Queen’s University is set to elevate its professional development offerings with the launch of the 2024-2025 HR Learning Catalogue. The comprehensive catalogue featuring more than 100 diverse options includes a series of in-person and/or virtual workshops as well as certificate programs designed to enhance skills and foster connections among employees across the university. To action results from the Employee Experiences Survey, additional learning and professional development opportunities have been incorporated into this year’s catalogue.

“We are thrilled to offer unique training and development opportunities which have been thoughtfully tailored for Queen’s employees,” says Lisa Walsh, Associate Vice-Principal, Human Resources. “We know that continued investment in our people is critically important, and we strive to make our offerings easily accessible and, in many cases, available at no cost.”

The 2024-2025 catalogue will include new and enhanced programs to support professional growth including: 

• Digital Skills: HTML for Beginners: After a successful pilot over the summer, this stand-alone workshop will be presented as a regular Learning Catalogue offering. It is geared to staff and faculty who are using or plan to use a content management system (such as Queen’s WebPublish) to build and manage a website for Queen’s. All skill levels are welcome!
• Career and Academic Advising Certificate (CAAC):This joint initiative developed by Career Services, the Smith Business Career Centre, and the Faculty of Arts and Science aims to provide employees with competencies to support and coach students in their professional and academic journeys. 
• Manager Learning Series: Designed specifically for managers, these sessions will provide essential tools and strategies to thrive, from mastering effective communication to team building techniques to navigating challenges and fostering a positive work environment.  
• Goal Setting and Performance Dialogue Process (PDP) Preparation: Designed specifically for managers, this workshop will help to start the year off right by setting SMART goals for managers and their direct reports. It will also provide strategies for following up on goals throughout the year. 
• Enhancing Wellbeing and Preventing Burnout (EWPB) Certificate: This certificate program consists of five core courses and is designed to provide managers with strategies to enhance the wellbeing of their team and to prevent burnout.  This program is offered only to managers with direct reports. 

Last year, nearly 1,500 employees participated in the learning catalogue programming, with over 180 successful graduates completing distinct certificate programs. The catalogue also featured the contributions of over 30 Queen’s partnered facilitators from various departments who brought invaluable insights and practical skills to each program. 

Workshops within the catalogue are open to all employees — including staff, faculty, managers, contract workers, casuals, and postdoctoral fellows. Managers are particularly encouraged to support their team members’ participation and professional development, keeping in mind the importance of setting learning and development goals through the Performance Dialogue Process (PDP).  

For a complete list of offerings, and to explore the Learning Catalogue, visit the HR Intranet.