is designed to support the growth and success of early-career (2-5 years) supervisors at UC Riverside. Through interactive learning and practical tools, the program is designed to strengthen core supervisory capabilities, helping participants develop a broad range of skills and techniques that can be immediately applied. Participants will leave with practical strategies to motivate and guide their teams, resolve issues constructively, and foster a more productive and engaged work environment.
What People Are Saying
“The leadership qualities I was able to gain and develop, inform all of my decisions and have truly changed me as a leader and a person. I highly recommend this program to those who would like to develop different leadership perspectives and make meaningful connections with cross campus partners.”
“We each walked away with tangible skills that we’re putting to practice in our offices, and also a wider network of collaborators, committed to fostering professional development and promoting diversity and inclusion across UC Riverside.”
“This has truly strengthened me as a leader and has contributed greatly to what I have to offer my department and the campus. I am incredibly grateful for the experience and colleagues I have been able to connect with and learn from.”
“Not only did the trainings give me insight and tools to what it takes to be a competent supervisor, but I also learned much about UCR that I did not know – in spite of being on campus for more than 15 years.”
Program Overview & Participant Eligibility
This program is specifically designed for employees with two to five years of supervisory experience. Applicants must currently have the full scope of supervisory duties, including supervision of at least 2 FTEs OR must be in a title code allowing them to perform the full scope of supervisory duties. Individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements or those who are new to the supervisory role are encouraged to complete the UC People Management Certificate Program, available via the UC Learning Center.
To successfully complete the program, participants are expected to:
- Attend all sessions (9 months, September-May), including orientation and graduation
- Show up prepared including meeting deadlines, completing session pre-work, assessments, and supplemental assignments.
- Complete two (2) electives from a variety of pre-selected course topics
Program Fee & Application
- Application Period: July 7, 2025 – August 8, 2025
- Participant Status Update: week of August 11, 2025
Want to join the next BCSC cohort? Download and submit an application, including the supervisor’s signature, during the application period. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Prior to submitting, all applicants must read the Program Overview & Participant Eligibility requirements.
- A completed application is required and must include the supervisor's signature.
- Applicants must currently have the full scope of supervisory duties (including supervision of at least 2 FTEs) or must be in a title code allowing the performance of the full scope of supervisory duties.
- Please email your applications to Seana Nunez at seana.nunez@ucr.edu.
Note: Individuals who are new to the supervisory role are encouraged to complete the UC People Management Certificate Program available online via the Learning Management System — UC Learning Center (UCLC) : search the catalog for these Management Core courses as well as your location’s eligible elective courses.
Questions? Email JoAnna Van Brocklin, BCSC Program Manager, at joanna.vanbrocklin@ucr.edu. BCSC Application
Program Cost
- $725*
*Program fee is subject to change and includes all program costs and course materials. No refunds for accepted participants who drop out, separate from UCR, or otherwise do not successfully complete the program requirements.
Core Course Topics
At its core, BCSC focuses on building the self-awareness and personal insight needed to lead with confidence and integrity. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of their own behaviors, motivations, and impact on others, helping them to develop greater emotional control, resilience, and presence in the workplace.
Core course topics include how to adapt supervisory approaches to meet the needs of different individuals and situations, how to communicate with clarity and purpose, and how to navigate the complexities of decision-making and accountability with professionalism.
To improve overall team effectiveness, the program also emphasizes how to build trust, manage performance, address challenges proactively, and create a culture of collaboration and growth.
Core Course Topics (subject to change)
- 6 Critical Practices
- Situational Leadership
- Ethics
- Communication
- Conflict Management
- Emotional Intelligence