Professional Development Opportunity: Navigating Today’s Communication Challenges: July 24, 2018
Have you ever wondered why your communication efforts click with some people and not with others? Or how others perceive you when you interact with them? Whether working with other people in your department, on a team, or just having a social conversation over lunch, it is quickly evident that some relationships are more productive than others.
As the need to work collectively increases, good discussion skills, effective listening and positive modeling are essential. In this insightful workshop you will learn to assess the communication needs of others and see how you can make simple adjustments in order to communicate more effectively. It will help you develop methods of communicating that will build on your strengths and the strengths of others.
This session is designed for anyone that wants to proactively improve and fine tune their interpersonal and communication skills at work.
Learning Outcomes
- Determine the key attributes of the most effective communicators;
- Identify four distinct communication styles;
- Practice a few simple steps to improving your listening skills;
- Assess their preferred communication style and the pro¿s and con¿s;
- Quickly recognize the communication preferences of others;
- Give and receive positive and corrective feedback;
- Identify the most common communication challenges;
- Determine how to make discussions more effective; and
- State how body language can be used as an effective communication tool
Course Information
Date: July 24, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610
Cost: $350
Register online
You may be able to use your professional development funding towards this course. Visit the PD funding page for your employee group to learn more, or contact pd.workshops@ubc.ca with questions.
Upcoming Professional Development Workshops: Fall 2018
If you’re planning ahead for your professional development, or want to have some suggestions for professional development opportunities to share with your staff, we have some new workshops coming to UBC’s Vancouver campus this fall:
- Aug. 22: Difficult Conversations: Strategies for Dealing with Challenging Situations (Cost: $350)
- Sept. 18: Time Management: Planning, Prioritizing & Productivity (Cost: $300)
- Oct. 12: Appreciative Inquiry: A Way to Generate and Nurture Effective Work Environments (Cost: $300)
- Oct. 16: Selection Interviewing: Ensuring Equity (Cost: $25)
- Oct. 24: Practical Project Management (2-Day) (Cost: $550)
These courses are eligible for professional development funding – visit the PD funding page for your employee group to learn more.
Learning with Lynda.com: Enhance Your Writing with Four Essential Edits
Would you like to discover ways to create writing that is purposeful, concise, and pleasurable to read? In the short lynda.com video “Proof the secret sauce works”, Shani Raja, former editor for the Wall Street Journal, shares insights and techniques to transform even the most basic of sentences to exceptional writing.
Visit our lynda.ubc.ca site to learn more about this subject and to find associated resources.
Rehearsing Conflict Summer Intensive Performance: June 21, 2018
UBC staff and faculty are invited to watch Rehearsing Conflict’s free workshop performance on Thursday, June 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Dorothy Somerset Studio (6361 University Blvd). Please RSVP online.
Rehearsing Conflict is theatre with a mission: supporting constructive conflict engagement on UBC campus. To do this, we use forum theatre techniques to explore and perform real stories of conflict from our community to find new solutions, challenge assumptions, and build understanding. In this theatre performance put on by participants in the Summer Intensive workshop, audience members are welcome to watch and can volunteer to join us on stage and take part in the conversation. Everyone is welcome.
Rehearsing Conflict is produced by the Conflict Theatre@UBC program.
Learning with Lynda: What makes a compelling presentation?
Knowing how to deliver a compelling presentation that leaves your audience fulfilled, informed and inspired to take action is one key way to increase your credibility and influence at work.
In this short Lynda.com video “what makes a compelling presentation”, you’ll be introduced to 7 steps you can take to make your next presentation a success.
Visit our lynda.ubc.ca website to learn more.
Last Call to Register for Conflict Theatre – Deadline Extended to June 14
Every team faces conflict, and as a leader it’s important to know how to guide your team through these trying times. Conflict Theatre just might be the edge you are looking for to bring your conflict management skills to the next level.
Learning Outcomes
As a participant you can expect to walk away with the following skills:
- Acquisition of new options and strategies for approaching conflict in a different way
- Increased understanding of the hidden systemic and interpersonal structures that drive conflict
- Development of communicative strategies and awareness of possibilities within situations of conflict
- Practice in creating a sense of community and support, and collective a-ha moments
The deadline to apply has been extended to June 14. Sign-up today through the online application.
Visit the Conflict Theatre website for more information.
Call for UBC-V QPR Instructors: Application Deadline – June 13, 2018
The Suicide Awareness Working Group is recruiting staff and faculty members who are interested in becoming QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) instructors at the Vancouver campus. This is a volunteer role and full training is provided.
As a QPR instructor, you will:
- Provide training
- Promote QPR within your department
- Receive ongoing support from the QPR instructor community of practice and QPR Institute
- Have the opportunity to contribute to UBC Vancouver’s suicide awareness strategy
If you are interested in becoming a QPR instructor, please read this Info Sheet and complete a brief online application by Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Training will take place on June 27 and 28, 2018.
If you know a staff or faculty member who may be interested, and you are supportive of their use of time toward this initiative, please encourage them to apply or share the Info Sheet with them.
Questions about the QPR instructor training program? Contact the Co-chairs of the Suicide Awareness Working Group: Tam Uden or Kelly Eaton.
Last Call to Register for “The Working Mind” Session on June 20
We have a few spots still available for “The Working Mind”, a new training session being previewed by Miranda Massie (Health Promotions).
This evidence-based workplace training program aims to increase mental health literacy for employees. Anyone in HR is welcome to register for this free session.
Visit the post from May 17 for more information about the training session.
Registration open for Presentations that Work: Optimize Your Influence with Colleagues & Decision-Makers (July 4)
You have 20 seconds to hook your audience. You have 2 minutes to hold them. Learn how to do just that in this fast-moving, interactive, practical learning experience on July 4, 2018.
Designed for both new and experienced presenters, this workshop is for anyone who wants to learn to deliver a forceful presentation that will educate, motivate and persuade their audience.
Learning outcomes
You will gain strategies, tools and practice:
- using your voice & body language to enhance your credibility
- eliminating your distracting behaviors
- being responsive to the changing needs of your audience
- transforming your anxiety into enthusiasm – and more!
For more information and to register, visit the HR Catalog.
New HR Training Opportunity: Preview “The Working Mind” Session on June 20
Miranda Massie (Health Promotions) is holding a preview of her new training session, “The Working Mind”, on June 20 and invites anyone in HR who is interested to attend. The session will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at TEF III (Room 610) and only 25 spaces are available. Please email her by May 31 to save your spot.
About the new training
The Working Mind is a Mental Health Commission of Canada, evidence-based workplace training program aimed at increasing mental health literacy for both supervisors/managers and employees. In advance of rolling out this program to the campus community, all HR staff are invited to preview the training to ensure that it aligns with current UBC policies and procedures.
The manager/supervisor version of the training includes information related to duty to enquire, accommodations, return to work, along with the other program elements.
Please note: Miranda will be presenting the manager/supervisor version on June 20, but all HR staff are welcome to attend. Read on for more info about the program, including details about the employee and manager/supervisor course content.
To register, please email Miranda Massie.
Program goals:
• To reduce stigma and negative attitudes towards those struggling with poor mental health
• To provide learners with a broad understanding of mental health and wellness
• Help participants maintain mental health and improve resilience
• To promote mental health and wellness in the workplace
• To provide managers with the confidence, tools and resources to manage and support employees who may be experiencing mental health problems or illness
Objectives
To give employees/managers the practical knowledge of mental health and mental illness so they can:
• Use the mental health continuum to recognize changes in their mental health and that of others
• Be prepared to use skills to improve their coping and resiliency
• Reduce both public and self-stigma
• Be willing to be a part of a supportive workplace
The employee version includes:
• A focus on dispelling the myths of mental health problems and mental illnesses, aiming to reduce associated stigma
• An overview of the Mental Health Continuum Model
• Self-assessment of one’s own mental health along the continuum
• Strategies one can apply at each point along the continuum
The managers’ version includes additional course content, such as:
• Workplace accommodations and return to work
• How to observe changes in employees along the continuum
• Appropriate actions to take
• How to communicate with employees about mental health illness in a workplace context
Questions? Ask Miranda Massie.
PD Workshop: Practical Project Management June 4 & 5
We have an upcoming two-day workshop on June 4 & 5 – Practical Project Management. This workshop is for anyone who is involved in projects, as either a team member or project manager, and wants to learn the core basics and proven tools to help achieve more consistent project outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
- Establish effective communication lines from the start;
- Develop concise intended outcomes and deliverables;
- Build a Project Charter that is simple, yet effective in getting your projects off to the right start;
- Use the most common tools used in Project Management including Network Diagram Dependency Charts, Gantt Charts and Work Breakdown Structures;
- Sequence tasks to determine start dates, finish dates and milestones;
- Use Critical Path Methodology to ensure projects are completed on time;
- Recognize and prevent common Project Management mistakes;
- Use criteria to measure and track your project;
- Identify and evaluate risks and develop contingency plans
- Effectively determine resource requirements
Course Information
Date: June 4 & 5, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610
Cost: $550
Register online
You may be able to use your professional development funding towards this course. Visit the PD funding page for your employee group to learn more, or contact pd.workshops@ubc.ca with questions.
PD Opportunity: Selection Interviewing: May 11, 2018 – 4 Spaces Left
We have four spaces left in our May 11, 2018, session on Selection Interviewing: Ensuring Equity. Register ASAP to sharpen your interview and recruitment skills.
Note that this workshop is designed for UBC managers/administrators who have responsibility for the recruitment of staff.
About this workshop
The interview is a vital step in the hiring process, so you want it to be as effective as possible. This workshop will focus on the essential skills of behavioural interviewing so that you can more effectively get to know your candidates and find the best fit for your team.
Learning Outcomes
Through group exercises, discussions and role-play within this workshop, participants will:
- Develop questions and practice behavioural interviewing skills
- Develop tools to select the best candidate for the position
- Understand basic concepts of human rights, employment equity, and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation
Participants will also review current Human Rights and Employment Equity legislation and discuss the objectives of UBC’s policy on employment equity.
Facilitation Team and Presenters
- Lani McGill, Human Resources Advisor
- Kathryn Stagg, Human Resources Advisor
- Lindi Frost, Director of Employee Relations
- Jude Tate, Director of Equity and Inclusion
Course information
Selection Interviewing: Ensuring Equity
May 11, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $25.00
Room 610, TEF III, 6190 Agronomy Road [map]
Register online until May 7; afterwards contact pd.workshops@ubc.ca
If you are interested in this course, you may be able to use your professional development funding. Please visit the page for your employee group to learn more.
Learning with Lynda.com: Expand Your Portfolio of Learning
The variety of learning opportunities you can engage in is vast and at times it can be challenging to identify learning that will best align with your goals. The process of creating a learning portfolio can support you in identifying “learning investments” and generating strategies to engage in lifelong learning.
The short Lynda.com video, Expand your portfolio of learning, highlights the importance and strategies of creating a learning portfolio, and invites you to sample various learning offerings through a “learning roulette.”
Visit our lynda.ubc.ca site to learn more about this subject and to find associated resources.
Conflict Theatre Summer Intensive: Application Deadline Extended to May 21, 2018
Every team faces conflict, and as a leader it is important to know how to guide your team through situations where conflict arises. Conflict Theatre is a learning opportunity that will help you bring your conflict management skills to the next level. As a participant, you can expect to walk away with the following skills:
- Acquisition of new options and strategies for approaching conflict in a different way
- Increased understanding of the hidden systemic and interpersonal structures that drive conflict
- Development of communicative strategies and awareness of possibilities within situations of conflict
- Practice in creating a sense of community and support, and collective a-ha moments
The deadline for applications for this year’s summer intensive has been extended to May 21 – register at https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5iiY9MsHJi9qsoB.
For more information, please contact the Conflict Theatre Coordinator at conflict.theatre@ubc.ca.
Staff Professional Development Funding – Updates for New 2018/19 Funding Year
New Funding Year for Staff Professional Development Funds
Professional development funds for staff in the following employee groups became available on April 1 for the 2018/19 funding year. There are no changes to the established individual funding maximums this year.
- BCGEU Okanagan: $1,200 Regular; $600 Auxiliary
- CUPE 116: $1,000
- CUPE 2950: $1,400
- Executive Administrative: $1,500
- Management & Professional (AAPS): $550
- Non-Union Technicians & Research Assistants: $1,000
- Service Unit Directors and Excluded M&P: $1,500
Funding is pro rated in some cases depending on the details of the staff member’s appointment (for example, if they are working part-time). Staff members can confirm their personal eligibility and available funding amount online through the Faculty & Staff Self-Service portal, under the “Staff PD” tab.
New Two-Year Funding Period for Research Associates PD Fund
As of April 1, 2018, the Research Associates Professional Development Fund began accepting expense claims for the two-year funding period April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2020. The individual funding maximum remains at $2,000 for this round.
Questions
Contact the PD Fund team at pd.funds@ubc.ca if you have any questions about these updates. For questions specific to the BCGEU Okanagan PD Fund, please contact Lisa Frost at lisa.frost@ubc.ca.
Learning with Lynda.com: Learning Canvas: Create Modules
Canvas was launched as UBC’s new learning management system in the fall of 2017 and since then over 2,700 courses have been transitioned to the new learning platform. UBC has introduced a variety of methods to help faculty and staff navigate the transition from Connect, including online tutorials available through Lynda.com.
These online tutorials are accessible at all times as you work in Canvas, and can be a great step-by-step support as you use the learning platform. Sample the Lynda.com Canvas offerings by viewing this short video called “create modules” to learn about the process and functionality of this feature.
Note: Lynda.com courses will occasionally include specific tutorial instruction for features and tools that are not currently available at UBC or aligned with our internal processes. Within this featured course “creating a teacher account” and “ add students to a course” are examples of video instruction segments that are not aligned with processes established at UBC. Please refer to the UBC Canvas Tools page and CTLT – Canvas training sessions for the features and tools currently available at UBC.
Visit our lynda.ubc.ca site to learn more about this subject and to find associated resources.
Conflict Theatre Summer Intensive: Apply by April 30
- Can you remember the last difficult conversation you had?
- What did you think when it started?
- How did you feel when it was over?
- What if you could re-do it?
We all face difficult conversations, but what if you had a better way to handle them? Conflict Theatre is a constructive conflict engagement strategy that can be applied widely across the UBC community. Join a diverse cohort to learn a new approach to conflict and practice new strategies. This year’s summer intensive workshop series uses forum theatre techniques to explore and perform real stories of conflict from our community. Within this intensive, you can expect to:
- Practice conflict engagement in a safe space
- Explore your stories of conflict and build an original play
- Perform your interactive play for your community
Click to read
All UBC employees are eligible and no acting experience is required, but space is limited. Please apply before April 30, 2018, at https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5iiY9MsHJi9qsoB. Contact conflict.theatre@ubc.ca if you need support to attend.
PD Opportunity: Enhance Learning Through Coaching: May 2 & 3
This year, as part of Celebrate Learning Week, we are hosting two sessions on how coaching can help you achieve your goals and desired change as part of your professional development and learning, with Enhance Learning Through Coaching.
In these 1.5-hour sessions, participants will learn what coaching is and how coaching can support learning, identify potential areas for development, observe a coaching conversation, and how to access free coaching through Coaching@UBC.
Course Information
Date: May 2 or May 3, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610
Cost: Free
Register online
Contact pd.workshops@ubc.ca with questions.
PD Opportunity: Thriving in Change: May 16
We have an upcoming half-day workshop on May 16: Thriving in Change.
In this workshop, participants will start by exploring their own attitudes and reactions to change, learn foundational models to broaden their appreciation of the change journey, and gain new tools and strategies for use in an interpersonal and organizational context.
Course Information
Date: May 16, 2018, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610
Cost: $200
Register online.
You may be able to use your professional development funding towards this course. Please visit the PD funding page for your employee group to learn more. Contact pd.workshops@ubc.ca with questions.
PD Opportunity: Difficult Conversations: Strategies for Dealing with Challenging Situations: June 12, 2018
We have an upcoming workshop on June 12 – Difficult Conversations: Strategies for Dealing with Challenging Situations. This workshop is for anyone who needs to have challenging conversations as part of their work.
Learning Outcomes
- At the end of this seminar, you will be able to know how to identify resistant behaviour in yourself and others;
- have a greater understanding of what the physiological responses to emotional challenges look and feel like;
- be able to identify your personal strategies for managing your own defensiveness as well as others; and
- recognize when to push and when to back off to get your needs met.
Course Information
Date: June 12, 2018, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: TEF III, Room 610
Cost: $350
Register online
You may be able to use your professional development funding towards this course. Visit the PD funding page for your employee group to learn more, or contact pd.workshops@ubc.ca with questions.