CU Boulder’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is offering weekly wellness seminars in July focused on mental and emotional well being during challenging times. Programs provide practical tools participants can practice and apply to their daily lives.

Wellness Series Seminars

• July 8: Movement as Medicine: Ergonomics for a Healthy Body - Sponsored by Elevations Credit Union
• July 15: How to Cope with Anxiety During a Crisis
• July 21: Leadership in Action: Supporting a psychologically healthy workplace for a remote workforce
• July 27: Work/Life Balance: When working from home has become the new normal

For more information about each program and to register, visit the Self-Care Workshops page.

FSAP is dedicated to serving the emotional and psychological needs of the campus community by providing free services to CU Boulder faculty and staff. To learn more, visit the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program page. 

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  FranklinCovey: The 6 Critical Practices of Leading a Team

Dates: July 7 & 9
Time: 8:30 am-12:30 pm, each day
Virtual Session

Supervisors and managers make a significant impact on employee productivity and engagement, innovation, and performance. They are the creators and carriers of culture for their teams and directly influence whether top talent stays or leaves. Their role has always been tough and today’s realities make the role even tougher. Both new and experienced supervisors and managers can struggle when it comes to excelling at leading teams in today’s workplace. In this course, participants will learn six practices that, when consistently applied, will increase the ability to lead others.

Cost

• If this is your first FranklinCovey course since September 1, 2019: $110 (Cost includes All Access Pass)
• If you have attended one or more FranklinCovey courses since September 1, 2019: No Cost

Facilitator(s): Lisa Nelson, JD, Senior Training and Development Specialist and Alyssa Willet, Training and Development Specialist

  Emotional Intelligence

Dates: July 13 & 20
Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm, each day
Virtual Session

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and your ability to use this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships. EI has been shown to increase job performance, productivity, and personal excellence.

Cost: There is no cost for this course. 

Facilitator(s): Lisa Nelson, JD, Senior Training and Development Specialist and Alyssa Willet, Training and Development Specialist

  Change Management for Managers

Dates: July 14, 15 & 16
​Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm, each day
Virtual Session

Prosci Change Management for Managers provides managers and supervisors with tools and skills to understand change theory, facilitate change processes, and successfully lead teams through change. This workshop is critical for managers whose departments are planning change or in the process of change. Participants receive a comprehensive toolkit and materials.

Cost: $350

Facilitator: Mike Murray, MLIR, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Strategic Initiatives

  FranklinCovey: The 4 Essential Roles of Leadership

Dates: July 22, 29, August 5, 12
​Time: 8:30 am-12:30 pm, each day
Virtual Session

Every day leaders are making countless decisions and facing problems they’ve never encountered before. What worked yesterday can change overnight. The rewards are great for those who can lead a team to consistently achieve extraordinary results. So how can leaders stay ahead of the curve and differentiate themselves and their teams when so much is changing so quickly? The 4 Essential Roles of Leadership develops the roles leaders play that are highly predictive of success.

Cost: 

• If this is your first FranklinCovey course since September 1, 2019: $110 (Cost includes All Access Pass)
• If you have attended one or more FranklinCovey courses since September 1, 2019: No Cost

Facilitator(s): Lauren Harris, MS, CPTM, Training Manager and Lisa Nelson, JD, Senior Training and Development Specialist

  Crucial Conversations

Dates: August 4, 6, 11, 13
​Time: 9:00 am -11:00 am AND 1:00 - 3:00 pm, each day
Virtual Session

Crucial Conversations is a two-day course that teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional, or risky topics – at all levels of the organization. By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you’ll surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions, and then act on your decisions with unity and commitment.

Cost: $250

Facilitator(s): Lauren Harris, MS, CPTM, Training Manager and Alyssa Willet, Training and Development Specialist

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On Tuesday, May 19, the Board of Regents unanimously voted to allow flexibility to Regent Policy 11.E, for employees who have been unable to take vacation due to the coronavirus crisis.  This flexibility allowed for the Chancellor to approve a new maximum of vacation hours that can be retained by an employee before the leave sweep occurs on July 1.  The state personnel board rules were changed through emergency rulemaking, effective April 1, 2020.

For the CU Boulder campus, changes to the leave sweep are as follows:  

University staff and 12-month faculty

• Employees may carry up to 80 hours over maximum – temporary maximum of 432
• Any amount over 432 hours will be swept on July 1, 2020
• On July 1, 2021, the leave sweeps will bring anyone over the maximum back to 352 hours.  
• Under no circumstances will an employee be paid over the maximum 352 hours upon separation from the university.
• Per APS 5062 (https://www.cu.edu/ope/aps/5062), supervisors can approve or deny vacation requests:  “Upon approval by the supervisor, vacation may be taken after the close of the pay period in which the leave is earned.”

Classified Staff 

• Employee may carry up to 80 hours over the maximum
  • 1 through 5 years – temporary maximum is 272 hours
  • 6 through 10 years – temporary maximum is 320 hours
  • 11 through 15 years – temporary maximum is 368 hours
  • 16 years and above – temporary maximum is 416 hours
• Any amount over the temporary maximum will be swept on July 1, 2020.
• On July 1, 2021, the leave sweep will bring anyone over the maximum back to correct maximum accrual based on length of service:
  • 1 through 5 years – maximum is 192 hours 
  • 6 through 10 years – maximum is 240 hours 
  • 11 through 15 years – maximum is 288 hours 
  • 16 years and above – maximum is 336 hours 
• Under no circumstances will an employee be paid over the original maximum hours (not temporary maximum hours) upon separation from the university.
• Per State Personnel Board Rules 5-4, supervisors can approve or deny vacation requests:  “Annual leave is for an employee’s personal needs and use is subject to the approval of the appointing authority.”

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We were all thrust into a new world of leading others virtually due to COVID-19. Our daily personal and professional lives were upended. Along with a new way of working and living came the added challenge of learning to lead teams in a virtual environment amid a pandemic. Over the past nine weeks, there have been hard conversations, dramatic changes to operations and lessons learned on leading others during this time. This article focuses on sharing six thoughts on leading virtual teams right now.

Managing direct reports is different.

Check-in’s need to be more frequent in a virtual environment. Connecting with your direct reports for 30 minutes once or twice a week will allow you to stay connected to the needs of your team, provide resources and support, and keep project and work momentum moving. 

Flexibility is essential.

With the home now being the office, the classroom, and the playroom, employees need more support and flexibility. Employees are in a variety of physical and psychological states. Some are doing okay, some are not. Some have adequate resources and support, some do not. Some are caregivers in their homes, some are living alone and coping with isolation. Meet the individuals on your team where they are. For example, a parent may need time to homeschool their child during the middle of the day. Focus on supporting people and producing results and not when the work gets done.

Zoom fatigue is real.

Nonstop video meetings can quickly sap valuable energy that could be better put to projects and solving problems. Schedule breaks between video meetings to reset the mind, rest the eyes, and enable sustained energy - encourage your employees to do the same. Hold some meetings via phone and walk while you talk.

Inclusion is vital.

As a CU Boulder core value, it is vital that we maintain our commitment to inclusion while working remotely. Use these strategies to intentionally build an inclusive team culture. 1.    

• Create accessible content. Ensure virtual materials are accessible, mobile friendly, and shared before, during and after meetings, trainings and events. Need help with accessible materials? Review the accessible resources page. 
• Use alternative engagement strategies. Consider employees’ circumstances when setting expectations for engagement. Do they have adequate internet? Can they participate via phone? What is the best time of day to engage given other responsibilities such as childcare? 
• Be aware of how different identities and communities are impacted. Mental health, physical and psychological safety, resources and support, and competing priorities are impacting people differently. Educate yourself on these differences.
• Ask employees how they like to be included. Inclusion and belonging are specific to individuals. One helpful strategy is to ask employees how they like to be included.
• Know your resources. Familiarize yourself with campus resources to support your supervisory needs in this virtual and pandemic environment. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the supervisor resources located on the COVID-19 HR Guidance Page.

Vulnerability is humanizing.

Check-in with your team to understand their experience and how you can be supportive. Be honest about your own experience. This will give them implicit permission that they can do the same – better yet, explicitly encourage them to do so. Be informed about the resources available to you and your employees. Looking for a different question to ask other than ‘how are you doing?’. Check out this .  

Focusing on work drives purpose.

It is easy to feel lost during times of uncertainty. Supervisors can help employees feel more connected by focusing them on purposeful work. Collaboratively, identify short term (one to three months) goals with each of your direct reports. Commitment to producing outcomes that continue to support students, faculty and staff will aid in providing clarity and control during times of disruption. 

Lauren Harris is the training and development manager for CU Boulder. For information about training opportunities in HR, visit: /hr/learning-development/employee-learning.

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Employee Management and Compliance Essentials (EMCE) provides a comprehensive overview for managers and supervisors of legal guidelines, campus policies, and CU-Boulder practices related to employee management and development. This blended learning opportunity will include both self-paced and live online sessions. The live-online sessions include interactive workshops on performance management and addressing discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The self-paced online modules, ranging from ten to thirty minutes in length, cover essential topics in managing people including hiring and compensation processes, the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), progressive discipline processes, and policy framework at CU Boulder.

Learners can expect a participatory online environment including engaging in break out rooms, sharing in pairs and small groups, reflection activities, and responding to questions in the chat function of Zoom.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is for anyone who supervises professional staff at the University.

Upcoming Sessions

Blended Series One

• Live Online Zoom Sessions: June 10 & June 30: 9-11am & 2:30-4pm each day, Zoom
• Online Self-Paced Module Work: Between June 10 and June 30

Blended Series Two

• Live Online Zoom Sessions: July 8 & July 30: 9-11am & 2:30-4pm, each day, Zoom
• Online Self-Paced Module Work: Between July 8 and July 30

Instructors

The blended course is taught by OED Trainers and HR/Campus Subject Matter Experts.

Cost

There is no cost for this course.

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CU employees are eligible to meet virtually or over the phone with financial professionals from the university’s retirement plan service provider Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) at no cost. Discuss any financial issue—from everyday budgeting to managing debt and (of course) retirement planning.

You can meet with a consultant by at 1-800-732-8353 or .

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Workplace Relaxation Toolkit: Chair Yoga, Breathing and Nervous System Regulation Practices

Stress is neither inherently good nor bad; yet stress can create physical, mental, and/or emotional tension. Stress is how our body responds to pressures, responsibilities, and threats (regardless of if they are real or imagined). The workplace is filled with potential stressors—interactions with colleagues, responsibilities and deadlines. This workshop is intended to provide practical tools to help mitigate stress. Participants can expect a combination of lecture and discussion about nervous system regulation and its relevance to the workplace.

Additionally, participants will experience a guided, gentle chair yoga session, including breathing techniques and mindfulness practices — all of which can be done conveniently at your current remote working location/home and eventually back at our work places. Please wear comfortable clothes to assure flexibility and movement.

Date: Apr. 2  - Virtual: Zoom
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Understand how stress affects their minds and bodies
• Identify potential stressors at work
• Utilize breathing and movement practices to help promote relaxation and reduce stress responses at work
• Apply self-regulation tools in the workplace

&�Բ�����;​Who should attend

This workshop is intended for any CU Boulder faculty or staff member who wants to learn more about how to build a relaxation toolkit for the workplace.

Cost: There is not cost to attend. 

Meet the Facilitator: Meredith Lopez, MA, LPC​

The Power of Laughter

Laughter helps to reduce stress by providing a boost to the immune system and enhancing brain chemistry through the release of serotonin and endorphins. Creating more self-induced boosts of serotonin can help enhance one’s ability to tolerate stress. Participants will learn how humor can be an effective means of dealing with overwhelming emotions and learn how to incorporate more humor into our lives.

Date: Apr. 22  - Virtual: Zoom
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Describe how humor affects mood and the immune system
• Identify the body’s chemical reaction to laughter
• Utilize humor to support the body’s stress response to everyday issues

Who should attend

This workshop is intended for any CU Boulder faculty or staff member who wants to learn more about how humor can help with mood, physiology and mental functioning.

Cost: There is not cost to attend. 

Meet the Facilitator: Meredith Lopez, MA, LPC​

The Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is dedicated to serving the emotional and psychological needs of the campus community. All FSAP staff are trained as generalist counselors and are equipped to deal with a wide range of personal and work related issues.

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Date: Friday, Mar. 20
Time: 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. 
Location: East Campus, ARC 620 

If you find yourself saying….How do I talk to…?  I’m lost in the bureaucracy….  Am I misreading this situation?  What are my options?  Ombuds can help!  Join the Ombuds Office for an informative session discussing the role of the Ombuds at University of Colorado Boulder and the services they provide staff, faculty and students. Bring your lunch and join other new employees to learn from Liz Hill, Associate Ombuds for the CU Boulder campus.

At the end of the session, participants will understand:

• Understand the unique role of the Organizational Ombuds 
• Learn how the Ombuds Office operates and the services Ombuds provides
• Identify how Ombuds can help you and the organization  

What is the CU Discover Series? 

The CU Discover series is a component of the comprehensive, year-long onboarding program offered to new employees at CU Boulder. The series offers opportunities to learn more about the values, mission, operations and initiatives of the CU Boulder campus.  

CU Discover elective sessions are held over the lunch hour once a month. Attendees are invited to bring a lunch for these interactive, informative sessions. Learn more about the CU Discover Series. 

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  March

7 Habits of Highly Effective People 

• Date: March 4 & 6
• Time: 8:30 to 5:00 p.m. each day
• Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 346

Habits are powerful forces in our lives. They determine our level of effectiveness or ineffectiveness. The purpose of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is to help you lead your life in a truly effective way. They represent a proven process of personal and interpersonal growth that can have an immediate and lasting impact. As relevant today as when Stephen R. Covey first wrote them, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is based on principles of effectiveness that endure.    

  If this is your first FranklinCovey course since September 1, 2019: $145 (Cost includes All Access Pass); if you have attended one or more FranklinCovey courses since September 1, 2019: $35. 

Wills and Trusts 101-Uncommon Solutions to Common Problems

• Date: Mar. 4
• Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: FLEM bldg., Rm 178

If you think estate planning is only for the rich and famous, think again. Asset planning can help you distribute your assets according to your wishes and the needs of your survivors, while minimizing taxes. Participants will be able to describe the importance of estate planning, identify the necessary actions to distribute assets according to your wishes while minimizing taxes and define will and trust terms in order to protect your legacy.

There is not cost to attend. This workshop is hosted by the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program and sponsored by Elevations Credit Union. 

Kurt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Western American History with Honors from Stanford University, and he graduated from Northwestern School of Law, Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon with honors. He successfully completed the Advanced Estate Planning courses from the American College en route to obtaining the Charted Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations. He is also an Accredited Estate Planner.

Kurt is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, a member of the board of directors of the Boulder County Bar Association (Business and Estate & Tax Sections), the Boulder County Estate Planning Council, and the Boulder Chamber of Commerce. Kurt worked at the Oregon Department of Justice for the Credit & Bankruptcy and Charitable Activities Sections before moving back to Colorado. Kurt was born in and grew up in Boulder, attending Arapahoe Elementary, Douglass Elementary, Platt Junior High, and Fairview High. He and his wife and associate Linda, also an attorney, live in Louisville and enjoy their daughter and son, music, skiing, and good literature.

CliftonStrengths for Faculty & Staff 

• Date: March 11
• Time: 9:00am - 11:30pm
• Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 346

CliftonStrengths™ Introduction seminar provides an opportunity for CU Boulder employees to identify their natural talents by taking the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. During this interactive workshop participants will learn to develop their talents into strengths. These strengths will allow participants to continue developing in their career and enhance working relationships.This course is intended for individuals at all levels of the organization who would benefit from having a deeper understanding of their individual talents and continuing to develop in a way that contributes exponentially to their work and team.

   There is a one-time $12 assessment fee to take the CliftonStrengths assessment. There is no cost to attend the workshops once you have taken the assessment. However, taking the assessment once is required to attend the workshops. 

New Employee Welcome Experience 

• Date: Mar. 12
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
• -If full, register for next open session. 

The New Employee Welcome Experience is the first event in a comprehensive, year-long onboarding experience designed to increase the understanding of CU Boulder’s culture, organizational structure and governance, operations, learning mission, values and campus initiatives. The program is offered to new, permanent employees in their first 12-18 months of employment. The day-long New Employee Welcome Experience event will orient new employees to CU Boulder. The event starts at Old Main in the historic heart of campus, where participants begin to develop their understanding of what it means to be a member of the CU Boulder community. The day includes a two-hour walking tour of campus and a one-hour bus tour broken into two portions throughout the day. Lunch is provided by Elevations Credit Union.

Emotional Intelligence

• Date: Mar. 16 & 23;
• Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 346

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and your ability to use this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships. EI has been shown to increase job performance, productivity, and personal excellence. Come to this 2-week series to explore this important ability and gain skills to improve your own emotional intelligence. This is a 2 week series. Participants are asked to participate in both weeks. 

Workplace Relaxation Toolkit: Chair Yoga, Breathing and Nervous System Regulation Practices

• Date: Mar. 19
• Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: UMC 386

Stress is neither inherently good nor bad; yet stress can create physical, mental, and/or emotional tension. Stress is how our body responds to pressures, responsibilities, and threats (regardless of if they are real or imagined). The workplace is filled with potential stressors—interactions with colleagues, responsibilities and deadlines. This workshop is intended to provide practical tools to help mitigate stress. Participants can expect a combination of lecture and discussion about nervous system regulation and its relevance to the workplace. Additionally, participants will experience a guided, gentle chair yoga session, including breathing techniques and mindfulness practices — all of which can be done conveniently at your desk. Please wear comfortable clothes (work clothes are fine as long as they have some flexibility, i.e. avoid skirts or tight pants). 

There is not cost to attend. 

Meridith Antonucci, FSAP intern, holds a Bachelor of Arts, Sociology where she graduated in May 2013 from Colorado College. She is currently working on her Master of Arts in progress, Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Somatic Counseling with expected graduation in May 2020 from Naropa University. She has additional training in Motivational Interviewing, Suicide Intervention Skills Training and as a Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200, RYT 500). She has been engaged in serving others in some form for over a decade through teaching yoga publicly and privately as well as working as a social policy analyst. Directly in the mental health field, Meridith previously worked at a children’s residential crisis center where she facilitated individual and family therapy sessions. Meridith is passionate about movement in any form – yoga, skiing, working out, hiking, and dancing. She also enjoys travelling and cooking delicious food with her wife. 

CU Discover Series: Who? Who are the Ombuds and Why Should I Care?

• Date: Friday, Mar. 20
• Time: 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. 
• Location: East Campus, Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 620

If you find yourself saying….How do I talk to…?  I’m lost in the bureaucracy….  Am I misreading this situation?  What are my options?  Ombuds can help!  Join the Ombuds Office for an informative session discussing the role of the Ombuds at University of Colorado Boulder and the services they provide staff, faculty and students. Bring your lunch and join other new employees to learn from Liz Hill, Associate Ombuds for the CU Boulder campus.

  April 

How To Get The Most from Your Real Estate Team

• Date: Apr. 1
• Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: East Campus, Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 620

Buying and selling property can be rife with nuance, detail, and stress. What you need is a team of professionals to help navigate through all the options, decisions, pitfalls, negotiations, and the always anticipated unexpected. The primary members of that team are the mortgage loan officer and real estate agent. In this workshop, participants will discuss how to work with the mortgage office and realtor and how to maximize the benefits from these relationships.

There is not cost to attend. This workshop is hosted by the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program and sponsored by Elevations Credit Union. 

Aaron has been involved in real estate since 2006, first as a licensed Real Estate Agent and for the last 10 years on the mortgage lending side. Aaron is consistently ranked among the top producing loan officers not only in Colorado but also nationally. His passion lies in the education of our membership, and with his vast experience in real estate, he is uniquely qualified to assist our members with every kind of purchase and refinance transaction. Aaron received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy with a minor in ecological and evolutionary biology from CU Boulder in 2008. He has been in Colorado for over 30 years and is a volunteer diver at the Denver Aquarium on the weekends.

New Moms Group

The New Mom’s Group is a six week interactive series. New moms and moms-to-be come together to discuss the particular challenges of being a new mother, share ideas with one another and offer support. This workshop is intended for staff/faculty who will be new moms and mothers-to-be who can also commit to a six weeks series. There is not cost to attend. 

Six week commitment:

Date: Apr.1, Apr. 8, Apr. 15
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Room: CASE Bldg. Rm W313

Date: Apr. 22
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Room: CASE Bldg, E351

Date: Apr. 29, May 6
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Room: CASE Bldg. Rm W313

Paulette Erickson England, holds a Masters of Social Work and currently directs the FSAP office in addition to being a full time clinician. Her professional counseling and social work experience include 10 years in county social work in child welfare, supervision, client counseling and advocacy; 6 years in private practice providing counseling to individuals, families, and couples; and 7+ years at FSAP providing counseling, work-life presentations, support groups, clinical internship supervision and program coordination. Outside of FSAP, she spends time with her family, including her 2 children. She also enjoys music, continuing education in her field, participating in sprint distance triathlons, hiking, and writing.

Workplace Relaxation Toolkit: Chair Yoga, Breathing and Nervous System Regulation Practices

• Date: Apr. 2
• Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: UMC 386

Stress is neither inherently good nor bad; yet stress can create physical, mental, and/or emotional tension. Stress is how our body responds to pressures, responsibilities, and threats (regardless of if they are real or imagined). The workplace is filled with potential stressors—interactions with colleagues, responsibilities and deadlines. This workshop is intended to provide practical tools to help mitigate stress. Participants can expect a combination of lecture and discussion about nervous system regulation and its relevance to the workplace. Additionally, participants will experience a guided, gentle chair yoga session, including breathing techniques and mindfulness practices — all of which can be done conveniently at your desk. Please wear comfortable clothes (work clothes are fine as long as they have some flexibility, i.e. avoid skirts or tight pants).  There is not cost to attend. 

Meridith Antonucci, FSAP intern, holds a Bachelor of Arts, Sociology where she graduated in May 2013 from Colorado College. She is currently working on her Master of Arts in progress, Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Somatic Counseling with expected graduation in May 2020 from Naropa University. She has additional training in Motivational Interviewing, Suicide Intervention Skills Training and as a Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200, RYT 500). She has been engaged in serving others in some form for over a decade through teaching yoga publicly and privately as well as working as a social policy analyst. Directly in the mental health field, Meridith previously worked at a children’s residential crisis center where she facilitated individual and family therapy sessions. Meridith is passionate about movement in any form – yoga, skiing, working out, hiking, and dancing. She also enjoys travelling and cooking delicious food with her wife. 

New Employee Welcome Experience 

• Date: Apr. 9
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
•  -If full, register for next open session. 

The New Employee Welcome Experience is the first event in a comprehensive, year-long onboarding experience designed to increase the understanding of CU Boulder’s culture, organizational structure and governance, operations, learning mission, values and campus initiatives. The program is offered to new, permanent employees in their first 12-18 months of employment. The day-long New Employee Welcome Experience event will orient new employees to CU Boulder. The event starts at Old Main in the historic heart of campus, where participants begin to develop their understanding of what it means to be a member of the CU Boulder community. The day includes a two-hour walking tour of campus and a one-hour bus tour broken into two portions throughout the day. Lunch is provided by Elevations Credit Union.

CU Discover Series: Higher Ed: A Whole Different Animal 

• Date: Apr. 17
• Time: 12:00 to 12:45 p.m.
• Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 620

The CU Discover series is a component of the comprehensive, year-long onboarding program offered to new employees at CU Boulder. What makes higher education different from other types of organizations and industries? What are the different employee “cultures” in an institution of higher education and what do they value? How are decisions made in higher ed? What do we mean by shared governance? Why does it take so long to get things done? These and many other questions about working in an institution of higher education will be answered in the October CU Discover lunch and learn program. Attendees are invited to bring a lunch for these interactive, informative sessions.

The Power of Laughter

• Date: Apr. 22
• Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: UMC 384

Laughter helps to reduce stress by providing a boost to the immune system and enhancing brain chemistry through the release of serotonin and endorphins. Creating more self-induced boosts of serotonin can help enhance one’s ability to tolerate stress. Participants will learn how humor can be an effective means of dealing with overwhelming emotions and learn how to incorporate more humor into our lives.

This workshop is intended for any CU Boulder faculty or staff member who wants to learn more about how humor can help with mood, physiology and mental functioning. There is not cost to attend. 

Meredith Lopez, FSAP clinician, holds her Masters in Counseling Psychology & Counseling Education (EAP focus) from CU Denver and a Bachelor Degree in Social Science from the University of Northern Colorado. She has served and worked in my community for numerous years within the mental health and academic fields. At the university level she has mentored and guiding college students as an academic advisor at both the undergraduate and graduate level. In her private practice, she has counseled clients with career and life transitions, stress management, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. This has also included volunteer counseling for Warren Village and Safe House Denver. She also enjoyed facilitating group sessions for counselors in training and with court mandated clients running alcohol and drug relapse/recovery groups. Outside of FSAP, Meredith spends time with her family, including her partner and dog, Pup. She also enjoys being outdoors, cooking and gardening. She has a passion for any type of travel; especially international, which centers around her love of anything food. She also appreciates a good belly laugh!

Crucial Conversations

• Dates: Apr. 28, 30, May 5, May 7
• Time: 8:30 - 12:30 each day 
• Location: dministrative & Research Center (ARC) 346

Crucial Conversations is a two-day course that teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional, or risky topics – at all levels of the organization.  By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you’ll surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions, and then act on your decisions with unity and commitment.

   $250 

Crucial Accountability 

• Dates: Apr. 21
• Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
• Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 346

Building on the skills taught in Crucial Conversations, Crucial Accountability teaches a step-by-step process for identifying and resolving performance gaps, strengthening accountability, eliminating inconsistency, and reducing resentment. This course teaches: 

• Performance accountability - Participants learn how to talk about expectations in a way that yields two-way accountability and allows further progress to be made.
• How to accelerate problem solving - Consistent application of the skills leads to faster problem solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
• How to improve relationships & productivity - When issues are resolved and focus is restored, productivity increases, relationships are strengthened, and high-performance cultures are formed.

  There is a $180 materials fee.

  May

New Employee Welcome Experience 

• Date: May 14
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
•   -If full, register for next open session. ​�ċ

The New Employee Welcome Experience is the first event in a comprehensive, year-long onboarding experience designed to increase the understanding of CU Boulder’s culture, organizational structure and governance, operations, learning mission, values and campus initiatives. The program is offered to new, permanent employees in their first 12-18 months of employment. The day-long New Employee Welcome Experience event will orient new employees to CU Boulder. The event starts at Old Main in the historic heart of campus, where participants begin to develop their understanding of what it means to be a member of the CU Boulder community. The day includes a two-hour walking tour of campus and a one-hour bus tour broken into two portions throughout the day. Lunch is provided by Elevations Credit Union.

CU Discover Series: Demystifying Academic Traditions and Regalia
 

• Date: Friday, May 15
• Time: 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
• Location: East Campus, Administrative Research Center 620 

Gowns, hoods, and tassels, oh my! In this session, we will demystify academic traditions.The history and symbolic significance of academic dress and ceremonies will be discussed.Topics will include the differences between academic gowns, colors, hoods and other elements of dress. Traditional academic ceremonies and their significance will also be discussed. Presented by Merna Jacobsen, PhD.: Asst. Vice Chancellor & Deputy Chief HR Officer, and Director of Organization and Employee Development, Department of Human �ƹ���Ƶ. 

Emotional Intelligence

• Date: May 28 & June 4
• Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 346

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize and understand emotions in yourself and others, and your ability to use this awareness to manage your behavior and relationships. EI has been shown to increase job performance, productivity, and personal excellence. Come to this 2-week series to explore this important ability and gain skills to improve your own emotional intelligence. This is a 2 week series. Participants are asked to participate in both weeks. 

  June

CliftonStrengths™ for Faculty & Staff 

• Date: June 9
• Time: 9:00am - 11:30pm
• Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 346

CliftonStrengths™ Introduction seminar provides an opportunity for CU Boulder employees to identify their natural talents by taking the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. During this interactive workshop participants will learn to develop their talents into strengths. These strengths will allow participants to continue developing in their career and enhance working relationships.This course is intended for individuals at all levels of the organization who would benefit from having a deeper understanding of their individual talents and continuing to develop in a way that contributes exponentially to their work and team.

   There is a one-time $12 assessment fee to take the CliftonStrengths assessment. There is no cost to attend the workshops once you have taken the assessment. However, taking the assessment once is required to attend the workshops. 

CliftonStrengths™ in Supervision for Faculty and Staff 

• Date: June 9
• Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• Location: ARC 346

conducted by Gallup, managers and supervisors account for at least 70% variance in employee engagement scores. With less than one-third of Americans engaged in their jobs in any given year, it’s important for supervisors to maintain consistent communication with their employees and help them develop through their strengths. Attend this interactive session to understand how to apply supervision strengths-based supervision strategies, create a culture of trust and conversation built around what people do best and create a shared language to discuss progress, evaluations, and employee successes.

  $0 - Participants should have previously taken Clifton Strengths at CU Boulder at elsewhere. You must know your top 5 strengths and be able to access your previous results through Gallup to bring them to the workshop.

New Employee Welcome Experience 

• Date:  Jun. 11
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
•   -If full, register for next open session. ​�ċ

The New Employee Welcome Experience is the first event in a comprehensive, year-long onboarding experience designed to increase the understanding of CU Boulder’s culture, organizational structure and governance, operations, learning mission, values and campus initiatives. The program is offered to new, permanent employees in their first 12-18 months of employment. The day-long New Employee Welcome Experience event will orient new employees to CU Boulder. The event starts at Old Main in the historic heart of campus, where participants begin to develop their understanding of what it means to be a member of the CU Boulder community. The day includes a two-hour walking tour of campus and a one-hour bus tour broken into two portions throughout the day. Lunch is provided by Elevations Credit Union.

Crucial Conversations

• Date: June 16 & 17
• Time: 8:30am - 4:30 pm each day
• Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 346

Crucial Conversations is a two-day course that teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional, or risky topics – at all levels of the organization.  By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you’ll surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions, and then act on your decisions with unity and commitment.

   $250 

CU Discover Series: CU Environmental Center
 

• Date: Friday, Jun. 19
• Time: 12:00 - 12:45 p.m.
• Location: East Campus, Administrative Research Center 620

Did you know CU has a long history as a leader in campus sustainability and “green” practices? Do you have questions about zero waste, campus energy and transportation? As a new employee, you play a key role in CU’s continuing innovation and leadership on sustainability. Come learn about sustainability on campus and all the many ways you can join the effort! This session will cover information regarding CU’s leadership on sustainability efforts, the many ways to get involved, (from the simple and easy, to the more committed), and resources available to campus employees regarding sustainability. The departments and initiatives that play a role in campus sustainability will be highlighted.

CliftonStrengths™ in One-on-One Conversations 

• Date: June 19
• Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
• Location: ARC 346

This interactive CliftonStrengths in one-on-one conversations will expand participants’ knowledge of all 34 talents to become champions to strengths in others.  Participants will learn the fundamentals of holding a successful one-on-one strengths-based conversation. Skills practiced in this workshop will help participants hold conversations with peers, teams or employees to help them aim their talents to accomplish a specific goal.

  $0 - Participants should have previously taken Clifton Strengths at CU Boulder at elsewhere. You must know your top 5 strengths and be able to access your previous results through Gallup to bring them to the workshop.

Project Management Essentials: For the Unofficial Project Manager

• Date: June 24
• Time: 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 346

  If this is your first FranklinCovey course since September 1, 2019: $145 (Cost includes All Access Pass); if you have attended one or more FranklinCovey courses since September 1, 2019: $35. 

When a project is poorly navigated and falls short of budget and timeline goals, it can cost you more than just money, it can cause irreparable damage to reputation, confidence, and client trust. The answer isn’t just dedicated project managers, but instilling your entire team at every level with project management abilities. For guaranteeing project management success, we’ve studied and learned from the Accredited Project Management Institute (PMI). Distilling their robust processes, we’ve blended their techniques with FranklinCovey’s 30 years of experience and timeless principles to equip people with the skills for consistent project success.

Crucial Accountability 

• Dates: June 29
• Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
• Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC) 346

Building on the skills taught in Crucial Conversations, Crucial Accountability teaches a step-by-step process for identifying and resolving performance gaps, strengthening accountability, eliminating inconsistency, and reducing resentment. This course teaches: 

• Performance accountability - Participants learn how to talk about expectations in a way that yields two-way accountability and allows further progress to be made.
• How to accelerate problem solving - Consistent application of the skills leads to faster problem solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
• How to improve relationships & productivity - When issues are resolved and focus is restored, productivity increases, relationships are strengthened, and high-performance cultures are formed.

  There is a $180 materials fee.

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