Learning and Development

Want to add a bit more shine to your professional presence at work?  

This engaging session will equip you to:

• Set boundaries with bravery
• Handle conflicts with class
• Take initiative with emotional-intelligence
• Communicate with kindness

Real-life scenarios and role-playing to turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and reflection.

Whether you’re looking to refine your communication skills or add a little extra polish to your professionalism, this session will help you show up with confidence—and just the right amount of flair!

• (Zoom) Thursday, November 21- 10:00-11:00am CT
• (Zoom) Thursday, December 19- 9:00-10:00am CT
• (Zoom) Tuesday, January 14- 2:00-3:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, February 5- 9:00-10:00am CT
• (Zoom) Tuesday, March 4- Noon-1:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, April 9- 3:00-4:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, May 7- 9:00-10:00am CT

Register

It’s that time of year again! Are you prepared for your upcoming performance conversation, or do you need to tackle one with an employee before the “official review”? Either way, this session is for you. Join in if you want to:

• Gain pointers for having productive performance conversations.
• Learn tips for establishing or repairing the employee-supervisor relationship.
• Explore ways to foster ongoing, effective performance discussions.
• Get organized and prepared for your performance reviews.
• Achieve clarity on performance accountability.

Walk away with the skills and confidence to turn performance conversations into opportunities for growth and success!

Session Dates and Times:

• (Zoom) Thursday, December 19 - 12:00-1:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Thursday, January 16 - 1:00-2:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Tuesday, February 4 -11:00-12:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, March 5 - 9:30-10:30am CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, April 9 - 2:00-3:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Tuesday, May 6 - 2:00-3:00pm CT

Register

If your training sessions are starting to feel like a snooze-fest, it's time to shake things up! In this, two-part online workshop you'll learn how to ditch the monologue and transform your training into something that actually sticks. Whether you're working with new hires or seasoned pros, we’ve got the tips, tricks, and activities to make sure your trainees leave saying, "Wow, I actually learned something!"

Learning objectives:

• Discover how adult learners really learn (hint: it's not from PowerPoints).
• Get your brain working with the 5-step model for effective training—because winging it only works in improv.
• Explore four approaches to training and when to use each, so you’re not just the “talking head.”
• Try out some new training activities that will keep your audience engaged and off their phones.

Session dates/times:

• (Zoom) Tuesday, December 3; 10:00-Noon CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, January 29; 9:00-11:00am CT
• (Zoom) Tuesday, February 18; 12:30-2:30pm CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, March 12; 2:00-4:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Thursday, April 10; 1:00-3:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Thursday, May 8; 8:00-10:00am CT

Register

Is there a Dwight in your office? You know, the coworker whose behavior makes you question if you're secretly on a reality show? In this two-part session, we'll take a lighthearted yet practical approach to managing difficult behaviors at work—without needing a conference room meeting hosted by Michael. From giving feedback that works (no passive-aggressive memes) to figuring out how to deal with underperformers who make "working hard or hardly working" their motto, you'll learn how to turn even the most awkward office situations into wins.

Learning Outcomes:

• Build radically candid relationships that even Jim would approve of (without the pranks).
• Unlock what motivates your team (because not everyone is just here for the world's best boss mug).
• Learn how to manage a variety of performers, from the "Dwights" to the "Stanleys" (no pretzel bribes required).
• Figure out what to do when someone’s work performance is as questionable as Michael's management style.
• Master giving feedback that won't make you the "Toby" of the office.
• Learn to navigate emotions in the workplace with more finesse than Angela at a cat party.

Session dates/times:

• (Zoom) Wednesday, December 11 & 18; Noon-1:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, January 22 & 29; 1:000-2:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Thursday, February 13 & 20; 9:00-10:00am CT
• (Zoom) Tuesday, March 4 & 11; 11:00-Noon CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, April 16 & 23; 9:00-10:00am CT
• (Zoom) Thursday, May 8 & 15; 3:00-4:00pm CT 

Register

Ready to crack the code on happiness? This session dives into the surprising secrets uncovered by one of the longest studies on what truly makes us happy (hint: it's not endless Zoom meetings). Join us to explore the power of positive relationships at work and home, and walk away with strategies to build stronger connections—without becoming the office therapist.

Learning Outcomes:

• Discover the surprising reasons behind the loneliness crisis in the U.S. (and how to avoid it!).
• Learn how to build relationships that last longer than your average email thread.
• Explore the five most common relationship challenges and their simple, sanity-saving solutions.
• Master the art of setting healthy work boundaries—because your inbox should never define your happiness.

Session dates/times:

• (Zoom) Wednesday, December 11; 3:00-4:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, January 8; Noon-1:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Thursday, February 6; 11:00-Noon CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, March 26; 9:00-10:00am CT
• (Zoom) Tuesday, April 15; Noon-1:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, May 14; Noon-1:00pm CT

Register

One session.

Tired of those awkward “thanks” emails that feel as exciting as a meeting that should have been an email? Let’s talk about appreciation that actually means something. In this session, we’ll dive into The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace (2019) by Chapman & White to show you how to make your team feel truly valued—whether you're a manager or a coworker. Appreciation isn't just top-down; it's all-around. You’ll walk away with practical tips to boost morale, foster a positive culture, and keep everyone feeling seen. Plus, it’s interactive, so be ready to share and engage!

Content Includes:

1. Understanding how appreciation and engagement are aligned
2. Identifying the 5 languages of appreciation
3. Discussing ways to personalize appreciation
4. Learning the most effective forms of appreciation

Session Dates/Times:

• (Zoom) Tuesday, December 17; 11:00-1200pm CT
• (Zoom) Tuesday, January 21; 9:00-10:00am CT
• (Zoom) Thursday, March 6; 10:00-11:00am CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, May 14; 9:00-10:00am CT

Join us for an exciting online workshop where we'll dive into the Family Medical Leave Policy—because who doesn’t love a good talk about time off? We'll break it down so it's easier to understand than your grandma's secret cookie recipe, followed by a Q & A where no question is too bizarre. If you've ever wondered if your cat's emotional support qualifies for FMLA, now’s your chance to ask!

Monthly sessions.

• (Zoom) Thursday, December 12; 9:00-10:00am CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, January 15; 11:00-12:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Tuesday, February 11; 11:00-12:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Wednesday, March 5; 12:30-1:30pm CT
• (Zoom) Thursday, April 3; 1:00-2:00pm CT
• (Zoom) Tuesday, May 13; 9:00- 10:00am CT

Register

Calling all curious minds and lifelong learners! Join us for the IANR Advancing Perspectives Book Exchange, where we skip the "everyone reads the same book" routine. Instead, we invite you to share a book you’ve read in the last six months that opened your mind and broadened your perspective. The goal? To help each other discover thought-provoking reads that can inspire us to "know more to do better." Come ready to swap insights, discuss what you’ve learned, and leave with a fresh reading list to expand your worldview!

Register

Attend one or multiple sessions.

• (Cultiva by East Campus), Thursday, December 5; 9:00-10:00am CT

(for supervisors)

Learning objectives:

• The goal of this presentation is to give you the confidence, tools, and support to work through tough situations you may face as a supervisor
• Learn how to set expectations and communicate clearly with your employees
• Learn how to have accountability conversations
• Learn why documentation is important
• Know when to call HR

Availble on-demand

Do you want to BE happier in 2024 and more focused on your well-being? Join others within IANR to learn and implement new habits that build happiness. This workshop will follow the Yale coursework shared for free by Yale professor, Dr. Laurie Santos. We will follow the self-guided coursework and then meet every other week to discuss the concepts and hold each other accountable to implement the new practices. Throughout the six sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your own well-being by implementing a few simple research-based methods in your own life. If deadlines help to hold you accountable, this group is for you! Join me as we make it the best year yet.

Happiness Facilitator: Cindy Copich, IANR HR Specialist for Learning and Development

Six Sessions. New dates in 2025

Learning Outcomes

1. Understanding the misconceptions about happiness
2. Forming and practicing new happiness habits
3. Understanding the effective elements of goal setting

Happiness Habits Include

1. Savoring
2. Gratitude
3. Kindness
4. Social Connection
5. Exercise/Sleep/Food/Drink
6. Using Our Strengths Every Day
7. Meditation

I was quite surprised at just how much my (overall well-being) score rose. Even without seeing those numbers, I find myself reaching mentally for my gratitude tools in everyday life and doing so intentionally when I’m sad or stressed. I have noticed that I’m practicing gratitude without having to write it down in a journal (though I continue to work on doing that). Taking this and the 15 Days of Gratitude simultaneously through the holiday season helped my general sense of well-being immensely. My overall well-being score went up 2.4 points. That surprised me. I would say the biggest impact this has had on me is a greater sense of inner peace. Considering I have a Type A personality, that says a great deal.

Wendy Winstead, Finance Coordinator, GNBC

This professional learning opportunity is available to IANR employees and supervisors. Participation in all 6 sessions is strongly encouraged- the topics build on one another. Calendar invites containing the Zoom link will be sent once registration is complete.

New dates in 2025.

The virtual learning series will cover the following:

Session One

Your Investment in Workplace Culture: Why this Matters NOW more than Ever!
Understand the importance of workplace culture and how it ties to employee performance, satisfaction, and overall retention.

Session Two 

Communication Style: Say What?
Develop a greater understanding of your personal communication style and how it impacts others in your workplace.

Session Three

Responding V. Reacting: Monitor and Navigate your Stress Response for Higher Emotional Intelligence
Develop greater self-awareness and understanding how stress affects the brain and body. Learn strategies to increase the likelihood that you respond intentionally to stress, rather than react.

Session Four

Conflict Styles: Conflict is Unavoidable so Best to Plan Ahead
Explore tools and develop strategies to navigate conflict effectively as it occurs in the workplace.

Session Five

Nurturing an Environment where “Every Person, Every Interaction Matters.”
Implement strategies to be your best self at work and to help others feel respected and valued in the workplace.

Session Six

Creating Psychological Safety Zones: Identifying Boundaries and Communicating Them in the Workplace
Build on your skills and explore other tools needed to communicate your boundaries and understand the boundaries of others so that everyone can enjoy their work environment.

If requested, a certificate of completion will be provided for those who participate in all 6 sessions.

I was on the fence about taking time out of my busy schedule to participate in this training. I am thankful I took the time and want to thank IANR and the facilitators for making this training possible. Everyone has a role in shaping your workplace culture and everyone in IANR should participate in this Workplace Culture workshop. Strengthening the whole employee experience is more important now than ever. I gained insight into how I can make a difference; it helped me understand the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, communication, and conflict; and I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter and humor of the facilitators. They made the training fun and interactive. Thank you!

Jessie Brophy, Director of External Engagement, IANR Vice Chancellor’s Office

(in-person and virtual sessions; individual employees/supervisors and team coaching)

The past few years have been extraordinarily challenging for employees and supervisors as the physical work environment has been in an influx due to the pandemic. This is a perfect time for employees to get to know more about themselves and one another in order to strengthen the work culture. IANR is committed to adopting a strengths-based development approach to ensure our employees feel fully engaged in the work they do and to help teams operate most effectively. IANR departments/units can engage in the Gallup^© StrengthsFinder process in the following ways:

• New IANR employees who complete the StrengthsFinder assessment have the opportunity to engage in a one-on-one StrengthsFinder coaching session.
• Supervisors can add a StrengthsFinder workshop to a team meeting or retreat. These sessions are custom-designed to meet the needs of your team and the time you have available.
• Supervisors can learn new ways to integrate Strengths-based discussions into their everyday conversations with employees and during routine meetings.

Contact Cindy Copich at to learn more!

Our team participated in a 4-hour StrengthsFinder team session. This was a fantastic learning and community building opportunity for our team! We had a blast learning more about each other, how we each naturally engage with the world and what brings us the most energy and satisfaction at work (and what doesn’t!). We each came away with a greater appreciation of each other’s strengths and excitement over the new ways we can work together to reach out goals. We had an excellent facilitator – don’t miss out on the opportunity to do this with your team!

Tracy Zimmerman, Administrative Coordinator, Biological Systems Engineering

(for supervisors)

• Available on-demand through Nebraska Bridge App (tile on Firefly)
• Course length: 8 minutes
• Supervisors will learn the purpose and process for having retention and engagement conversations with their team members. Learn why these conversations are an effective way to retain and engage employees, how to choose who to talk to and when, what questions to ask, how to handle the conversation, and determining action items and next steps.

(for supervisors who sign timesheets)

• Available on-demand through Nebraska Bridge App (tile on Firefly)
• Course length: 30 minutes
• Supervisor’s guide to stay in compliance with the Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) for hourly employees.

(for supervisors and employees)

• Available on-demand
• Course length: 8 minutes
• A brief overview to understanding the University’s Family Medical Leave (FML) Policy and the Federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

(for supervisors)

• Available on-demand
• Course length: 35 minutes
• A supervisor’s guide to understanding the University’s Family Medical Leave (FML) Policy and the Federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

(for supervisors)

• Available through Nebraska Bridge App (tile on Firefly)
• Course length: 90 minutes
• Institutional Equity and Compliance is offering a professional development opportunity for supervisors on campus regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws and policies related to creating an accessible work environment for current employees and job applicants. We will present information and answer questions about laws and definitions, accessibility in hiring, accessibility for current employees, how to manage when conditions change, and how-to information about current procedures and policies.