Professional Development Programs

Who should attend: Since the program is not based on a certification, previous HR experience is not required. The program is a great opportunity for entry-level HR professionals who are exploring HR as a career field such as line managers who have HR responsibilities and staffing specialists whose experience has been in a single functional area.

This program will be offered in the fall of 2008. Call the Williamsport Continuing Education office at 570-322-5771 to be notified when dates and more information becomes available.

Next course: Fall 2008
Call the Williamsport office or send an e-mail to psu4you@outreach.psu.edu to ask to be notified when the course dates and locations are announced.

Williamsport
July 19, 20, 26, 27, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Course fee: $258 per person
(Please note: This fee does not cover the cost of any textbooks required for the course.) 
Contact the Williamsport Office

Real Estate Practice RE 5017A is an introduction to all facets of the real estate business, including a survey of areas of specialization, with emphasis on the role of a real estate agent in residential brokerage. Examination of a real estate transaction is designed to provide a working knowledge of the forms and documents used, and the related materials.

State College
May 31, June 1, 7, 8, 9:00 a.m. –4:30 p.m.
Room 067 Willard Building, University Park
Course fee: $299 per person
(Please note: This fee does not cover the cost of any textbooks required for the course.)

Williamsport
August 16, 17, 23, 24, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Course fee: $258 per person
(Please note: This fee does not cover the cost of any textbooks required for the course.)
Contact the Williamsport Office  

April 22, 8:30–11:30 a.m. in Williamsport
June 5, 8:30 a.m.–noon  in State College
June 9, 8:30 a.m.–noon in Lewistown

Treating others with respect in the workplace is crucial to individual, group, and organizational success. When it happens, organizations can flourish. Failure to communicate respectfully can cause productivity declines, higher work-related stress levels, and increased employee turnover. In this program you can learn how to seek mutual understanding, use inclusive rather than exclusive language, be polite and courteous, and maintain composure and professionalism in difficult interactions.

Program Outline:
The importance of respectful communication
Inclusive communication
Conditions that foster disrespect
Valuing your co-workers
Achieving understanding between communicators
Being respectful in high-stress situations
Listening in a respectful way
Building a more respectful workplace
Promoting civility
Shaping the organizational climate to promote respect

Course fee: $179 open enrollment, or $149 for Manufacturer's Association of Central Pennsylvania members

SAT Math
Mon–Wed, August 4–6, 9:00 a.m.–noon
SAT Verbal
Mon–Wed, August 11 –13, 9:00 a.m.–noon

Course fee: The fee for each three-day course is $120 per person plus textbook and practice.
Contact the Williamsport Office

Supervision Essentials Series
a leadership competency program for new and upcoming frontline supervisors

The Supervision Essentials Series focuses on developing practical skills in four key areas related to successfully supervising and leading today’s individuals and teams. It provides an excellent opportunity for newer supervisors, as well as those looking to advance to a supervisory position, to move beyond the “basics” to a better grasp of supervisory skills and competencies. You can customize the series by selecting the courses that are most relevant to your work environment.
—Convenient half-day sessions
—Class size of 20, or fewer, participating as a group through the entire program
—Time between sessions to allow for application of concepts in the workplace
—Certificate from Penn State awarded upon completion
—One CEU (Continuing Education Unit) awarded for every ten hours of instruction
—Online materials for flexible delivery of content

Program Schedule
Course 1: Supervisory Roles and Responsibilities (MDEV 6000)
Module 1: Meeting Supervisory Responsibilities
Module 2: Communicating Effectively
Module 3: Building Work Relationships
Module 4: Leading Others
Thursdays, March 6–27, 3:00–6:30 p.m. (will be offered again in fall 2008)

Course 2: Managing Employee Performance (MDEV 6001)
Module 1: Setting the Stage for Excellent Performance
Module 2: Clarifying Expectations and Observing Performance
Module 3: Coaching and Providing Feedback
Module 4: Dealing with Challenging Performance Situations
Thursdays, April 3–24, 3:00–6:30 p.m.

Course 3: Solving Problems and Managing Priorities (MDEV 6002)
Module 1: Managing Time and Priorities
Module 2: Solving Problems
Module 3: Resolving Conflicts
Module 4: Supervising Projects
Thursdays, May 1–22, 3:00–6:30 p.m.

Course 4: Developing Individuals and Teams (MDEV 6010)
Module 1: Interviewing and Selecting Employees
Module 2: Developing Employees
Module 3: Developing a Team
Module 4: Building a Positive Work Climate
Thursdays, May 29 and June 19, 3:00–6:30 p.m.

Course fee and grants
The tuition is $645 per course for single enrollment and $525 per course for multiple company enrollments. It includes all program materials. Grant funds may be available to eligible companies.
Contact the Williamsport Office

Workplace Ethics

August 5, 8:30 a.m.–noon in State College
August 26, 8:30 a.m.–noon in Lewistown

Today, organizations compete globally for customers, and having a competitive edge depends on the honesty and integrity of the company and its employees. The public wants to do business with organizations that can be trusted, and employees want to work for organizations that have a reputation for treating individuals with respect and fairness. This program is designed to help you promote ethical behavior in your organization, incorporate ethics training into your development programs, and know what to do when you encounter unethical behavior.

Course fee: $179