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. 

Administrative Job Profiles

Format: Online (Teams)
Facilitators: Josh Smith, HR Liaison Lead; Jane Dewyea, HR Classification & Compensation Specialist

This workshop will cover the basics of a job profile, why it is needed, and the process for locating and utilizing job profiles. Hiring managers and supervisors are welcome to attend. This is only for Administrative postings.

Prerequisites: Please have access to People Admin prior to attending the workshop. We also encourage you to complete the eLearning module, OHIO Search Committee Recruitment and Selection Fundamentals.

What to Bring: Laptop with access to People Admin

Tuesday, July 7, 11:00 am to 12:00 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.

• Thursday, August 6, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
• Wednesday, August 19, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
• Tuesday, March 9, 2027, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Leadership Fundamentals: Dare to Lead

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.

• Wednesday, April 15, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
• Thursday, April 16, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
• Tuesday, November 10, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Listening to Your Team

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.

• Thursday, May 7, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
• Wednesday, May 20, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm (This session will be offered on Teams only)
• 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

• Tuesday, April 14,10:00 am to 11:00 am
• Tuesday, June 2, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm 
• Tuesday, July 7, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
• Tuesday, Aug 4, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
• 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

• Tuesday, April 21, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
• Wednesday, May 6,11:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Tuesday, June 2, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm 
• Thursday, July 9, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
• Thursday, Aug 13, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
• Monday, Sept 14, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
• 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

Managing 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!

PeopleAdmin Hiring Essentials

How Psychological Safety Improves Team Performance 

Format: In Person and Online (Teams) 
Facilitator: Mac Stricklen, Ombudsperson, and Adam Pergram, Human Resource Liaison
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!

Student Hiring Process - Key Updates and Compliance Insights

Format: In Person and Online (Teams)
Facilitator: UHR
Location: Grosvenor West 111

Participants will learn about specific updates to the student hiring process including guidance on the general hiring process, UHR-related specific support and resources, and legal compliance.  This session will include a Q&A at the end.

Recommended for supervisors involved in the student employee hiring process.

Thursday, April 30, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Team Building

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

In this workshop, participants will examine the difference between approaching work with an individual mindset versus functioning as part of a team. This session defines what successful teamwork looks like and explores practical strategies for building trust among team members. Participants will also reflect on how these concepts show up in their own roles and daily interactions. 

• Thursday, June 4, 10:00 am to 11:30 am (This session will be offered on Teams only)
• Wednesday, June 17, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
• Tuesday, January 12, 2027, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This workshop is part of the Leadership Pathway!

Trust and Delegation 

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 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.

• Thursday, July 2, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
• Wednesday, July 15, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
• 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.

Workplace Behavioral Wellness Promotion ECHO

Skillsoft Percipio: Empowering Learning at Ohio University

Ohio University offers Skillsoft Percipio, a dynamic eLearning platform designed to support the growth and success of our faculty and staff. With thousands of expert-led courses, books, and videos available on demand, Percipio makes it easy for employees to build new skills, explore curated learning paths, and track their progress—all from any device, at any time. Supervisors can leverage Percipio to identify skill gaps, assign targeted training, and monitor team development through intuitive dashboards and analytics. As part of our commitment to continuous learning, Percipio helps foster a culture of professional excellence and career advancement across the university. 

Fostering a Growth Mindset in the Age of AI

Duration: 27 m 11 s
Facilitator: Skillsoft
Format: Online

In this course, you will explore the concept of the growth mindset, including techniques to overcome limiting beliefs, strategies to cultivate a learning culture, and skills to embrace change and adaptability. These topics will help equip you with the mindset and tools to foster personal and professional growth, adapt to evolving circumstances, and drive progress in the era of AI and technological advancements.

To access this training, visit Skillsoft and enter the course title above into the search bar.

Telling a Business Story

Duration: 28 m 28 s
Facilitator: Skillsoft
Format: Online

As humans, we've been using narratives to share our knowledge and experiences with others since the beginning. But effective storytelling, specifically within a business context, requires thoughtful preparation and effective delivery. With practice, using storytelling can improve the way you communicate with key players inside – and outside – your organization.
In this course, you'll learn how to plan and deliver effective stories that engage your target audience and help you accomplish your objectives.

To access this training, visit Skillsoft and enter the course title above into the search bar.

 Visualizing Data for Impact: Data Storytelling

Duration: 28 m 18 s
Facilitator: Skillsoft
Format: Online

Data storytelling lets you set up and reveal key results quickly and in an organized fashion. It is a great way to make findings impactful and meaningful for an audience. Through this course, learn about data storytelling and how it can help elevate your data visualizations and create impactful narratives for an audience.

Explore the theory and purpose behind data storytelling and how to contextualize and refine insight. Next, discover how to engage with an audience and put together an outline. Finally, learn how to plot data points to a storyboard and format a story for delivery.

Upon completion, you'll be able to outline elements of data storytelling and apply them when presenting data.

To access this training, visit Skillsoft and enter the course title above into the search bar.

Running Inclusive Meetings

Duration: 22 m 23 s
Facilitator: Skillsoft
Format: Online

The most effective leaders know that inclusive meetings drive better decisions, stronger innovation, and improved business outcomes. Yet creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute requires specific skills and strategies. In this course, you'll learn practical techniques for running meetings that tap into your team's diverse perspectives – from pre-meeting planning to effective facilitation. Whether you're leading in-person, virtual, or hybrid meetings, you'll discover how to break down participation barriers and transform your meetings into platforms for collaboration.

To access this training, visit Skillsoft and enter the course title above into the search bar.

Set Your Workspace Up for Success

Duration: 26 m 16 s
Facilitator: Skillsoft
Format: Online

With professional lives getting increasingly busy, everyone needs help keeping up their levels of productivity. Being organized helps you get your work done right the first time, allowing you to be more efficient and more productive, which boosts your ability to achieve important goals in your career. In this course, you will explore effective methods of organizing your digital and physical workspaces to aid productivity. You will learn about tools that can help simplify and automate common tasks. In addition, you will discover effective techniques to organize your work life and cement your efforts at self-discipline.

To access this training, visit Skillsoft and enter the course title above into the search bar.

Discover Microsoft Learn: Free, Interactive Training for All Skill Levels

Microsoft Learn is a free, self-paced training platform designed to help individuals build technical skills and earn Microsoft certifications. Whether you are just beginning or advancing in your career, Microsoft Learn offers guided learning paths, hands-on labs, and certification preparation resources across a wide range of topics, including cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and Microsoft 365 tools. Visit Microsoft Learn to explore training opportunities and take the next step in your professional development.

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 well-being 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.