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Training and Development Workshop Descriptions

You can register yourself for any of the following workshops by using our online registration links below that connect you directly into the Human Resources Learning Management System. This is an Oracle system. If you do not have access to Oracle, you can download and complete the appropriate form to get access: http://www.sandiego.edu/ITS/pdf/staff_faculty_user_registration_form.pdf  Oracle Self-Service Registration.   You may also e-mail us at usdtraining@sandiego.edu or call us at ex. 6619 to register for any of our course offerings. 

If you would like to see a list of trainings that will be offered in the current month, click here to return to the Training Calendar page.  From there, you can view what trainings will be offered during the month and view workshop descriptions by selecting the title of the workshop.

Writing Effective Job Descriptions

The beginning of the year is a great time to re-evaluate job descriptions to make sure that they accurately represent the expectations for an employee’s job responsibilities.  This workshop will provide guidance and ideas for what to look for when reviewing job descriptions as well as helpful strategies when writing new job descriptions.
This workshop will focus on:

  • Review of the USD job description template
  • Tips for writing job descriptions
  • Classification process for new and changing jobs

Who will benefit from this course
Employees who have responsibility for or input into the writing/revising/reviewing of their own job descriptions or the job descriptions of employees under their supervision.

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Introduction to USD:  Non-Benefit Based New Employee Orientation

New Employee Orientation is a critical part of any effective on-boarding process. For years, USD has facilitated a rich orientation for benefit-based employees that include the university’s history, values, practices & policies. The goal is to inform and welcome employees so they feel a part of USD and know where to find the resources they may need.  In order to ensure all our USD employees are a part of this effective on-boarding process we now have a modified version of New Employees Orientation for the university’s casual, part time, seasonal and temporary employees.

This orientation is called, Introduction to USD. Introduction to USD is a shorter version of orientation that specifically addresses the needs of non-benefit based employees. It will be scheduled once each quarter and employees that have been hired within that quarter will be invited to attend. We appreciate the support of the hiring managers in allowing employees to attend and we feel it will pay off in the end with a well informed team.

If you have any questions about this new program please contact the Training & Development at ext. 2722 or please click here to email the Training and Development team. 

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Business Writing

The ability to communicate effectively in a formal business document is a critical skill in today’s society.  The way we express ourselves through writing sends a message to the reader regarding our professionalism, intelligence, and the culture of the organization we represent.  Being able to write clearly ensures that the reader interprets our message with the tone and professionalism we intend to communicate. 

This workshop aims to provide strategies to increase writing effectiveness in the business setting.  Participants will explore these strategies and practice applying them so that when returning to their role they will have the confidence needed to apply what they have learned.

This workshop will focus on:

  • Appropriate format for business letters and memos
  • Writing for the reader’s perspective
  • “Tweaking” sentences and statements so as to increase effectiveness
  • Being specific and concrete while remaining personal and positive
  • Grammar strategies for business writing
  • Proper use of style guidelines according to the Associate Press

Who will benefit from this course
Employees who construct written communication to internal and/or external constituents and who are looking for ways to improve their writing will benefit from the information and the guided practice in this workshop.  This is a foundational level course for participants who are interested in enhancing their skills.

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Staff Performance Evaluations

It’s that time of the year again!  We will begin the annual performance evaluation process for all employees in January 2009.  Staff employee performance evaluations will be conducted in January and February 2009.   Sessions will include information about the process for staff annual increases. 

If you missed our previous information sessions about the new system, which is a hybrid system that includes an across-the-board increase for all employees plus a merit component that can be different depending on performance, you can learn more at these sessions. 

Who will benefit from this course
Any staff employee who wants to prepare for her/his evaluation and any supervisors who want to enhance her/his performance evaluation skills.

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Administrator Performance Evaluations

The performance evaluation process is designed to open communication lines between employees and supervisors so that they can recognize the employee's contributions over the past year, ensure that performance expectations are clear, and to plan goals for the next evaluation cycle.  This workshop will review USD's administrator performance evaluation process so that employees can understand and get involved with their review.  Understanding the process will make things less intimidating to both the reviewer and the person receiving the review.

Who will benefit from this course:
Supervisors of university administrators and administrators who started in the past year are required to attend.  All administrators are encouraged to attend to learn more and ask questions.  Everyone should receive an annual performance evaluation from their supervisor.  This workshop will help prepare you for the process as either the reviewer or the recipient.  You can take steps to contribute to your evaluation and this workshop will help map those steps out for you.

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

iRecruitment Training for USD hiring managers

Our new online application system is a robust tool that brings us into the 21st century.  As a hiring manager, you need to know how to utilize the system so that you can find the best candidate for your vacant position.  Come to this session to learn how to view applications and notify candidates.

Who will benefit from this course:
All supervisory personnel and assistants who are involved in recruiting personnel for open positions.

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Shaping Our Future Together

We realize that you make a unique and significant impact in your job and this is our chance to celebrate you!  The University of San Diego is constantly progressing towards greatness and a huge cause for that is the dedication that each of its employees have for the community.  This workshop focuses on how we work together to pass on the great legacy of the institution to the future with our unique and individual contributions.  Come to this workshop and by the end of the session you will be enthused by realizing the impact you continue to make to the university’s mission, goals, and strategic directions without even realizing it.

This workshop will focus on:

  • How the day to day tasks you work on fit into the larger picture of the university’s value system
  • How we can center everything we do around the mission and values
  • How we can get more involved with the strategic directions on campus

Who will benefit from this course
Each and every employee of USD makes a unique and important contribution to this organization.  Let us celebrate you and what you do for this institution.  Everyone is encouraged to come celebrate each other!

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Performance Portfolio

Did you know that most employees and supervisors only recall what has happened over the last three months when beginning to prepare for performance evaluations?  One way to make sure that the entire year’s progress is considered during evaluations is by creating a portfolio.  A professional portfolio is a documented collection of the unique contributions you have made in your role, department, and organization.  Documenting accomplishments allows others to see the impact you have made and communicates what you are capable of doing, which can be incredibly valuable when looking for growth opportunities within your position or the organization.  This workshop will explore the concept of establishing a portfolio as well as guide you through creating your first artifact.

This workshop will focus on:

  • What a Career Performance Portfolio is and how it can benefit you
  • Identifying the unique contributions each of us makes in our roles
  • How to document these contributions
  • How to present your portfolio and different ways you can use this tool to help your career

Who will benefit from this course: 
Employees and supervisors who are interested in documenting their accomplishments so that they can be useful when preparing for evaluations.

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Learning to Listen

Are you a good listener?  Statistics show that people remember only half of what they hear, even moments after they’ve heard it. Surprising? The fact is that although most of us like to think we’re good listeners, almost everyone needs to improve their listening skills.  HRDQ’s Learning to Listen is a 30-item assessment that focuses on both the visible and invisible aspects of listening. By focusing on concrete behaviors, not preferences, this assessment allows participants to immediately take action on their listening strengths and weaknesses.
After this workshop participants will be able to:

  • Determine listening effectiveness in three dimensions
  • Understand what it takes to listen carefully
  • Create an action plan which puts new skills into immediate action

Who will benefit from this course: 
All faculty, administrators and staff who would like to improve their listening skills.  This workshop will explore how both visible and invisible aspects of listening affect our interactions.

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Individual Development Plans

Individual Development Plans (IDP’s) have long been used as a tool to help employees develop their skills, further their department’s mission, and achieve their career goals. IDPs are an excellent tool that supervisors can use to develop and motivate their staff. By encouraging a focused approach to each individual's training/developmental needs, managers can help their employees enhance their job skills and become more effective and productive.  Managers who promote the use of IDPs also send a clear message to their employees that they view each person's professional development as a priority.  After this workshop participants will be able to:

  • Create a personalized individual development plan
  • Know how to find resources necessary to meet their individual development needs
  • Recognize the value of goal setting and development planning in order to fulfill career goals

Who will benefit from this course
All faculty, administrators and staff who would like to learn how to develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) are encouraged to attend. 

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Expense Reimbursement Training

This course offers a comprehensive overview of USD’s Expense Reimbursement Procedures and the essentials on what is an allowable business expense.  We cover topics such as proper documentation, methods of payment and reimbursement methods.  You may find yourself surprised at what you know or don’t know about proper procedures at USD.   Instructors:  Dawn Anderson, Procurement Services Director and Steven Heath, Accounting Analyst and Corporate Card Administrator

Who will benefit from this course:
All Faculty and Administrative employees should attend.  In addition, Staff employees who fill out expense reports either for themselves or others should also attend.

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Bike to work…how to make it happen

Would you like to learn more about biking to work?  Please join Greg Zackowski, a long time USD employee and a ten year bike commuter for an informative discussion on what it takes to bike to work.  Greg is an instructor with the League of American Bicyclists and a Board member with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.  This will be a “brown bag” session so feel free to bring your lunch with you.

Subjects covered include:

  • Route planning
  • Riding with traffic
  • Bike storage
  • Equipment needed

Who will benefit from this course
Anyone who is interested in biking to work and anyone interested in learning more about bike safety. 

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Discovering and Preserving Your Family History: Digital and Traditional Techniques

Please join us for an exciting overview from our panel as they share their techniques and experiences in discovering and preserving family history. Learn how to research, organize, display and present your collection of digital images plus traditional photographs/memorabilia.  Hear tips on resources to help you achieve your memory keeping goals. We hope you will come away inspired to gather your family memories for the benefit of future generations.

Who will benefit from this course
Anyone who is interested in learning tips and techniques to preserve family history with photographs and other cherished memorabilia. 

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Families: Dealing with a Down Economy

This is a great opportunity to learn communication tools to speak with kids and teens regarding the economy, to be encouraged by learning how to handle financial burdens and leave with a HUGE list of FREE family friendly activities in San Diego County.

Who will benefit from this course
All faculty, staff, administrators and student workers who are interested in information on dealing with these issues during challenging economic times. 

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Travel: Dealing with a Down Economy

A slumping economy has left all consumers with at least one benefit; great deals on travel to many destinations around the world, say travel experts. So if a getaway is in the back of your mind, now is a good time to act.  Please join us for a lively, brown bag session and leave with some great tips and resources to plan your next trip.

Who will benefit from this course
All faculty, staff, administrators and student workers who are interested in information on dealing with these issues during challenging economic times. 

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!

Creating a Budget: Dealing with a Down Economy

Creating a budget may not sound like the most exciting thing in the world to do, but it is vital for keeping your finances in order. Learn how to itemize monthly expenses, how to start planning your monthly budget and save for big purchases.  You will be able to show where your money is coming from, how much is there and where it is all going and you will leave with some resources to get your budget started.

Who will benefit from this course
All faculty, staff, administrators and student workers who are interested in information on dealing with these issues during challenging economic times. 

To register for this workshop via e-mail, please click here or call USD Training at X6619.  Thank you!