Professional Development Catalog

Accessibility: University Human Resources is committed to ensuring all employees have access to professional development. To request an accommodation, please contact the Office of University Accessibility (access@ohio.edu | 740-593-2620) prior to the session.

Leadership Pathway

The Center for Employee Excellence is excited to introduce the Leadership Pathway, a new development opportunity designed to build leadership skills and support continued growth.

Follow this pathway to:

• Deepen self-awareness and strengthen your personal leadership style. 
• Build stronger, more collaborative teams. 
• Gain confidence navigating challenging conversations and workplace situations. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for Supervisors

Format: Online (Teams)
Facilitator: Michael Hicks, Office of Accessibility
 

This workshop provides supervisors with an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and their role in supporting employees through the accommodation process. Participants will learn about qualifying disabilities, reasonable accommodations, employee rights, and the supervisor’s responsibilities in the interactive process. Additional topics include maintaining employee privacy, implementing approved accommodations, responding appropriately when medical conditions affect work performance, and partnering with the Office of Accessibility to support employees and ensure compliance with ADA requirements.

Recommended for: Supervisors seeking to better understand ADA requirements and their role in supporting employees with workplace accommodations.

Thursday, September 24, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Giving and Receiving Feedback

Format: In Person and Online (Teams) 
Facilitator: Mac Stricklen, Ombudsperson
Location: Grosvenor West Room 111

This workshop introduces research on the common challenges people face when giving and receiving feedback. Participants will explore key insights from the literature and discuss practice, effective strategies for making feedback conversations clearer, more constructive, and easier to navigate in day-to-day work.

Tuesday, March 9, 2027, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Becoming the Leader You Want to Be

Format: In Person and Online (Teams) 
Facilitator: The Center for OHIO Employee Excellence Training Specialists
Location: Grosvenor West Room 111

In this workshop inspired by Brene Brown's research, participants will focus on behaviors that build trust, strengthen teams, and create meaningful impact. You'll leave with actionable strategies you can use to communicate more effectively, foster trust and grounded confidence, and lead with courage.

Recommended for those exploring leadership for the first time, preparing to take the next step, and currently in leadership positions.

Tuesday, November 10, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Listening to Understand

Format: In Person and Online (Teams)
Facilitator: The Center for OHIO Employee Excellence Training Specialists
Location: Grosvenor West Room 111

In this workshop, participants will explore how listening to understand—rather than simply to respond—can strengthen trust and collaboration within their teams. The session introduces practical strategies for effective listening and encourages participants to examine how those strategies can be applied in everyday interactions. Participants will conclude by creating a simple, actionable plan to support their teams through more intentional and attentive communication. 

Recommended for those exploring leadership for the first time, preparing to take the next step, and currently in leadership positions.

Tuesday, December 8, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Managerial Essentials for Managers of Union Employees

Format: Online (Teams)
Facilitator: Julie Wilson, Employee & Labor Relations 

This workshop helps participants understand the responsibilities that come with being a manager of bargaining unit employees.  The goal of this workshop is to develop participants’ confidence in executing their duties and clarify their understanding of when to pause, evaluate and reach out for help and whom to contact.

Recommended for supervisors of employees who are members of a collective bargaining agreement

• Wednesday, Sept 2, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
• Tuesday, Oct 6, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
• Tuesday, Nov 3, 11:00 pm to 12:00 pm
• Wednesday, Dec 2, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Managerial Essentials for Managers of Non-Union Employees

Format: Online (Teams)
Facilitator: Julie Wilson, Employee & Labor Relations 

This workshop helps participants understand the responsibilities that come with being a manager of non-union employees. The goal of this workshop is to develop participants’ confidence in executing their duties and clarify their understanding of when to pause, evaluate and reach out for help and whom to contact.

Recommended for supervisors of employees who are not members of a collective bargaining agreement

• Thursday, Oct 15, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Thursday, Nov 19, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
• Tuesday, Dec 8, 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Resolving Workplace Conflict

Format: In Person and Online (Teams) 
Facilitator: Mac Stricklen, Ombudsperson; The Center for OHIO Employee Excellence Training Specialists
Location: Grosvenor West Room 111

In this workshop, participants will learn how to view workplace conflict from multiple perspectives and better understand what each person involved may be experiencing. The session encourages reflection on personal responses to conflict and how those reactions can shape outcomes. Participants will also explore practical strategies for de-escalating tension and working toward resolution in a thoughtful, constructive manner. 

Recommended for those exploring leadership for the first time, preparing to take the next step, and currently in leadership positions.

• Thursday, October 1, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
• Wednesday, October 14, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
• Tuesday, May 11, 2027, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Format: In Person and Online (Teams) 
Facilitator: The Center for OHIO Employee Excellence Training Specialists
Location: Grosvenor West Room 111

In this workshop, participants will practice using constructive dialogue to address challenging workplace situations with clarity and confidence. The session explores strategies for remaining neutral when emotions are high and adapting communication approaches to meet the needs of different individuals. By the end of the workshop, participants will be better equipped to approach difficult conversations with intention and skill. 

Recommended for those exploring leadership for the first time, preparing to take the next step, and currently in leadership positions.

• Thursday, November 5, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
• Wednesday, November 18, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
• Tuesday, June 8, 2027, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Creating Psychological Safety  

Format: In Person and Online (Teams) 
Facilitator: Mac Stricklen, Ombudsperson, and Adam Pergram, Human Resource Business Partner
Location: Grosvenor West Room 111

In this workshop, participants will explore the role of psychological safety in building high-performing teams. The session examines how fostering an environment where individuals feel safe acknowledging mistakes, learning from challenges, and sharing honest, constructive feedback contributes to stronger trust and openness. By cultivating psychological safety, teams can enhance collaboration, improve communication, and achieve better overall performance.

• Thursday, September 3, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
• Wednesday, September 16, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
• Tuesday, April 13, 2027, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Building Strong Teams

Format: In Person and Online (Teams)
Facilitators: The Center for OHIO Employee Excellence Training Specialists
Location: Grosvenor West 111

Strong teams are built on trust, belonging, and open communication. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore what creates healthy team cultures, identify trust-building behaviors, and develop practical strategies for strengthening collaboration and connection in their workplace. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to foster more courageous, supportive, and effective teams.

Tuesday, January 12, 2027, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Building Trust and Delegating

Format: In Person and Online (Teams)
Facilitator: Anna Mather, Director of Marketing Strategy
Location: Grosvenor West Room 111

In this workshop, participants will explore what trust looks like in a workplace and reflect on how they personally define it. The session focuses on identifying current delegation challenges and examining practical strategies for delegating more effectively. By the end of the workshop, participants will gain greater clarity on how to build trust within their teams and share responsibilities in ways that support collective success. 

Recommended for those exploring leadership for the first time, preparing to take the next step, and currently in leadership positions.

Tuesday, February 9, 2027, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Accessibility: University Human Resources is committed to ensuring all employees have access to professional development. To request an accommodation, please contact the Office of University Accessibility (access@ohio.edu | 740-593-2620) prior to the session.

Bobcats Who Care Suicide Prevention Training

Looking Out for Others: When it's more than just hoping for good karma

Format: Online (Teams)

Facilitators: Jordan Pepper, Director of NAMI Southeast Ohio and Andrea Frohne, President of NAMI Southeast Ohio and Director of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts

Many of us find ourselves caring for others- not because we chose to, but because life demands it. Whether you're supporting a struggling student, raising children, caring for aging parents, or helping a loved one through a mental health challenge, caregiving can be both meaningful and exhausting. This session explores practical strategies for recognizing when someone needs support, setting healthy boundaries, navigating caregiver stress, and connecting others with appropriate resources while protecting your own wellbeing.

Tuesday, October 13, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Movement Meditation and Writing

Format: In Person

Location: Grover Center E192 (Mind/Body Room)

Facilitator: Rebecca VerNooy, School of Theater

This workshop invites you to step out of autopilot and into a space of creativity, clarity, and connection.

Through guided movement, mindfulness meditation, and reflective writing practices, participants release stress and mental blocks while reconnecting with their imagination, intuition, and authentic expression.

The result is a refreshed mindset, new perspectives, and the mental space to think more clearly, express more freely, and approach challenges with greater confidence.

Please bring a notebook and pen.

Tuesday, September 15, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR)

Recovery is Spoken Here (RISH) Training

• Recovery-friendly language
• Challenges faced by students in recovery
• Warning signs of substance misuse or other addictive behaviors
• How to support students and foster a recovery-friendly campus environment
• Information on CRC and other resources

Self-Care Isn't Just a Bubble Bath: Building Resilience in a Demanding World

Format: Online (Teams)

Facilitators: Jordan Pepper, Director of NAMI Southeast Ohio and Andrea Frohne, President of NAMI Southeast Ohio and Director of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts

Self-care is more than occasional treats or time off—it's about building sustainable habits that protect your mental health. This interactive session explores stress, burnout, resilience, and the mental health continuum while providing practical strategies for recognizing your own warning signs, strengthening coping skills, and creating a personalized approach to wellbeing.

Tuesday, September 29, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Wellbeing Reboot

Location: Grover Center E192 (Mind/Body Room)

Facilitator: Rebecca VerNooy, School of Theater

Designed as a restorative 90-minute workshop for academic communities, Wellbeing Reboot integrates mindfulness, movement, collaborative exercises, and reflective practices to reduce stress and restore connection. Participants leave with practical tools for presence, resilience, creativity, and intentional action in both their personal and professional lives.

Tuesday, September 22, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

LinkedIn Learning

Employees now have access to LinkedIn Learning, an online learning platform with thousands of courses. LinkedIn Learning offers courses spanning AI, Microsoft 365, leadership, communication, wellbeing, data skills, and more. There is something for every employee, at every stage of their career.

OHIO DAN 7 Core Digital Accessibility Skills Course

This is a self-paced course that introduces practical, everyday habits for creating more accessible digital content across documents, Canvas, and the web. Designed for faculty, staff, and technologists at any experience level, the modules can be completed in about 90 minutes total or taken individually as needed. 

Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment: Advancing Teaching Excellence

The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (CTLA) advances teaching and learning excellence at OHIO by providing University-wide resources and championing scholarly teaching that is student-centered, evidence-based, innovative and inclusive. The CTLA serves instructors, departments, programs and colleges across the University. The CTLA's programming brings OHIO community members together to share ideas and expertise, implement evidence-based instructional strategies in various learning contexts and assess the effectiveness of teaching practices. The CTLA's initiatives align with strategies and actions identified in the President's Dynamic Strategy by transforming the student learning experience through high-impact practices to best support intellectual growth and skill acquisition and promote learner development as individuals and engaged citizens.

Watch, Learn, and Grow with AllOne Health Webinars

AllOne Health offers a dynamic library of live and on-demand webinars designed to support mental health, physical wellness, financial literacy, and professional development. Covering a wide range of timely and relevant topics—from leadership and resilience to digital parenting and psychological safety.

Professional Resources from EDUCAUSE to Support Your Work

EDUCAUSE offers a collection of tools, insights, and learning opportunities designed to support employees across campus roles. Whether you are working in IT, student services, teaching, or administration, you will find practical guidance on topics like digital transformation, cybersecurity, analytics, and leadership. With access to expert perspectives, peer communities, and professional development pathways, EDUCAUSE helps you stay connected to the latest innovations and challenges shaping higher education. 

IT Advisory Communities

OHIO IT recognizes that it is more important than ever to engage the University community in evolving and advancing technology services. To that end, OHIO IT has instituted several IT advisory communities to discuss topics and trends related to specific IT products.

Advisory communities are an important part of the University's IT governance framework. They provide a means for participants to engage with OHIO IT, to influence decisions based on needs/experiences, and - most importantly - to inspire action to meet those needs. Advisory communities will also influence product roadmaps and help inform budget proposals.

Membership is open to anyone at the University. No prior experience or technical expertise is required. The only qualifications are an interest in the topic and a willingness to share ideas and listen to the ideas of others.

IT Advisory Communities include:

• Collaboration Tools
• Device and Software Support
• Teaching & Learning Technologies

AI Community of Interest

The AI Community of Interest at OHIO is an open group dedicated to supporting and exploring the evolving role of AI (artificial intelligence) on campus. Led by the Office of Information Technology, we actively support AI initiatives across the university to foster innovation and collaboration. We invite all members of the university community to join the conversation and help shape the future of AI at OHIO. To join, visit the AI Community of Interest in Teams and request to be added to the group. All are welcome!

Custom Training Opportunities

The Center for OHIO Employee Excellence can work with your planning unit to create custom-made training opportunities on an as-needed basis.

Examples include:

• Change Management and Organizational Agility
• Change Management during Staffing Changes
• Conflict Management and De-escalation

For more details or to get started on your own custom training, please contact the Center for OHIO Employee Excellence.

Well-Being Presentations

The staff of WellWorks and Healthy OHIO invite Ohio University departments to request wellbeing presentations at your next staff meeting.

Topics include:

• Employee Well-Being Overview
• Nutrition
• Movement
• Stress Management

Explore the training offerings or book a presentation by visiting Well-being Presentations.

OUPD Self-Defense Training

OHIO Planning Units and Departments can request special training sessions from OUPD that cover awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training.

The classes are taught by Ohio University police officers who are certified RAD instructors. The RAD System of Physical Defense is currently being taught at dozens of colleges and universities around the US and Canada. The growing widespread acceptance of this system is primarily due to the ease, simplicity, and effectiveness of our tactics, solid research, legal defensibility and unique teaching methodology.

To request a training, please contact Evan Wilkof (wilkof@ohio.edu) or visit Request Training or Program and complete the online form.