Workshops & Weekly Chat

 

ASK THE OMBUDS - A WEEKLY INFORMAL ONLINE CHAT - Wednesdays @ 1 pm

The purpose of the chat is 1) to learn how the Ombuds Office can be a resource for you, 2) to discuss general issues about your work or study and 3) to learn about topics of interest such as effective and respectful communication, resolving problems or conflict and any other topics to assist you in improving the work or academic environment. 

Registration - NOT required.   JOIN CHAT HERE.
NOTE:  Chat will be canceled  on Nov. 12 & Dec. 24

A FEW REMINDERS WHEN WORKSHOPS ARE POSTED:
Click on the date of the workshop that you wish to attend. Reminders are sent out closer to the workshop date. If you cannot access the registration form, try another browser or contact the Ombuds Office.  For ONLINE workshops, a ZOOM link will be sent out after registration.

WHO CAN ATTEND?  Faculty, Staff & Students

 Fall 2025 IN PERSON Workshops

REGISTRATION LINKS TO BE ADDED

Can We Talk? Tips for Navigating Crucial Conversations - 1 hour - (NEW)
Crucial conversations occur when: 1) the stakes are high, 2) there are opposing viewpoints and 3) emotions tend to escalate. Learn the skills that can increase your capacity to influence decisions, improve your relationships and provide an opportunity for you to feel heard. The skills can also be applied to any conversation. In this workshop you will discover Your Style Under Stress Test created by the authors of Crucial Conversations. Your score is a measure of your behavior and how you communicate when it matters.
October 24 - HSC (Health Sciences Center) Level 2, Rm. 101 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
October 27 - Frey Hall, Rm. 112 (West Campus) - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Emotional Intelligence - The Power of Self Awareness in Understanding Yourself and Others - 1.5 hours
Emotional Intelligence isn’t just a buzzword. It's about understanding and managing our emotions which in turn enhances our ability to connect with others. We will define Emotional Intelligence, and give you opportunities to test your EQ. The path to successful relationships is gaining insight into your thoughts, feelings and behavior. This sets the foundation for social awareness.
October 3 - HSC (Health Sciences Center) Level 2, Rm. 101 - 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
TBD - (West Campus)

Personal Accoutability for Professional Success - 1 hour (NEW)
During this workshop, you will learn strategies for taking personal responsibility in problem-solving, owning up to mistakes, actively addressing issues, and maintaining high standards for professional conduct. 
October 10 - HSC (Health Sciences Center) Level 2, Rm. 101 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
November 3 - Frey Hall, Rm. 112 (West Campus) - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Workplace Dynamics - Building Positive Relationships - 1 hour
In today's dynamic and interconnected workplace, success is not only measured by individual skills, but by how well we navigate relationships, understand workplace dynamics and connect with each other. Every workplace has its own culture, management style, and people with different backgrounds and personalities. Let’s learn how we can be at our best and build positive relationships. Topics are: 1) Workplace dynamics, 2) Power dynamics, 3) Why do relationships break down? and 4) Creating successful relationships.
October 17 - HSC (Health Sciences Center) Level 2, Rm. 101 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
October 20 - Frey Hall, Rm. 112 (West Campus) - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

LIST OF WORKSHOP TITLES & DESCRIPTION
Upon request workshops will be customized for your department, class or work group.

Change & Transition
Change & Transition - Navigating New Waters

Communication
Can We Talk? Tips for Navigating Crucial Conversations
Communicating Across Generations
Communicating During A Crisis
Communication Tool Kit - I Hear You
Communicating with Care & Compassion
Depolarizing Conversations
Emotional Intelligence - The Power of Self Awareness in Understanding Yourself and Others
Enhancing Communication
Having Respectful & Effective Conversations
Having Respectful & Productive Conversations
Modes of Communication & When to Use Them
More Tips on Respectful & Effective Communication
What's Your Communication Style?

Conflict
High Conflict Behavior - What Is It & What Can You Do About It
Negotiating Conflict
Test Your Knowledge About Conflict - Take the Conflict Awareness Quiz
Tools for Resolving Conflict
Understanding Conflict

Culture
Creating a Compassionate Environment During Uncertain Times - It takes all of us!
Creating a Positive Environment
Together We Thrive - Building a Culture of Belonging
What is Fairness?
Workplace Dynamics - Building Positive Relationships

Management
A Supervisory Guide for Faculty - Supporting Graduate Student Success
Coaching Skills for Supervisors
Leadership
Managing UP - Addressing challenging situations
Managing UP - How to improve your relationship with your boss
Managing Change 
Management Roundtable
Managing Difficult Conversations
Negotiating Conflict 

Performance
Improving Performance
Personal Accountability for Professional Success

Resilience
How Resilient Are You?

Team Building
Team Building FUN
Working Effectively Together

Ombuds Office Orientations about the office's role & services for:
Faculty & Staff
Supervisors/Management
Students

Tell Me About "Ombuds" - What the Office Does & How It Can Benefit Me?