ATHENS, Ohio -- Over the past year, events in the world and the workplace have made human resource professionals rethink company policies, from security to employee-employer relationships. Is your HR department equipped to sort through the new landscape of downsizing and the threat of workplace crises?

If you are in charge of human resources, Ohio University's Seventh Annual Human Resources Summer Institute can help. The Aug. 1 to 2 program, HR in a Changed World, will focus on adapting to economic turns, averting critical situations in the office and restructuring employer-employee relations.

The institute will be keynoted by John Winowich, director of the University of Findlay's Center for Terrorism Preparedness. Winowich works with local municipalities to design crisis intervention plans for violence and hazardous material accidents. Winowich will detail the ways the center enables communities and employers to develop fully integrated preparation, response and recovery plans in a workplace or a community crisis.

Back with the HR Institute by popular demand is Mark Kautzmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, who will speak on working towards a nondiscriminatory workplace.

The conference will also feature a panel discussion on creating a learning environment within the workplace that benefits employees and keeps the organization flexible in a fluctuating economy. Institute attendees will have opportunities to learn about successful programs that other employers have implemented; understand how to make the workplace and public places safer post 9/11; explore ideas for retooling employer-employee communication during a time of change; and talk with other participants about ideas, stories and lessons learned.

For registration fees and complete program information, visit www.ilgard.ohiou.edu/hr/ or call (740) 593-9564 to request a brochure.

The Human Resources Institute is sponsored by the following Ohio University partners: Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural Development (ILGARD), College of Business, Office of the Vice President for Administration, Office of the Vice President for Regional Higher Education and Human Resources.

ILGARD has been making knowledge work for Ohio's communities since 1981. Through applied research and technical assistance, ILGARD helps improve the performance and efficiency of government and other organizations; examines public policy issues; provides information and technology services that increase regional competitiveness; and involves Ohio University students in important public service projects. ILGARD is part of Ohio University's Voinovich Center for Leadership & Public Affairs.