Instructor Led Programs

Change Happens – Understanding Your Response (Micro Session 1 of 5)

We experience change all the time. Sometimes the changes are small, sometimes quite big. Either way, the impact may be the same. Understanding how you perceive and tend to manage change can help you during those tough times. Learn what change is and tips on how to manage it better.

Understanding Depression (SupportLinc)

Depression is more than feeling sad. While depression can be triggered by feelings of sadness or unhappy events/situations, it is a condition of brain functioning that impacts one's overall psychological status and ability to cognitively process, emotionally respond on general basis and navigate life. This presentation will go over the causes and symptoms of depression and how to effectively cope with it. Provided by SupportLinc.

Paying for College: How Much Money Are We Talking About?  

This webinar is designed to assist current and prospective students and parents in navigating the complexities of college expenses. Participants will receive guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and gain insights into various funding sources, such as scholarships, grants and federal and private loans. We will explore practical strategies for saving on education costs and discuss what you need to do to remain eligible for financial aid. By empowering yourself with a strong understanding of the financial aid processes, you can make well-informed decisions throughout your college journey. Presented by the Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center.

The Emotionally Intelligent Leader and Team

An emotionally intelligent leader and an emotionally intelligent team have been shown to greatly improve employee retention and engagement.  The purpose of this module will be to solidify what is and how to be an emotionally intelligent leader and how to establish and maintain an emotionally intelligent team.  The presentation will be based on ‘Emotional Intelligence 2.0’ by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves and ‘Team Emotional Intelligence 2.0’ by Jean Greaves.  An understanding of emotional intelligence would be desired; however, a basic review of emotional intelligence will be conducted.  Along with the presentation, there will be break-out rooms and a case study to solidify the learning.  

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Maximizing employees’ strengths to create successful teams requires an objective awareness of those strengths. One way to do this is to examine biases of what is “normal”. In this presentation, attendees will be given an opportunity and tools to recognize the benefits of supporting and maximizing the resources that neurodiverse employees bring to the workplace.

Maximize Your Professional Growth by Leveraging the Learning Resource Network

Learn how you can quickly navigate through the over 17,000+ FREE, online courses available to all employees. These courses give you the flexibility to build new skills or strengthen existing ones at your own pace using the Learning Resource Network (LRN) to explore, launch, and learn. You’ll also discover how to make the most of more than 95,000 free online book titles available to you as a Penn State employee. Managers will gain strategies to promote continuous learning, support skill development, and track training completion.

Accessibility 101 @ PSU -- An Introduction

This session introduces the main points of accessibility policy and guidelines and uses demos of assistive technologies, such as screen readers, and testing strategies and tools to show how following accessibility guidelines benefits everyone. The session ends with information on how to learn the skills and strategies to successfully implement accessibility guidelines based on your job duties and technological environment. 

Every Interaction Matters: Customer Service in Higher Ed

Higher Ed is facing many changes and challenges. We can make a difference in Penn State’s success through our everyday interactions. 
Whether you’re helping a colleague with a request, coordinating with a vendor, answering questions from another department, or assisting a student—exceptional customer service is essential to Penn State’s success.  
This two-hour live virtual session focuses on practical, real-world tips to improve how you communicate, collaborate, and respond in service-oriented situations—no matter where or how you work. You’ll explore simple but powerful strategies for delivering excellent service across channels (email, phone, Zoom, or in person), staying calm under pressure, and building a professional reputation as someone people trust and enjoy working with. 

Supercharge Your Storytelling

Unlock the power of storytelling to captivate, connect, and inspire your audience—whether you’re presenting in meetings, giving a speech, teaching or leading a team. This dynamic, hands-on training will introduce you to proven strategies and frameworks that will elevate your storytelling skills, enable you to persuade audiences effectively, and empower you to create lasting impact.

Financial Literacy Overview: Everything You Wish They Taught

Financial Literacy Overview, AKA FLO, will provide a comprehensive introduction to money management and will introduce the “Ladder to Financial Wellness.” This ladder comprises five essential “rungs” that lead to a stable and prosperous financial future: start with a budget, create an emergency fund, consider your debts, plan for the future, and grow your wealth. Throughout the webinar, we’ll explore each rung on the ladder and encourage attendees to work toward the next achievable step in their own personal financial wellness journeys.  

Purposeful Productivity: Getting Real Stuff Done—For Real!

Do you find yourself working really hard, but still not feeling like you’ve accomplished anything – at least anything important?  Do most goal-setting processes stress you out or fall short in your life?  There is a way to be productive and get stuff done that’s flexible, forward-moving, and fun!  It takes some discipline, but it's not rigid. There are a few steps, but it's not hard.  You’ll learn a quick process for productivity that might just change how you approach everything from cleaning the garage to tackling a massive project at work, from building a new healthy living habit to earning a new credential. 

Building Your Retirement Roadmap TIAA Series: How to Get the Most from Your Employee Retirement Plan

Let’s talk tips for optimizing your retirement savings. The decisions you make (or don’t make) can really add up in the future.

FiSH! Philosophy: On-Line

The FiSH! Philosophy is a set of simple, practical tools to help you create a workplace where people love to be and where the energy and passion lead to increased productivity, teamwork, and customer satisfaction. This 2.5-hour online program will introduce participants to the core principles of the FiSH! Philosophy, explore its application in the workplace, and provide actionable strategies to foster a positive and engaging work environment. Through interactive sessions, real-world examples, and collaborative activities, participants will learn how to incorporate the FiSH! Philosophy into their daily routines to enhance workplace morale and performance

SupportLinc EAP Overview for Benefits-eligible Employees

Life can be a juggling act. It takes time and energy to balance your work, family and personal wellbeing. The SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available around-the-clock, 365 days a year, to help manage life’s challenges, at no cost to Penn State benefit-eligible employees and their families.  This seminar will provide an overview of SupportLinc services, expert guidance, and valuable resources – all 100% confidential – for a wide array of personal and work-related concerns, including stress, anxiety, grief, mindfulness, relationship issues, dependent care and much, much more.

Mentoring 101: The Basics for Mentors

Have you been approached by someone to be their mentor (or considered sharing your skills and experiences with others as a mentor)- and you’re not sure how to begin?

You’re in luck!  Join us for an information session to learn more about:

• The benefits of mentoring
• The roles of the mentor and mentee
• Characteristics of a successful mentoring experience
• Identifying what you can offer—and how to step up

We will share mentoring best practices and provide a next step action plan to get you on your way as a mentor!

“Being a mentor is not just about making a difference in someone else's life; it’s about finding purpose and growth in your own." -- Unknown

Mindset Matters: Tackling Self-Doubt and Thriving at Work

Self-doubt doesn’t disappear with experience or title — in fact, it often grows with responsibility. In this session, we will explore the hidden impact of imposter thoughts, perfectionism, and fear of failure that many high achievers quietly carry. Through research-backed strategies and mindset shifts, you will learn how to build the confidence and resilience needed to thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance culture. You will also discover how external factors like culture, bias, and burnout can fuel self-doubt — and how to challenge them with self-awareness and intent. 

This session is designed to be informative and practical, offering tools you can use immediately. You will walk away with a renewed understanding of mindset and a personalized plan to help you lead with confidence, curiosity, and clarity. 

Low-pressure--no personal sharing is required, though discussion is welcomed for those who’d like to learn from others’ experiences. It’s a great fit for anyone wanting to build self-trust, tackle self-doubt, and grow their confidence at work.  

Pedestrian and Traffic Safety

An overview of laws and University policies related to pedestrians, motorists, bikes, scooters, skateboards and more. Includes safety tips and other important information.

Effective Meeting Facilitation: How to Stop Wasting Time in Meetings

Do you plan or lead meetings?

Join us for a facilitated discussion on the concepts introduced in the “How to Stop Wasting Time in Meetings” LinkedIn Learning course.

Learn how to set a clear meeting purpose based on the stakeholders and the type of meeting, and how to get aligned on a direction and ensure all voices and perspectives are heard; while discovering guidelines for effective meetings, how to follow up, and how to hold people accountable for take aways after your meeting.

PREWORK: This program involves watching a short LinkedIn course, prior to attending, entitled, How to Stop Wasting Time in Meetings 

*Online course was created by Madecraft and offered by LinkedIn Learning.

Building a Better Budget: Budgeting That Actually Works  

Looking to increase financial stability and prevent unwanted financial surprises and overspending? Begin by building a better budget! Realistic budgets will take some effort to construct and will provide “guiderails” for spending, make it possible to achieve financial goals, and encourage peace of mind.  

Tune in to learn about...

• The benefits of budgeting
• The budgeting process and budgeting methods to consider
• Tools and resources to help you maintain a successful budget                                                

Presented by the Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center.

Civility in the Workplace (SupportLinc)

It is not uncommon to see a variety of behaviors that demonstrate a lack of respect and civility in the workplace. Fortunately, if employees develop an awareness of respectful behaviors and necessary workplace civility skills, they can serve as role models for their co-workers, and respectful behaviors will spread in the workplace and beyond. In this seminar, participants will learn the costs of an uncivil workplace, develop a self-awareness of their role and learn ways to build civility and respect.

Effective Email Communication

This session will explore how to communicate with others via email and messaging apps. Learn how to craft strong emails that get to the point professionally and quickly. The session will also briefly examine messaging apps, such as Microsoft Teams, to uncover the best practices for these modes of communication.

Understanding Transgender and Gender Diverse Identities—Support and Advocacy

The Transgender Identities workshop is designed to provide participants an opportunity to better understand nuances around the transgender and gender diverse communities. Included in the session: language regarding gender diversity, challenges faced by the community, and most importantly how to support trans and gender diverse folks in the community. 

Unleash Your Voice: The Toastmasters Masterclass for Professional Impact Series

**Attendance Requirement: Please only register if you can commit to attending all 8 sessions from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. on the following dates in 2026:

• September: 23, 29
• October: 6, 13, 20, 27
• November: 3, 10

Do you have great ideas that get lost in the noise? Do you want to present your work with the authority and confidence it deserves? This isn't a lecture. It's a hands-on communication accelerator, condensed from the world-renowned Toastmasters program. This is Speechcraft.

In a confidential cohort, limited to five participants, you'll receive the personalized coaching needed for rapid growth. Over eight weeks, our focused one-hour virtual sessions are built on a powerful learning loop: expert instruction, hands-on practice, and supportive evaluation. Each week you will prepare and deliver a short speech, progressively building your skills from the ground up.

The straightforward critique and consistent practice are the secrets to accelerated growth. While it may feel out of your comfort zone at first, by the end you’ll see noticeable progress—and so will others.  Find the voice that will define your professional impact.

Please Note: Participants will need a reliable internet connection, a webcam, a microphone, and a way to take notes. A Toastmasters Speechcraft Certificate will be awarded upon completion of all sessions.

Communicating Change (Micro-session 2 of 5)

No matter your role, how you communicate a change impacts how others react to and manage the change. Understanding your perception is the first step; how you deliver the message is the next. Learn tips and techniques to keep end users informed about a change implementation.

Your Personalized Blueprint for Emotional Intelligence

Have you ever struggled to navigate a tough conversation, felt misunderstood, or wished you could manage stress more effectively? This workshop will help you uncover how boosting emotional intelligence—the ability to understand, regulate, and express your own emotions and those of others—can provide the tools to handle these challenges with confidence and clarity. 

Whether you’re leading a team, supporting operations, or engaging with others in your daily work, this judgment-free, interactive session is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow. All attendees will complete the *Hogan Emotional Intelligence Assessment before the session, providing personalized insights to guide your learning.  
We’ll explore the neuroscience behind emotional intelligence and use your assessment results to dive into its key aspects, focusing on understanding yourself and building stronger connections with others. Through practical examples, you’ll gain actionable development goals tailored to your unique insights, along with progress metrics to track your growth beyond the workshop.  

This training is for you if you want to handle stress and conflicts more effectively, strengthen relationships, avoid burnout, and confidently tackle daily challenges. Through interactive activities, self-reflection, and goal setting, you’ll leave with your own personalized development plan, equipping you with the tools and awareness to improve communication, make better decisions, and work more productively with others. 
Come with an open mind and leave with the tools and insights to elevate your emotional intelligence.  

*Assessment is included and will be sent to you, via email, for completion prior to the session. You will need it for the session.  

Enhancing Confidence & Clarity in Public Speaking

Speaking in front of a live audience is a common fear. Some get a little nervous while others experience a full-blown panic attack. But the ability to present with confidence is a critical competency for success at work. This program guides participants through a thorough and proven method for strengthening presentation and public speaking skills, from assessing your audience to answering questions with confidence.

Mentoring 101: The Basics for Mentees

Have you been thinking about finding a mentor but don’t know where to start? 

You’re in luck!  Join us for an information session to learn more about: 

• The benefits of mentoring
• The roles of the mentor and mentee
• Characteristics of a successful mentoring experience
• How to find a mentor

We will share mentoring best and provide a next step action plan to get you on your way as a mentee!

"Being a mentee is an opportunity to harness the experience of others and integrate it into your own journey towards success."—Marshall Goldsmith 

Resume Crafting Strategies Workshop

In this session, you will learn about the vetting process that recruiters use when reviewing candidate resumes, along with the implications this has on what you decide to include on your resume and how you plan on formatting it.  The presenter, Dr. Bob Orndorff, will reinforce the importance of crafting your resume strategically versus slapping your content onto a piece of paper.  You’ll also learn how to customize and tailor your resume to the needs and values of the recruiter and their organization. 

Proactive Strategies for Effective Conflict Management

Join us for an engaging session focused on enhancing your conflict management skills. This interactive workshop is designed to help you effectively navigate and leverage conflicts, regardless of whether they are currently active or potential. Gain insights into managing interpersonal dynamics proactively and turning conflicts into opportunities for growth. By the end of this session, you'll be equipped with valuable tools to foster constructive dialogues and manage conflicts more productively.

All About Credit: What the Numbers Actually Mean

You know that being trustworthy is an essential trait in your personal, academic, and professional life. But did you know it’s also an essential trait for living a financially healthy life? The extent to which a lender or creditor is willing to loan you money is based on their confidence that you can be trusted to pay back what you borrowed. It’s important to understand how credit works and actions that can help you maintain a stellar credit reputation.

Styles of Leadership

This facilitation will present the six styles of leadership, visionary, pace setting, command directive, participative, affiliative and leader as coach.  The application of each style of leadership within leadership team and individual situations will be explored and practiced. 

Project Management Series: Applied Project Management

***Please note that this is a four-part series. Participation is expected in all four parts of the program to receive credit for attending. Please see specific program dates below***

Prerequisite: It is highly recommended that you complete the Foundational Project Management Series (PJT-100) prior to enrolling in this series but not required.  

Course Description  
This four-part follow-up course builds on foundational project management concepts and focuses on practical application in real workplace scenarios. Participants will deepen their ability to start work effectively, plan realistically, execute through influence, and close projects in ways that drive learning and value.  

The course emphasizes decision-making, communication, and judgment over formal methodology, making it ideal for professionals who manage projects alongside their primary role.  

Learning Outcomes  

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:  

• Distinguish between project work and operational work  
• Right-size planning and documentation based on project complexity  
• Anticipate and manage common execution challenges  
• Navigate stakeholder dynamics and competing priorities  
• Close projects effectively and capture actionable lessons learned  

Session Overview

Session 1: Making Smart Project Starts  
Clarifying purpose, scope, and sponsorship to avoid rework and misalignment  

Session 2: Planning That Actually Helps  
Creating realistic plans that account for uncertainty, dependencies, and risk  

Session 3: Execution, Influence, and Getting Unstuck  
Managing progress, people, and decisions when authority is limited  

Session 4: Closing, Learning, and Reuse  
Ending projects cleanly and turning experience into reusable insight

Program Schedule (*Please note varying days and times of schedule) 
Part I:  Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 9:00am – 11:00am 
Part II: Wednesday, October 14. 2026, 9:00am – 11:00am 
Part III:  Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 9:00am – 11:00am 
Part IV:  Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 9:00am – 11:00am

Building Your Retirement Roadmap TIAA Series: Investing Essentials - Five Principles to Invest with Confidence

Get a head start on smart, secure investing with simple principles

Play to Your Strengths: Foundations of CliftonStrengths

You don't have to change who you are to be successful.  Instead, success comes from applying what you do best - your natural areas of talent - to your role.  This course will introduce you to those natural areas of talent so you can grow your talents into strengths, use them to do your work, and offer maximum value to your teams, partnerships, and relationships.  We'll explore the concepts of talent, strength, and weakness and introduce a strengths-based approach to development that will help you identify and own your talents and apply them to your areas of responsibility.  You will complete the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment in preparation for this session.

Supportlinc Overview for Managers and Supervisors

Life can be a juggling act. It takes time and energy to balance your work, family and personal wellbeing. The SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available around-the-clock, 365 days a year, to help manage life’s challenges, at no cost to Penn State benefit-eligible employees and their families.  This seminar will provide an overview of SupportLinc services, expert guidance, and valuable resources – all 100% confidential – for a wide array of personal and work-related concerns, including stress, anxiety, grief, mindfulness, relationship issues, dependent care and much, much more.

Run Hide Fight: Active Attacker Response Program (In-Person @329 Building)

Guidance on how to respond to an Active Attacker situation for Faculty, Students and Staff can be obtained through the Run Hide Fight: Surviving an Active Attacker Program, presented by the University Police. The Run Hide Fight: Surviving an Active Attacker Program provides information on the steps you can take to mitigate the actions of an Active Attacker.

Please Note: This program will be held in person at 329 Building at Innovation Park (officially named the Shirley M. Malcom Building) which is located at 329 Innovation Boulevard, University Park / State College, PA 16803. There is not a zoom option.

FISH! Sticks: Sustaining the FISH! Philosophy in Everyday Life

The FISH! Philosophy inspires individuals and teams to create more engaging, positive, and productive workplaces. While many people are familiar with the four principles of the FISH! Philosophy, the real challenge is sustaining those behaviors long after the initial excitement has faded. 

This interactive workshop explores practical strategies for keeping the FISH! Philosophy alive in everyday work. Participants will examine how intentional leadership, accountability, recognition, and team culture can reinforce the principles of Choose Your Attitude, Be There, Make Their Day, and Play in meaningful and sustainable ways. Through discussion, reflection, and practical application, participants will develop an action plan for embedding these concepts into their teams and organizational culture. 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the four principles of the FISH! Philosophy and their connection to employee engagement and organizational culture.
• Identify common barriers that prevent organizations from sustaining positive workplace cultures.
• Apply practical strategies to reinforce the FISH! Philosophy through leadership behaviors, communication, and recognition.
• Develop an action plan to strengthen engagement and sustain a positive team culture within their own work environment.
• Evaluate opportunities to intentionally create experiences that improve morale, collaboration, and service to others. 

Accessibility 102 @ PSU - Accessible Word Templates

This is a follow-up to IDP Accessibility 101

In this session, we will walk through using a Word template to create accessible documents using Microsoft Word with templates as an example. We will reformat a report so that it includes headings, image ALT text, accessible tables, and an accessible bar chart with a description. We will also discuss how to share an accessible template for multiple documents and how to modify the styles of a template.   

Calm Is a Competitive Advantage: Leading People Through Pressure, Change, and Burnout

Today's leaders are navigating an environment of relentless change, increasing workloads, uncertainty, and growing concerns about employee well-being. While pressure is inevitable, burnout is not. The leaders who create the greatest impact are not necessarily those who work the hardest or move the fastest—they are the ones who remain calm, focused, and intentional when others are overwhelmed. 

This interactive webinar explores how leaders can become a stabilizing force during times of disruption, change, and sustained pressure. Participants will learn how to recognize the early warning signs of burnout, create conditions that support resilience and performance, and lead with clarity and confidence when their teams need it most. 

Rather than focusing solely on individual stress management, this session examines the critical role leaders play in shaping team culture, managing workload expectations, communicating during uncertainty, and fostering sustainable performance. 

Credit Cards: Perks, Pitfalls, and Points

A credit card is a powerful financial tool that can be used to build a strong credit history. At the same time, it must be managed carefully because it can easily allow you to spend more money than you actually have. If you carry or are considering credit cards, learning how they work, how companies charge you, and how to manage them wisely is absolutely essential for your financial well-being.  

Tune in to learn about…

• The pros and cons of credit cards
• The relationships between your credit cards, credit history, credit report, and credit score
• How to read a credit card billing statement
• Tips for successful credit card use and management 
   

Presented by the Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center.

Reignite Your Spark: Reset Motivation, Energy, and Focus at Work

Feeling a little stuck, drained, or just not as energized at work as you used to? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay there. 
This session is designed to help you reconnect with what motivates you, even when work feels overwhelming or routine. Whether you're navigating change, juggling competing priorities, or simply feeling off your game, this session offers a chance to pause, reflect, and reset. 

You’ll explore the science behind motivation, uncover what fuels you personally, and walk away with simple, research-backed strategies to boost your energy and focus. By the end, you’ll have your own Motivation Reset Plan—a personalized tool you can return to whenever your spark needs a recharge. 

Introduction to Deaf Culture and American Sign Language

This presentation provides an engaging and informative introduction to the rich history, unique language, and vibrant culture of the Deaf community. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Deaf Culture, including its values, traditions, and the social and historical factors that have shaped it.  

We will explore American Sign Language (ASL) as a fully developed visual language with its own grammar, syntax, and expressive features. Through interactive discussion, attendees will learn about the origins of ASL, its role in Deaf identity, and how it differs from spoken languages. We will also address common misconceptions about ASL and Deaf people, emphasizing the importance of respectful communication and inclusive practices. This session aims to foster greater cultural awareness, promote effective interaction with Deaf individuals, and encourage continued exploration of the Deaf community and its language.

Whether you're new to the topic or seeking to expand your knowledge, this presentation offers a welcoming and accessible entry point into the world of Deaf Culture and American Sign Language.

Enhance Your Writing with Artificial Intelligence (AI): Tools, Tips, and Techniques

This 90-minute professional development course is designed to help attendees effectively use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support and improve their writing. Emphasizing ethical and intentional use, this training shows participants how to use AI for idea generation, structural support, tone optimization, and editing—without allowing AI to serve as the sole author. AI is positioned as a co-writer or writing assistant, not a replacement for human creativity, originality, or voice. 

Who this course is for:  

• Educators and Academic Professionals 
• Corporate and Business Professionals 
• Marketing, Communications, and PR Specialists 
• Content Creators and Creative Professionals 
• Technical and Grant Writers 
• Customer Support and Client Services Staff 
• Professional Development and Training Facilitators

Preventing Sexual Harassment (SupportLinc)

Federal laws exist to protect all employees from sexual harassment. It is the organization’s responsibility to understand these laws, develop clear company policies and take reasonable steps to prevent and respond to workplace harassment. Sexual harassment affects everyone in the workplace - not just the victim. In this presentation, attendees will learn to recognize and respond appropriately to sexual harassment in the workplace.

Resisting Change (Micro-session 3 of 5)

It’s natural and very common to resist change since change is new and uncomfortable. But change can also result in something more positive. Learn tips on how to better understand why you resist change and how to manage it better, as well as how to support staff who are resistant to change.

Dealing Positively with Challenging People & Situations

In today’s workplace, we all encounter challenging people and situations that can impact job performance, productivity, and overall work engagement. By proactively considering how to deal with challenges and gaining tools and resources, you can become better prepared for a range of situations you may encounter. 

Debt Management: A Blueprint to Managing Your Debt

Being in debt can be deeply stressful, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This webinar aims to empower participants to take charge of their financial landscape for a brighter, more stable future. For successful debt management, the first steps are recognizing the symptoms of overwhelming debt and discovering what structured adjustments you can implement to secure your peace of mind. 

Tune in to learn about…  

• Budgeting and strategic debt repayment plans 
• Navigating student loan debt effectively  
• Different options to rid yourself of debt, including consolidation, negotiation, repayment plans, settlement, and bankruptcy   

Presented by the Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center.

BUILD/IDP: Accessibility 103 @ PSU – Accessible PowerPoint Template

The focus of this session is building accessible PowerPoint slides so that all audiences can access the information. Starting with some basic Penn State PowerPoint templates, we will explore how to insert image ALT text, tables with headers, usable links and text with proper reading order for a screen reader. We will also show how you can use the Slide Master tools to expand the template with new layouts and color options.  

Note: It is highly suggested that you participate in the Accessibility @ PSU 101 – Intro session prior to attending this training.

Shine—Embodying Your Unique Leadership Presence

Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a presence. And presence is contagious.

In this 90-minute session, you’ll step into your unique leadership presence and explore how your strengths, values, and the way you show up each day have a direct impact on the people around you. When you shine, you create the conditions for others to shine, too.

Through grounded reflection, interactive exercises, and a powerful coaching conversation, you’ll create your own Leadership Stand—a personally crafted statement of who you are as a leader and what you stand for.

By the end of this session, you will:

• Discover your core—often surprising—leadership strengths
• Recognize how your presence can amplify or diminish others
• Develop a personal leadership mission statement to bring forth greatness in yourself and others
• Create a plan of action to apply your leadership presence in your work and community

Crucial Accountability

Accountability is a critical performance criterion for the workplace.  Accountability exists at all levels of an organization/team.  The accountability term is frequently used when tasks and team objectives are not being met, but more frequently than not, it was not defined up front what ‘it is’ to the accountable individuals and teams.  Supervisors in particular are responsible for ensuring that accountability exists within the team but frequently ‘defer’ and do not confront the lack of accountability.  At the same time individuals within an organization/team need to understand their individual accountability and holding their peers accountable.  All need to understand what the elements are for achieving it and how to coach/counsel when it is not being met.  Much of the presentation will be based upon the book, ‘Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior’. 

Companion Book Located in the LRN: Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior.

Tools for Compassionate Communication

In this session, we’ll explore the foundations of compassionate communication. Participants will examine different communication styles, consider how culture and identity inform communication, and practice strategies for listening, speaking, and responding with intention. The session closes with space to share individual commitments for bringing more compassion into everyday dialogue. 

This workshop supports anyone looking to build inclusive environments rooted in respect, empathy, and understanding, including classrooms, team meetings, and one-on-one conversations.

Supportlinc Overview for Managers and Supervisors

Life can be a juggling act. It takes time and energy to balance your work, family and personal wellbeing. The SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available around-the-clock, 365 days a year, to help manage life’s challenges, at no cost to Penn State benefit-eligible employees and their families.  This seminar will provide an overview of SupportLinc services, expert guidance, and valuable resources – all 100% confidential – for a wide array of personal and work-related concerns, including stress, anxiety, grief, mindfulness, relationship issues, dependent care and much, much more.

SupportLinc EAP Overview for Benefits-eligible Employees

Life can be a juggling act. It takes time and energy to balance your work, family and personal wellbeing. The SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available around-the-clock, 365 days a year, to help manage life’s challenges, at no cost to Penn State benefit-eligible employees and their families.  This seminar will provide an overview of SupportLinc services, expert guidance, and valuable resources – all 100% confidential – for a wide array of personal and work-related concerns, including stress, anxiety, grief, mindfulness, relationship issues, dependent care and much, much more.

From Routine to Remarkable: A Creativity Bootcamp for Innovation at Work

Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s a skill anyone can develop to solve problems, innovate, and make work more engaging. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore creativity as a mindset, process, and set of practical tools. Learn how to recognize and overcome common barriers to creativity, spark fresh ideas, and apply innovative thinking to real-world challenges. Through interactive activities, you’ll learn to apply a variety of tools and techniques as you practice the creative problem-solving process. Whether you’re tackling routine tasks or complex projects, this session will equip you with strategies to think outside the box and bring creative solutions to life. 

Enhance Your Personal Brand: Lessons from the World's Most Successful Companies

Apple.   Google.  Target.  Twitter.  Coca-Cola.  Starbucks.  These are some of the most famous brands in the world.  But did you know that you have a brand as well?  Your personal brand is the essence or promise of what will be experienced by others when interacting with you.  Through self-reflective exercises and creative thought experiments, this program will show participants what factors comprise their personal brand, which ones may be increasing or decreasing their effectiveness, and how to develop a personal brand that enhances personal and professional success. 

Building Your Retirement Roadmap TIAA Series: Steps to Help Secure Your Income in Retirement - A Mid-Career Check-In

Take stock of where you are at this critical checkpoint and use retirement-saving strategies to better balance competing financial priorities.

Upgrading Everyday Work Habits: Listening, Focus & Follow-Through 

You’re handling a lot—multiple tasks, shifting priorities, and the pressure to get things right the first time. You’re capable and committed, but even then, things can get messy: a key detail slips, a message gets misread, or a follow-up falls through the cracks. Work gets done, but not always as smoothly, or confidently, as you’d like. If you’ve ever thought: 

• “Wait… what did they actually want me to do?”
• “I just sent that out and already noticed a mistake.”
• “I’m trying to focus, but I keep jumping from thing to thing.”
• “I thought I followed through… but apparently not.” 

You’re not alone and this session will help. You’ll walk away with strategies to stay focused in the middle of chaos, catch key details before they slip, and follow through with more consistency and clarity. You’ll feel more confident in how you work, communicate more clearly with others, and spend less time cleaning up after the fact. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about working with more intention so your day feels smoother, your output is stronger, and your impact is easier to see. 

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) -- Writing for Impact: Creating Content that Shows Up in People’s Searches

This professional development session is designed to build the capacity of communications professionals, content creators, and staff to write content that performs well in search engines while remaining clear, engaging, and accessible to human readers.  

By the end of this 1.5–hour workshop, participants will understand key SEO principles and learn on-page optimization strategies that will enhance their writing for discoverability and performance. 

Who this course is for:  

• Content writers and editors 
• Communications professionals 
• Marketing and PR staff 
• Anyone writing for the web who wants to improve visibility and performance of their content 

Identity Theft + Protection: Protecting Your Money and Identity

Identity theft can happen to anyone, but knowing how to safeguard your data is your absolute best line of defense. In this webinar, we’ll explore the common ways identity theft occurs online and offline, share proactive tips to secure your personal data, and walk you through the immediate steps to take if your information is ever compromised. Being informed and prepared can make all the difference in keeping your money safe.  

Tune in to learn about... 

• How to keep your personal and financial information secure 
• Warning signs that you may be a victim of fraud or identity theft 
• How to respond effectively if your identity is stolen 

Presented by the Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center.

Interfaith Education: Interpersonal Understanding

We live in a world with an incredible diversity of beliefs and belief communities. This diversity is often not discussed or engaged with when we talk about inclusion. There are a lot of needs and considerations that come with working with such a large diversity of beliefs and belief communities. It is very helpful to understand the fundamentals of religious, spiritual, and secular inclusion to better serve the people you work with and provide services for. This program helps prepare participants to engage with that diversity in an inclusive and positive way.

Energy and Change (Micro-session 4 of 5)

Positive and negative energy impact how change is perceived and managed. Seeing opportunity during a time of change can help manage the negative energy that is so prevalent during a change. Learn about how positive and negative energy impact your perceptions of change and tips on how to better manage the negative energy surrounding change.

BUILD/IDP: Military Cultural Competency – Be a Veteran Ally

Do you know a military service member or veteran?  Have you ever worked with one?  What are they like and what were their experiences while they served?  What challenges do they experience while serving or as they transition back to civilian life?  How are they different from you and I, if at all?  How do I engage and talk to them?   

This session is an introductory session about the military and veteran community that lives in Pennsylvania, works alongside us, and are students at Penn State.  We will discuss why it is important to understand the military/veteran culture and how to close any gaps that exist between service members/veterans and civilians.  We will also learn about the military services and the military experience. We will discuss military/veteran stereotypes and myths as well as veteran experiences and challenges.   

Stress Management (SupportLinc)

Stress is an unavoidable part of life. From time to time, we all experience increased levels of stress. However, if left unaddressed, stress can continue to build, and eventually becomes unmanageable. The purpose of this presentation is help you understand the impact of the different types of stress, review the most common effects of stress, and provide you practical tools and information regarding healthy habits and coping skills that you can begin using today to help you better manage the stress you face in your life, and build resilience. Provided by SupportLinc.

Safety and Security for Office Personnel

This program offers useful safety guidelines for the workplace, reviews security features typical of campus buildings, and identifies different ways to contact the police. You will learn how to implement a code word, how to deal with irate customers in a safe manner, and how to respond if you encounter an individual with a weapon.

Who Should Attend:
This program is designed for individuals seeking general education about safety and security information and techniques to be used in the workplace. 

The Collaborative Leader

In this facilitated discussion, we will review the concepts introduced in, “The Collaborative Leader” Skillsoft video training that you will complete before the session.  
In the session, you will learn about collaborative leadership skills and the advantages of leading collaboratively. You’ll also learn about building collaborative teams, how to deal with challenges, and how to collaborate beyond your team and organization.

Thinking Critically

In this facilitated discussion, we will review the concepts introduced in the, “Developing Your Critical Thinking and Cognitive Flexibility Skillsoft video training that you will complete before the session.  
This session will help you improve your critical thinking skills. You'll learn about the intake, investigate, and act stages of critical thinking, as well as how to use analytical techniques to assess information. You’ll also learn the advantages of keeping an open mind through cognitive flexibility.

PRE-PROGRAM COURSE LINK

Saving and Investing: Tips on Starting Early and Saving Often

While money doesn’t grow on trees, it can compound significantly when you save and invest it wisely – and that growth is the key to reaching your long-term goals! Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most vital life skills you can develop. This session will demystify the core distinctions between saving and investing and show you how to put these concepts into practice early in your career.  

Tune in to learn about...

• The difference between saving and investing and different savings and investing vehicles
• Risk tolerance and strategies to mitigate risk
• Planning for your financial future including retirement                                                                                                          

Presented by the Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center.

Improving Your Professional Writing Skills

This program is designed to teach employees how to improve their professional writing, including e-mail messages and letters, marketing copy (i.e. brochures), and more. Individuals will learn how to create accurate, clear, compelling content for any medium. Through hands-on, skill-building activities and interactive discussions, individuals will be confident that their message will be received. 

Who should attend: This course is designed for individuals who want to enhance their writing skills and learn how to create messages that will connect with their audiences. Continue your journey to becoming an expert writer who understands their audience, can craft a clear and meaningful message, and edit it to a perfect shine.  

Interviewing Skills – Best Practices for Employees

Interviewing is the final step in the job-search process that makes all the difference. In this seminar, Dr. Bob Orndorff will share strategies for creating the best responses to interview questions and for presenting your very best self.  It’s not only “what you say” that matters, but also “how you say it!” Bob will also provide tips on how to navigate challenging interview venues including group interviews and virtual interviews. 

Inclusive Learning and Working (Staff Focused)

The Inclusive Learning Model (ILM) was designed by the World Campus Accessibility Team to assist student-facing units with creating a more inclusive student experience by providing innovative resources to address unique challenges and misconceptions. This workshop will help units to foster inclusion within their mission, practices,  and procedures. 

Inspirational Leadership: The Why, The What, and The How to Become One

Inspirational Leadership is having the ability to inspire others to align their actions toward a common goal or vision, understand the “why” behind those goals and vision, create a motivational and encouraging environment, and bring out the best qualities in those around them. Through inspiration, leaders can connect with meaning and articulate a shared mission and/or values in a way that motivates people and provides a sense of purpose beyond day-to-day tasks.

Inspirational leaders help create environments where people feel inspired, motivated, and connected. They are often catalysts for positive change and help individuals understand the value and impact of their contributions. Developing inspirational leadership requires understanding the key elements of inspirational leadership and the practical strategies needed to apply these principles effectively.

This interactive session will explore the foundation of inspirational leadership, the connection between emotional intelligence and inspirational leadership, and practical approaches leaders can use to inspire, engage, and develop others.

Participants will gain insight into:

• The “Why” Behind Inspirational Leadership
• The Elements of Inspirational Leadership
• Emotional Intelligence as a Foundation for Inspirational Leadership
• How to Develop Inspirational Leadership
• Developing Inspirational Leadership in Others
• Applying Inspirational Leadership Concepts Through Discussion, Case Studies, and Personal Action Planning

Career Conversations -- 2 Part Program

Please be advised this is a TWO PART Series. You will need to attend both dates to receive a completion certificate:

​Part 1: Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Part 2: Tuesday, December 15, 2026

Penn State believes that supporting career development for our employees is critical to the success of our organization.  It is an exercise that focuses on future possibilities; an opportunity to think and plan—with the flexibility required to meet individual needs.  As an organization, we want to provide you with tools and resources that will help you examine your career aspirations and begin to craft a career development plan.

Join us for this *two-part learning opportunity to:

• Understand your role in the career development process.  
• Assess the values, motivators, skills, interests, and preferences that influence your career decisions.
• Learn about resources that are available to you to help you achieve your professional development goals.
• Prepare for a career conversation with your manager. 

Building Your Retirement Roadmap TIAA Series: Set Your Retirement Date:Understand the factors to get you to your goal

Whether you plan to retire today or 30 years from now, it’s never too early—or too late—to design the life you want. Let’s explore the steps to getting you there.

 Exploring University Park Transportation Services and Options

Join us for an informative session hosted by Penn State Transportation Services, where you'll learn about the wide range of transportation services and options available to employees at the University Park Campus. This session will cover services such as Fleet Operations and rentals, Parking, Campus and Community Transit, Biking, the Spin Bike Share Program, carpooling, and other local transportation alternatives. This session will help you navigate transportation options for both work-related travel and daily commuting needs.

Generations in the Workplace (SupportLinc)

From jokes to communication to relationship dynamics, the impact of generational differences is present every day in the workplace. This presentation addresses the concept of “generation” as well as how to benefit from generational influences and perspectives. Attendees will receive tools and insights to maximize and work toward supporting more productive workplace dynamics. Provided by SupportLinc.

Domestic Violence Awareness

A review of signs of abuse along with support and resources for victims.

New Year's Resolutions (SupportLinc)

This presentation is designed to provide practical tips and resources to develop and maintain healthy goals and habits. Even though this class is meant for January 1st —everyday can be like January 1st for a fresh start.