2021 Fall Professional Development Sessions
2021 Fall Professional Development Classes
Campus Training Programs
The programs listed below are open to all VSU employees, some courses are also available for University System of Georgia Institution Employees. If you but are unable to attend, please cancel within 24 hours of the class. Classes are subject to cancellation if registration is low. Employees should verify with their supervisors that they can attend a class during work hours.
Class Attendance
In order to receive credit for a class, participants must attend 90% of the scheduled class time. Students may miss scheduled class activities only in the event of illness, emergencies, or business-related reasons. The course instructor or facilitator should be notified of planned absences or tardiness. For excused absences during multi-day courses contact the instructor to discuss options available to receive full credit.
Customized Programs
We provide customized training for departments upon request. Our office will work closely with the requesting department to identify the training needs, develop the course materials, deliver the course, and assess the effectiveness of the program. For additional information about services, program, and resources, contact Ashley Cooper at 229.219.1276 or at aamyers@valdosta.edu.
Training Transcripts
Official records of attendance are maintained for training sessions offered or coordinated by our office. Employees or their supervisors needing a transcript for promotion or transfer purposes, or for discussion during the performance evaluation process, may request one by calling 229.259.5105 or by emailing training@valdosta.edu. Please allow 3 working days to process the request.
Guiding Your Staff Through Change
Change is one of the biggest stress inducers in the workplace. Because change is inevitable, it is beneficial for supervisors to be able to help their employees recognize, prepare, navigate, and implement change in ways that are beneficial for the individual and the institution. A team ready for change is a team ready for successful action.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the signs that change is going to occur
- Prepare your employees how to respond to change
- Identify the different ways people cope with change
- Utilize clear communication about the “hows” and “whys” of change
- Align policies, procedures, and rewards to support change
Date, Time, and Location:
- September 14, 2021
- 10AM-12PM
- University Center Cypress Room
Facilitator: Ashley Cooper
Mastering the Multigenerational Workforce
This training focuses on the challenges of managing the multi-generational workforce. During the session, participants will focus on understanding the differences in communication styles, preferred management styles, preferred work context/environments, and preferred feedback styles for each generation currently represented in today's working world. The session will showcase how different events influenced generational cohorts that led to different value and belief systems.
Date, Time, and Location:
- September 21, 2021
- 10AM-12PM
- The STEAM Center, room 1019
Facilitator: Ashley Cooper
Leadership Profile and Personal Plan
This session is a core component of the leadership certificate program and an elective for the management certificate program. It comprises a leadership assessment to enable the participant the opportunity to understand his/her leadership style. Class participants will have an understanding of behavioral competencies of a model leader and will develop his/her own personal plan for continued leadership enhancement.
Date, Time, and Location:
- October 7, 2021
- 9AM-11AM
- The STEAM Center, room 1019
Facilitator: Ashley Cooper
Intro to Situational Leadership
Situational Leadership is a leadership style that has been developed and studied by Kenneth Blanchard and Paul Hersey. Situational leadership refers to when the leader or manager of an organization must adjust their style to fit the development level of the followers they are trying to influence. With Situational Leadership, it is up to the leader to change their style, not the follower(s) to adapt. The style may change continually to meet the needs of others in the organization or department, based on the situation(s) at large.
Date, Time, and Location:
- November 3, 2021
- 2PM-3:30PM
- Online via Microsoft Teams
Facilitator: Ashley Cooper
Performance Evaluation Workshop
Join this session to better understand and utilize the PeopleAdmin system for performance evaluations. We will share a brief overview of the performance management process/timeline and how to access various elements of the PeopleAdmin performance management system. The class will be held in a computer lab and will include an overview from the instructor with a hands-on approach for the participants. Participants will learn how to best utilize the self-assessment portion; how to define different types of goals (performance & development); how to use the performance management process to add value and enhance the success for both the employee and VSU; review what should be included in the mid-point check-in meeting; and identify ways to coach employees through the process.
Date, Time, and Location:
- August 31, 2021
- 1PM-2:30PM
- Location: Odum Library lab, room 2633
Instructor: Michelle Jordan
Unlearning in DEI
When exploring our roles in diversity, equity and inclusion, we often keep the focus on what we need to learn in these areas. We read all the books, take all the courses, watch all the videos and listen to all the podcasts, overloading our brains with frameworks and information galore to usher us on our paths to becoming more inclusive and equitable beings.
Date, Time, and Location:
- TBD
Instructor: Cachet Prescott
Let's Talk About Intentional Inclusion
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion.
In today’s workplace, many company policies, plans, initiatives and marketing boast of efforts related to these crucial terms but how many of us have a clear understanding of what they actually mean and how they apply to you and your workplace? Or more importantly, are you clear on what role YOU play in elevating each one as an individual? If you’re seeking to learn more about your role as an individual contributor to a more inclusive and equitable workplace, join us for this vital conversation to help you move beyond the buzzwords to Bigger, Better, BolderTM action. Workshop participants will gain a deeper understanding of intentional inclusion and will learn what it takes to become proactive change agents in their workplaces (and beyond). Learning Outcomes: Differentiate between diversity, equity and inclusion; Discuss the vital role of intention and targeted action in developing and nurturing inclusive workplaces; and Explore opportunities to proactively engage in individual and organizational inclusion efforts.
Date, Time, and Location:
- TBD
Instructor: Cachet Prescott
Appreciation in the Workplace
Employees want to feel valued for their work. Employee recognition and engagement are key to retaining good employees. Learn about your own appreciation language as well as how to effectively communicate authentic appreciation to your team members.
Date, Time, and Location:
- November 10, 2021
- 1PM-2:30PM
- Location is TBD
Instructor: Wendy Byrd
Improving Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
Leaders with a strong mixture of emotional awareness, self-management, and social skills navigate relationships more effectively and are more likely to be successful in their personal and professional lives. This training provides you with an understanding of why emotional intelligence abilities are important to you as a leader. It also provides you with practical, positive techniques for promoting and improving emotional intelligence as a leader within your departmental and organizational environment.
Date, Time, and Location:
- October 19, 2021
- 10AM-12PM
- Location: University Center Cypress Room
Instructor: Ashley Cooper
Listening and Interpersonal Communication
Are you confronted with recurring communication issues at work, at home, or at play? Would you like to find fresh, new approaches that could improve your interactions with supervisors, staff members, co-workers, or peers? Attend this seminar and explore techniques for handling everyday communication challenges.
In this session you will:
- explore your communication style
- learn effective communication techniques
- discuss specific challenges
- practice various communication skills
Date, Time, and Location:
- September 8, 2021
- 10AM-11:30AM
- University Center Rose Room
Instructor: Wendy Byrd
Assertiveness Communication
Assertive communication skills are an important part of interacting in school, work, and life. To some people standing up for themselves can be difficult while for others, it is something that may be done a little too often. Finding the right balance between being passive or aggressive is an assertiveness skill which must be learnt. Being able to master the use of assertive communication is key to maintaining your personal rights and at the same time maintaining professional or personal relationships. The training will discuss tactics, assumptions, and ways to deal with situations that demand the use of assertive communications skills. Specific learning objectives include:
- Learn about the key attributes of being assertive.
- Recognize aggression, submission and assertiveness.
- Learn and practice assertive communication techniques.
- Speak up assertively without seeming pushy
- Assert your authority without being heavy-handed
- Get the credit you deserve for your ideas
- Encourage employees to bring you solutions — not problems
- Deal firmly and professionally with those who question your authority
Date, Time, and Location:
- October 19, 2021
- 1PM-3PM
- Location is TBD
Instructor: Wendy Byrd
Conflict Management Strategies
Join this session to learn strategies to manage conflict in the workplace. Participants will recognize the sources and signs of conflict; learn conflict management strategies; explore conflict resolution approaches; discuss methods for handling difficult people and keeping the process of conflict management on track when difficulties arise; and practice/scenarios for the most common employee relations/conflicts.
Date, Time, and Location:
- September 1, 2021
- #PM-5PM
- University Center Cypress Room
Instructor: Michelle Jordan
Partners for Campus Excellence (Staff)
This training provides an opportunity to discuss service excellence from a higher education standpoint. Our facilitators use a variety of group dialogue, activities and role play with online components required in Skillport to allow participants to discuss the following topics:
- Building a Campus Service Culture through Personal Accountability, Empowerment, and Teamwork
- Improving Face to Face and Telephone Interactions
- Meeting Service Challenges When it is Our Mistake, The Customer’s Mistake, or a System Created Mistake
Partners for Campus Excellence (PFCE) is a campus-wide training initiative focusing on student and employee retention, positive communication, and teamwork. It emphasizes the customer service standards and attributes important to the University System of Georgia and reinforces the customer service goals of our state.
Who should attend?
If you hold a staff or administrative position and have never attended the Partners for Campus Excellence training, then this session is for you. New hires should complete this training within their first year of employment.
Date, Time, and Locations:
- September 16, 2021
- 10:00AM-12:00PM
- Online via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
- November 18, 2021
- 10:00AM-12:00PM
- Online via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
Instructor: Wendy Byrd
- September 9, 2021 9:00AM-4:00PM, Online via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
- October 14, 2021 9:00AM-4:00PM, TBD
- November 11, 2021 9:00AM-4:00PM, TBD
- December 9, 2021 9:00AM-4:00PM, TBD
Instructor: Carmen James
ePro Requester & Procurement Guidelines
Part I: Procurement Guidelines
This overview class covers policies and procedures governing procurement at VSU. It is intended for employees responsible for initiating or approving purchases of goods and/or services for their department, grant or organization. This course will cover topics such as:
- When are competitive bids necessary?
- How do I define my requirements?
- How do you find out about items available on agency and statewide contracts?
- What is a sole source/sole brand?
- How do I document need for sole source/brand?
- What purchasing procedure should I use? Order through Central Stores, use P-Card or eProcurement?
Objectives Include:
- Review Requester responsibilities for ePro/GeorgiaFIRST Marketplace
- Establish Requester profile in GeorgiaFIRST Marketplace
- Differentiate the two types of requisition in ePro
- Create a Marketplace Requisition from a Personal Shopping Cart
- Identify the steps in creating an ePro Requisition
- Create a Marketplace Requisition from an Assigned Shopping Cart
- Create a Special Request Requisition
- Use the Manage Requisitions page to review, edit, and cancel a requisition
- Receive an item through Desktop Receiving
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- September 2, 2021 9AM-11AM
- October 5, 2021 9AM-11AM
- November 2, 2021 9AM-11AM
- December 2, 2021 9AM-11AM
- Location: Online via Teams
Instructor: Heather Craft
Budget Management Training (new budget managers ONLY)
Date, Time, and Location:
- September 27, 2021
- 2PM-4PM
- Odum Library, room 2633
Instructor: Shana Yorkey
Hands-On Training for Budget Tracking, Reconciliation, and Planning
Start with the Fiscal Year off right with this hands-on Budget Tracking & Reconciliation training. Bring your FY22 budget data and learn how to enter it into Budget Tracking worksheets and reconcile your budget data throughout the year. Access to the Financials Data Warehouse Budget Information is not required but you must obtain the FY22 Budget Data from your Budget Manager to participate in this class. We will also briefly cover Budget Planning for FY23.
Date, Time, and Location:
- September 23, 2021
- 10AM-12PM
- Odum Library, room 2633
Instructor: Shana Yorkey
Defensive Driving
The "AAA Driver Improvement Course" is designed to help you fine-tune your safe-driving skills. Fortunately, there are guidelines to help you assess conditions more accurately, predict actions of other drivers and make decisions with a more realistic concept of consequences. You'll learn how to manage risks by controlling visibility, time and space.
This program is taught by certified instructors and is six hours in length. You will receive a certificate from AAA once you have attended the course and passed the written test. The program is free to all VSU employees. Customized classes are available for departments.
Who should attend: This course is required for employees who drive vehicles for University events or job duties. It is however open to all VSU employees. As an added benefit, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your personal automobile insurance. Check with your agent.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- September 20, 2021
- September 22, 2021
- Both sessions above are required for one course completion (two, 1/2 day session format)
- Time: 1:30PM-4:30PM
- Location: University Center Rose Room
- October 13, 2021
- One session above is required for course completion (one, full-day session format)
- Time: 9AM-4PM
- Location: University Center Rose Room
- November 9, 2021
- November 11, 2021
- Both sessions above are required for one course completion (two, 1/2 day session format)
- Time: 1:30PM-4:30PM
- Location: University Center Rose Room
- December 6, 2021
- Decmber 8, 2021
- Both sessions above are required for one course completion (two, 1/2 day session format)
- Time: 1:30PM-4:30PM
- Location: University Center Rose Room
Instructor: Michael Fontaine
Preparing the Institutional Effectiveness Plan and Report
This session covers the basic elements of VSU's Institutional Effectiveness process including tips to prepare your annual plan and report. Faculty members and administrators responsible for department or program assessment are invited to attend.
Date, Time, and Location:
- August 26, 2021 2PM-3PM
- September 8, 2021 2PM-3PM
- All sessions are offered online via Collaborate Ultra
Instructor: Michael Black
Yoga
Yoga Flow for All with emphasis on correct alignment of the spine and deep stretches. The goal is to improve muscle strength, stamina, balance and flexibility. Also drawing more awareness to deep breathing and awareness of the body mind connection and deep relaxation.
Please bring a yoga mat for this session.
Dates & Times:
- August 23, 2021 6:00PM-7:00PM
- August 30, 2021 6:00PM-7:00PM
- September 13, 2021 6:00PM-7:00PM
- September 20, 2021 6:00PM-7:00PM
- September 27, 2021 6:00PM-7:00PM
- October 4, 2021 6:00PM-7:00PM
Location: Student Recreation Center
Instructor: Bharti Patel
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is a low impact workout that can be as easy or as challenging as participants want it to be. It is great for those with joint, mobility, or balance issues, but is appropriate for anyone interested in exercising in water. Each class will consist of a warm up, cardio and resistance training segments, and a cool down, all performed in waist to chest deep water. Please wear appropriate swimwear to class, and don’t forget a towel, drinking water, and dry clothing. You may also be comfortable in a swim cap, water shoes, or goggles.
Dates & Times:
- Augst 26, 6:15PM-7:00PM
- September 2, 2021 6:15PM-7:00PM
- September 9, 2021 6:15PM-7:00PM
- September 16, 2021 6:15PM-7:00PM
- September 23, 2021 6:15PM-7:00PM
Location: Student Recreation Center Pool
Instructor: Jessica Terry
Zumba
Zumba is a high-energy workout suitable for all fitness levels. The easy-to-follow moves will get your heart pumping to the beat of rhythms from around the world. Get lost in the music and forget that you're in an exercise class!
Dates & Times:
- September 7, 2021 6PM-7PM
- September 14, 2021 6PM-7PM
- September 21, 2021 6PM-7PM
- September 28, 2021 6PM-7PM
- October 5, 2021 6PM-7PM
Location: Student Recreation Center
Instructor: Tiffany Vinson
Using Virtual Reality in the Office
Staff will be introduced to virtual reality and discuss ways it might be useful in their job.
Date, Time, and Location:
- September 20, 2021 1PM-2PM
- October 7, 2021 2PM-3PM
- All sessions are located in the Odum Library Virtual Lab, room 2220
Instructor: Dr. Bobbie Ticknor
Cascade Basic
Cascade Basic: Mandatory for those who will be editing their departmental website and will focus on features such as creating/editing pages, hyperlinks, and image uploads while using the university’s online web editor.
*Please email Sheila Hall at srhall@valdosta.edu to indicate if you will need Author or Publisher rights (Both permissions allow one to create and edit content. An Author must submit a workflow for content to be reviewed and approved by a Publisher before content goes live. A Publisher approves and publish content)
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- August 17, 2021 10AM-12PM
- September 7, 2021 10AM-12PM
- October 5, 2021 10AM-12PM
- November 9, 2021 10AM-12PM
- Locations for all: Odum Library, room 2633
Instructors: Sheila Hall
Cascade Part 2 (Cascade Basic required as prerequisite)
This optional training picks up where Cascade Basic left off and introduces web editing features such as: embedded video, info page, modules, forms, and more. The training is intended for those who already have rights to edit their college or departmental website. Prerequisite: Cascade Basic.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- August 19, 2021 1PM-3PM
- September 15, 2021 1PM-3PM
- October 14, 2021 1PM-3PM
- November 9, 2021 1PM-3PM
- Locations for all: Odum Library, room 2633
Instructors: Sheila Hall
Adobe Audition Basics
Audition, if used well, can do some amazing effects with sound files, such as creating surround sound with stereo channel manipulation, removing wind and other potential background noises, automatic pitch correction for out of tune singers and much more!
Learn the basics of audio editing by familiarizing yourself with the two very different modes inside of audition, Waveform and Multi-track editing. Understand how normalization can truly help amplify your sound file and why adding fades can help control the mood of your story. We will also selectively destroy frequencies to remove unwanted noise from say your video clip or audio track.
Points that will be covered:
1. Foundational concepts of sound
2. Getting acquainted with Adobe Audition
3. Recording Audio and saving audio out
4. Selection tools and their benefits
5. Standard waveform adjustments (Normalization, fades)
6. Cleaning up audio (Adaptive noise reduction, removing specific noise)
7. Multi-track editing
Online Training Dates:
- September 23, 2021 11AM-12PM online via Collaborate Ultra
Instructors: Jeremy Hardin
Adobe Photoshop Basics
Photoshop is by far the most well-known program of the Adobe Suite. Although this program is so well known, there is often a huge barrier placed up by many who fear it. Let’s break that barrier and learn the overall workspace and importance of layers. With this foundation down, we will work towards a few of the many fun and engaging tools of how Photoshop has gone beyond its intended purpose of photo editing.
Points that will be covered:
1. Navigating the workspace
2. Learning about the Mystery of Layers
3. Simple Photoshop edits to enhance your image
4. Basic shapes and text manipulations
Online Training Dates:
- August 26, 2021 11AM-1PM online via Collaborate Ultra
- October 26, 2021 11AM-12PM online via Collaborate Ultra
Instructor: Jeremy Hardin
Adobe Premiere Basics
Learn the basics of Adobe Premier video editing software.
As the creative suite has recently become more widely available for students on campus, this 1 hour workshop will help you become familiar with the Adobe Premiere interface and demonstrate the use of basic editing tools and techniques.
Points that will be covered:
- Setting up your project
- Importing videos
- How to edit
- Exporting your project
Online Training Dates:
- September 9, 2021 11AM-12PM online via Collaborate Ultra
- November 4, 2021 online via Collaborate Ultra
Instructor: Jeremy Hardin
PowerPoint: Poster Creation in a Snap
The PowerPoint: Poster Creation in a Snap workshop is geared to assist students who have never developed a poster before. The goal of this class is to give a ground-level understanding of what print sizes the Media Center has to offer.
Online Training Dates:
- October 7, 2021 11AM-12PM online via Collaborate Ultra
Instructor: Jeremy Hardin
WordPress Intro
WordPress is a WYSIWG web editor offered to VSU employees and official student organizations who wish to create individual, purpose-driven blogs/websites. Training topics include: basic WordPress functionality and features, including how to use the Gutenberg content editor; limitations; and how to request a site.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- August 26, 2021 1PM-3PM
- September 22, 2021 10AM-12PM
- October 26, 2021 1PM-3PM
- November 18, 2021 10AM-12PM
- Locations for all sessions: Odum Library, room 2633
Instructor: Sheila Hall
Microsoft Excel Series: Charts
Expand your Excel Spreadsheet knowledge at whatever level you are at.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- September 3, 2021 10AM-11:30AM
- September 29, 2021 10AM-11:30AM
- Locations for all sessions: Odum Library, room 2633
Instructor: Sheila Hall
Microsoft Excel Series: Formulas and Functions
Expand your Excel Spreadsheet knowledge at whatever level you are at.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- August 27, 2021 10AM-11:30AM
- September 16, 2021 10AM-11:30AM
- Locations for all sessions: Odum Library, room 2633
Instructor: Sheila Hall
Microsoft Excel Series: Data Entry, Navigation, Format, and Sort
Expand your Excel Spreadsheet knowledge at whatever level you are at.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- August 20, 2021 10AM-11:30AM
- August 25, 2021 10AM-11:30AM
- Locations for all sessions: Odum Library, room 2633
Instructor: Sheila Hall
Microsoft Excel Series: Pivot Tables
Expand your Excel Spreadsheet knowledge at whatever level you are at.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- September 10, 2021 10AM-11:30AM
- October 13, 2021 10AM-11:30AM
- Locations for all sessions: Odum Library, room 2633
Instructor: Sheila Hall
Microsoft OneDrive
Learn how to manage your cloud storage, create, and share files.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- August 18, 2021 1:30PM-2:30PM
- September 1, 2021 10AM-11:00AM
- Locations for all sessions: Odum Library, room 2633
Instructor: Sheila Hall
Microsoft Outlook/365 Tips
Become more productive in your daily tasks: organize your mailbox, create shortcuts, collaborate and more.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- September 9, 2021 10AM-11:00AM
- September 23, 2021 2PM-3PM
- October 7, 2021 10AM-11AM
- Locations for all sessions: Odum Library, room 2633
Instructor: Sheila Hall
Microsoft Teams
Learn how to schedule and conduct virtual meetings, post chats, and more.
Dates, Times, and Locations:
- September 14, 2021 10AM-11:30AM
- October 19, 2021 1PM-2:30PM
- Locations for all sessions: Online via Teams
Instructor: Sheila Hall
Open Lab for Preparing the Annual Faculty Activity Report
This is an online drop-in help session to answer questions about preparing the annual faculty activity report and action plan. Registration is not required; simply login using the provided link.
Date, Time, and Location:
- December 13, 2021 2PM-3PM
- December 14, 2021 2PM-3PM
- All sessions are offered online via Collaborate Ultra
Instructor: Michael Black
CELT: Writing Your Reflection about Teaching for the Formative Annnual Faculty Eval or Tenure and Promotion (F2F)
This in-person workshop distinguishes between formative and summative faculty evaluations with a focus on reflection. Specifically, faculty will identify the benefits of formative review and self-reflection to advancing their careers. They will also practice writing a draft reflection about teaching to include in their AFARAP or promotion and tenure dossier.
Date, Time, and Location:
- August 18, 2021 11:30AM-1PM
Instructor: Dr. Jamie Landau
Using Virtual Reality for Immersive Learning in the Classroom
Faculty will be introduced to virtual reality and discuss ways it might be useful to facilitate student learning.
Date, Time, and Location:
- August 31, 2021 3PM-4PM
- November 8, 2021 11AM-12PM
- ALl sessions are held in the Odum Library Virtual Lab, room 2220
Instructor: Dr. Bobbie Ticknor
Introduction to SmartEvals/SOI
A workshop to introduce instructors to VSU’s new platform to collect Student Opinions of Instruction (SOI). Learn to setup your own end-of-course questions, retrieve QR codes, send reminder emails, and more.
Date Options Online via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra:
- August 30, 2021 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
- September 29, 2021 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
- October 21, 2021 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
- November 16, 2021 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Instructor: Michael Black
Introduction to APL
A workshop to introduce instructors to VSU’s new platform (APL) to organize and record your faculty activities. Learn to enter activities, enter faculty credentials, post course syllabi, export reports, and more. Note: APL replaces Digital Measures.
Date Options Online via Blackboard Collaborate Ultra:
- August 11, 2021 3PM-4PM
- August 12, 2021 3PM-4PM
- September 16, 2021 3PM-4PM
- October 11, 2021 3PM-4PM
- November 17, 2021 3PM-4PM
Instructor: Michael Black
Employee & Organizational Development
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University Center Entrance 3
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, Georgia 31698 -
Mailing Address
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698 - Main
- Phone: 229.259.5105