Training Update

As we close out 2022, it is nice to reflect on a few of the training programs the Office of Human Resources has sponsored and look forward to training that will be offered during the first quarter of 2023. The newly published HR Calendar of Events enables you to conveniently browse and sort HR offered training programs or courses.

Upcoming Performance Management Training — Performance Evaluations

We are quickly approaching the the final stage of the FY22–23 performance management and merit cycle, where employees are asked to reflect on their accomplishments for the past review cycle and to complete their self-evaluation in Workday. In addition, all supervisors will be required to review their employees' self-evaluations, schedule performance review meetings with their direct reports, and complete their own self-evaluations.

To support this process, the Office of Human Resources will again offer a series of training sessions to prepare employees and supervisors. Training sessions are scheduled to begin in mid-January and will continue into March.

View additional information on the Performance Management process, including the timeline, templates and other resources.

Administrative Professionals Program to Continue in 2023

Last spring we wrote about a pilot program specifically developed for administrative professionals through a partnership with the Community College of Allegheny County. We are pleased to announce that the pilot program proved to be successful and that the program will be offered again in 2023. The next cohort is scheduled to begin the 12-week program on January 18, 2023. Learn more about the Administrative Professional Program and training topics.

Civil Treatment® Training

Civil Treatment for Employees

The Civil Treatment for Employees virtual training program simulates realistic workplace scenarios, offering insights and practical skills. By focusing on day-to-day behaviors along with the law, this program is designed to challenge and motivate employees to consider the impact of their own behavior and encourage them to speak up when issues arise. Civil Treatment for Employees is open to all interested employees on the dates listed below. Please register through FocusU.

Thursday, March 9 from noon–3 p.m.
Tuesday, April 25 from noon–3 p.m.

Civil Treatment Huddles

Building upon the lessons learned during the Civil Treatment training programs, these one-hour sessions revisit the themes, tools and strategies shared during the foundational sessions, helping participants to sharpen their skills and promote ongoing development so they can contribute to a more civil, productive and inclusive workplace.

Civil Treatment huddles are open to all interested employees on the dates listed below. Please register through FocusU:

Civil Treatment Workplace Huddle 1:
- Tuesday, March 14 from 10–11 a.m.
- Tuesday, March 28 from 10–11 a.m.
Civil Treatment Workplace Huddle 2:
- Tuesday, May 9 from 2–3 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 6 from 2–3 p.m.

Civil Treatment for Leaders is included in the Staff Supervisory Awareness program.

Staff Supervisory Awareness Program Available

CMU continues to acknowledge the pivotal role supervisors play related to employee and institutional success. The Staff Supervisory Awareness Program aims to:

Build a foundation of core human resources knowledge critical to your success
Infuse diversity, equity and inclusion into your day-to-day activities as a supervisor at CMU
Facilitate a work environment in which employees are treated with dignity and respect
Understand and champion core values of empathy, compassion, inclusion, dedication, impact and collaboration
Access fundamental tools and resources to effectively and successfully lead others

Although sessions can be taken in any order, it is highly recommended that Session 101: Employment Law be completed first to provide a foundation of legal concepts before proceeding with the other sessions. Session 101 is available on demand; sessions 201 through 403 will be led by a Learning and Development trainer and an HR business partner via Zoom. Please register through FocusU:

Employee Retention Program

Current trends in turnover and employee retention suggest that now more than ever, employers need to be proactive in their efforts to retain employees. The Office of Human Resources strongly encourages all supervisors to participate in an upcoming training session developed to address employee retention. This training will prepare supervisors to use tools such as stay interviews with their staff and explore additional strategies for engaging and retaining top talent. Upon completion of the training, supervisors will better understand their staff’s priorities and what actions can help influence them to stay at CMU. Please register for an upcoming Zoom session through FocusU.

Thursday, February 16 from 10:30 a.m.–noon
Thursday, March 23 from 1:30–3 p.m.
Tuesday, April 18 from noon–1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 23 from 10:30 a.m.– noon
Thursday, June 22 from noon–1:30 p.m.

True Colors Training

The Office of Human Resources has certified facilitators available to lead True Colors sessions to help individuals and groups better understand and appreciate personality styles in the workplace.
True Colors is a user-friendly temperament and personality typing program that has been helping people of all ages understand and recognize differences that can lead to miscommunication and conflict.

In the three-hour foundational session, certified facilitators help participants:

Learn about True Colors including the evolution of this user-friendly tool
Understand themselves and others
Appreciate differences
Consider how to apply their True Colors awareness to real-world situations

This training is suitable as a stand-alone session for team building and development and/or as part of an onsite event. Participation is available for interested teams at nominal cost ($29.95/person). For more information or to schedule a training session, please contact the Learning and Development team.