Professional Development by Request

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ODT Education Request

Select your topic(s) of interest:
[45-60 minutes] In this training, you will learn how to give, seek, receive, and act on feedback in ways that strengthen relationships and improve performance. You’ll discover the benefits of creating a feedback-rich workplace—such as higher engagement and reduced turnover—and learn how to recognize the difference between genuine feedback and simple praise or criticism. You’ll explore common pitfalls to avoid when providing feedback and practice using the Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) model to communicate constructively. You’ll also gain strategies for both giving and receiving feedback effectively, with an emphasis on being timely, specific, and actionable, so you can help build a positive and productive feedback culture in your organization.
[45-60 minutes] A Professional Development Plan (PDP) is a valuable document that establishes both your career development goals and a strategy for meeting them. In this hands-on session, you will learn the three steps to creating an individualized professional development plan. By the end of the session, you will have started creating a useful roadmap for your growth and success.
[45-60 minutes] Help employees discover ways to create a great experience for every moment of contact. Learn tactics to listen, empathize, act and restore the relationship to come to a conclusion that will satisfy all involved when conflict does arise.
[60-90 min.] Supervisors will receive guidance for completing UNL staff employee performance evaluations and having an effective evaluation meeting. We’ll share best practices on writing meaningful and effective evaluations, SMART goal setting, handling difficult and unique situations, and legal compliance considerations. Although the UNL HR Performance Evaluation Form template is used in the session, supervisors in units using a different evaluation form or process are welcome to attend.
[60-90 min.] A focused training program designed to equip supervisors with essential coaching skills. Participants learn strategies to inspire, guide, and develop their teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and achievement. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, supervisors gain confidence in driving performance and enhancing employee development.
[60-90 min.] Supervisors will learn how to have retention and engagement conversations. This is an opportunity for supervisors to connect with employees outside of the formal performance appraisal process, raise employee retention rates and improve the employee experience.
[60-90 min.] Strong teams thrive when everyone knows both the rules of the road and the destination ahead. In this interactive session, supervisors will learn how to clearly define expectations—covering the what, why, who, when, and how of daily work standards—and set SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Through practical examples and discussion, you’ll discover how expectations provide structure while goals create focus, and how the two work together to guide performance, track progress, and build a culture of transparency and accountability. Walk away with strategies you can apply immediately to create stronger teams and more productive employees.
[60-90 min.] Engage and harness the potential of Gen Z talent. As the newest entrants into the workforce, Gen Z brings fresh perspectives, digital prowess, and unique expectations. From understanding their values and motivations to adapting recruitment strategies and workplace environments, this session offers actionable insights for organizations aiming to attract, retain, and maximize the contributions of Gen Z employees. Shift from ‘generational shaming’ to cultivating a multi-generational environment.
Every word you choose shapes how you’re seen — by colleagues, clients, and leadership. In this course, you’ll discover how intentional language can strengthen your clarity, tone, and professional relationships. We’ll uncover common communication traps like hedging, over-qualifying, negative framing, and jargon — and give you practical tools to overcome them. Using the powerful 3Cs framework (Clear, Concise, Courteous), you’ll learn how to craft messages that are confident, positive, and empowering. Through real-world examples — from giving updates to requesting feedback or proposing meetings — you’ll practice transforming everyday communication into opportunities to influence and connect. Plus, you’ll master the art of closing conversations with professionalism and confidence, tailored to your audience and context. Take this course to sharpen your language, amplify your impact, and elevate your professional voice.

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Additional Campus Learning Opportunities:

If you see any training on campus that is not on this list but should be, please email training@unl.edu.