Queen’s is dedicated to providing meaningful development opportunities for employees throughout their time at the university.

Key to the effort are the certificate programs offered by Human Resources, which recently hosted a graduation celebration to recognize the 85 staff members who completed one or more of the programs.

One of those graduates was Kim Gudlauski, Undergraduate Assistant at the Dan School of Drama and Music, who completed the Administrative Professionals @ Queen’s and Queen’s Volunteer Engagement certificates. Previously she had also completed the Certificate in Workplace Communications.

When she first arrived at Queen’s it was suggested that she take a look at the programs. As she reviewed the certificates she saw the value in the skills and learning opportunities on offer.

“I really enjoy going to each session as there is often an ‘A-ha’ moment in each of them,” Ms. Gudlauski explains. “Each certificate gave me something new to practice in my own workspace, whether it be dealing with difficult situations, or how to properly acknowledge someone for their efforts.”

This year a total of 85 staff members successfully completed one of the six certificates offered by Human Resources – Administrative Professionals at Queen's Certificate (APAQ), Administrative Professionals @ Queen's Master Certificate (APAQM), Certificate in International Perspectives (CIP), Certificate in Workplace Communications (CWC), From Diversity to Inclusion in the Workplace (DIW), and Queen's Volunteer Engagement Certificate (QVEC).

The certificate programs are designed to help employees achieve their professional goals. Human Resources worked with 14 departments and 42 facilitators to offer the programs.

“Our certificate programs help us connect with staff whose professional development often depends on the Learning Catalogue offerings, and also with talented colleagues from across campus who help facilitate many of our workshops,” says Marie Doherty, Director, Client Services and Organizational Development and Learning, Human Resources. “These partnerships allow for high-calibre training that is also cost-effective for the university. It’s great to hear the many positive stories from our graduates; we look forward to more Queen’s community members taking advantage of these valuable learning opportunities.”

In addition, Human Resources offers a wide range of professional development opportunities for employees to enhance their competencies and to build networks with fellow staff members across the university.

The Human Resources Learning Catalogue offers a variety of workshops and wellness programs that any Queen’s staff member can sign up for online. In the past year a total of 1,178 staff members attended the 80+ workshops, 23 fitness classes, as well as a variety of Lunch & Learn sessions.

The 2018-19 Learning Catalogue will be launched at the end of August; visit the Human Resources website to view a full list of offerings.