Workshops & Weekly Chat

 

ASK THE OMBUDS - A WEEKLY INFORMAL ONLINE CHAT - Wednesdays @ 1 pm

The purpose of the chat is 1) to learn how the Ombuds Office can be a resource for you, 2) to discuss general issues about your work or study and 3) to learn about topics of interest such as effective and respectful communication, resolving problems or conflict and any other topics to assist you in improving the work or academic environment. 

Registration - NOT required.   JOIN CHAT HERE.
NOTE:  Chat will be canceled  for the month of April due to workshops and conference.

A FEW REMINDERS WHEN WORKSHOPS ARE POSTED:
Click on the workshop title to register. Reminders are sent out closer to the workshop date. If you cannot access the registration form, try another browser or contact the Ombuds Office.  For ONLINE workshops, a ZOOM link will be sent out after registration.

WHO CAN ATTEND?  Faculty, Staff & Students

ApRIL 2026 Workshops 

TO REGISTER - CLICK ON THE WORKSHOP TITLE

Bridging Cultural Gaps: Communication Across Cultures (1 hour) - NEW
This workshop is intended to:

1) Reduce misunderstandings and conflict by improving cultural awareness
2) Foster a more inclusive, collaborative, and respectful environment
3) Enhance personal growth by challenging assumptions about the “right” ways of doing things and
4) Help build stronger, more trusting relationships, 5) Develop more effective, empathetic communication skills and 6) Support both personal and professional success.
In person  only.

April 1- Frey Hall, Rm. 105 (West Campus) - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
April 22 - HSC (Health Sciences Center) Level 2, Rm. 310 - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Feedback:  The Power of Words to Improve Performance in Yourself and Others (1 hour) - NEW
We all know feedback is essential for growth, but why is it so hard to accept? Based on the book Thanks for the Feedback by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen, this workshop shifts the focus from “giving” feedbackto also “receiving” feedback. You’ll learn how to navigate emotional triggers that could make you feel defensive and turn off your listening. We’ll explore the three types of feedback: appreciation, coaching, evaluation.  And, we’ll provide a practical toolkit to help you understand even the most difficult comments. This is not just about communication. It’s a chance to accelerate personal and professional development.
In person  only.

April 8 - Frey Hall, Rm. 105 (West Campus) - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
April 29 - HSC (Health Sciences Center) Level 2, Rm. 310 - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

The Power of Curiosity (1 hour) NEW - In person & Zoom
Did you know that curiosity can increase knowledge, drive engagement and build trusting relationships? It enhances problem solving, reduces bias and de-escalates conflict. Curiosity creates a collaborative environment of belonging and respect. Let’s take the curiosity test and learn how we rate on the dimensions of curiosity. In this workshop, we will: 

1) Identify the barriers to curiosity
2) Build our emotional literacy
3) Participate in a reframing exercise and
4) Learn how teams can benefit from curiosity.

April 10 - Frey Hall, Rm. 205 (West Campus) - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
April  24 - HSC (Health Sciences Center) Level 2, Rm. 101 - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
April 28 - Zoom - 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

LIST OF WORKSHOP TITLES & DESCRIPTION
Upon request workshops will be customized for your department, class or work group.

Change & Transition
Change & Transition - Navigating New Waters

Communication
Can We Talk? Tips for Navigating Crucial Conversations
Communicating Across Generations
Communicating During A Crisis
Communication Tool Kit - I Hear You
Communicating with Care & Compassion
Depolarizing Conversations
Emotional Intelligence - The Power of Self Awareness in Understanding Yourself and Others
Enhancing Communication
Feedback: The Power of Words to Improve Performance in Yourself and Others
Having Respectful & Effective Conversations
Having Respectful & Productive Conversations
Modes of Communication & When to Use Them
More Tips on Respectful & Effective Communication
What's Your Communication Style?

Conflict
High Conflict Behavior - What Is It & What Can You Do About It
Negotiating Conflict
Test Your Knowledge About Conflict - Take the Conflict Awareness Quiz
Tools for Resolving Conflict
Understanding Conflict

Culture
Bridging Cultural Gaps: Communication Across Cultures
Creating a Compassionate Environment During Uncertain Times - It takes all of us!
Creating a Positive Environment
The Power of Curiosity
Together We Thrive - Building a Culture of Belonging
What is Fairness?
Workplace Dynamics - Building Positive Relationships

Management
A Supervisory Guide for Faculty - Supporting Graduate Student Success
Coaching Skills for Supervisors
Leadership
Managing UP - Addressing challenging situations
Managing UP - How to improve your relationship with your boss
Managing Change 
Management Roundtable
Managing Difficult Conversations
Negotiating Conflict 

Performance
Improving Performance
Personal Accountability for Professional Success

Resilience
How Resilient Are You?

Team Building
Team Building FUN
Working Effectively Together

Ombuds Office Orientations about the office's role & services for:
Faculty & Staff
Supervisors/Management
Students

Tell Me About "Ombuds" - What the Office Does & How It Can Benefit Me?