Staff Training Opportunities
There are plenty of training opportunities and resources available for University of Rochester employees to develop professional skill sets and get ahead. Explore some of these opportunities below.
Diversity and inclusion training
We strive to have a workplace that cultivates an equitable, respectful, and welcoming culture for everyone. The Office of Equity and Inclusion offers training and educational programs throughout the year.
Explore training opportunities
MyPath
Online trainings in MyPath cover a range of topics, from time management, to communication skills, and more.
Many sessions are available on-demand, while others are live sessions held at a particular time.
Be sure to check out the many online courses featured in our learning bundles, called playlists, which can be found under the MyLearning tab in your MyPath account.
Log into MyPath to start learning
Instructor-led staff development classes
Details for these sessions, including location dates, times, and registration, are in MyPath unless otherwise noted.
These classes are offered virtually by an instructor. For the best learning experience, joining these sessions with a computer equipped with audio and video is recommended. If this equipment is not available, computer access for video and audio by telephone is suggested.
If you have questions about any of these classes, please contact learninganddevelopment@urmc.rochester.edu.
Learn more about some of the upcoming staff development courses in the drop-downs below.
Building emotional intelligence can have a positive impact on your life. Emotional intelligence is an important set of skills that helps us recognize and manage emotions – not just in ourselves but also in others. Emotionally intelligent employees tend to have a positive outlook on the work they do, which increases motivation and boosts productivity. Practicing emotional intelligence can decrease workplace conflict as well as feelings of burnout. This course will cover the four domains of Emotional Intelligence, along with strategies for developing these skills and how to apply them to daily experiences.
A simple glance at the desks of various colleagues reveals different organizational and time management practices. In this program participants will learn how to increase personal effectiveness by identifying challenges to time management in the office and how to remove those challenges.
The course will also cover the effects that “time robbers” have on day-to-day work and the group will work together to brainstorm solutions.
A cluttered email inbox—filled with old, unopened or unimportant messages—will not only frustrate you, it may prevent you from maximizing your time and distract you from other priorities. This course is designed to provide you with a variety of strategies using Outlook functionality to manage your email. Some of these strategies include: setting up folders, creating rules, and other techniques to help you stay organized and out of “email jail.”
As we are having less face-to-face contact in the ever-increasing virtual world, properly written email communication has become even more important in conveying interest and meaning to the intended audience. In this course, we will focus on email structure, formatting, the importance of spelling and grammar, the all-important subject line and much more. We will also discuss rules for email etiquette and participants will learn to apply the “7 C’s” guidelines for business writing to their own correspondence.
Effective communication with others is a key to success in life, work, and relationships. Not only does it help build a positive working environment, but it can contribute to greater efficiencies, more creativity and improved problem-solving. This course is designed to help participants improve their own performance and relationships by applying the basic principles of effective communication in the workplace where we will focus on active listening, providing clear instructions, and the non-verbal communications that make a difference.
Feedback is a powerful tool that can help improve performance and outcomes. When feedback is given effectively, the receiver of the feedback is more likely to listen and make changes. This course will help participants learn why the way we deliver feedback is important, how to deliver a message so that others will hear it, as well as how to graciously accept feedback that we are given. Whether feedback is formal or informal, and whether it is provided to supervisors or peers, there are ways that it can be structured to be effective and lasting.
At some point in our careers, we will all experience workplace conflict. In this course, participants will learn to strengthen personal and professional relationships by constructively addressing conflict. We will discuss the causes of workplace conflict and practice how to address it by using a four step conflict resolution process model. Participants will apply the model to scenarios by using techniques to reduce tension in a respectful manner.
This online module will discuss strategies for remote work success with topics including the remote work environment, computer security, effective communication, self-care while working remotely, and balancing family needs.
Microsoft 365
Learn about Microsoft 365 with our MyPath education bundles. Search for “Office365” in MyPath.
For Beginners: Choose a comprehensive overview which covers all the classic Microsoft Office programs, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as OneDrive, OneNote, and Teams.
For Next Levels: Power Users at intermediate and advanced levels already familiar with the basics can choose a “Mastering” curriculum focused on a single tool. Search:
- Mastering Outlook (Advanced)
- Mastering Word (Advanced)
- Mastering PowerPoint (Advanced)
- Mastering Excel (Advanced)*
- Mastering Microsoft Teams (Advanced)
*Additional courses for Excel users: Unlock the full potential of Excel with a series of expert tips bundled as “Brain Booster: Excel.”
On-demand staff development classes
- These courses are offered online through MyPath in the form of playlists, a series of self-led courses that have been grouped into topic-specific learning bundles. Explore the list of various playlists in MyPath under the My Learning tab, then click Professional Development Playlists.
- Some playlist titles include:
- Communication Toolkit
- Developing True Grit and Resilience
- Managing Conflict and Disagreement
- Critical Thinking and Decision Making
- Supporting Equity and Inclusion
- And many more
- Some playlist titles include:
Safety and emergency preparedness
The University of Rochester is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. While emergency services and support are always available from the Department of Public Safety, opportunities are available for our faculty and staff to be proactive and learn more about preventing and responding to crisis. The following online trainings are available in MyPath:
Active Shooter Awareness
This online module presents the 3 most important decisions in an Active Shooter situation; it also explains the difference between a lockdown and a lockout, as well as between a dynamic incident and a static incident (26 minutes).
This training is also offered as a one-hour live staff development opportunity. Details for these sessions, including location dates, times, and registration, are in MyPath.
EHS Emergency Preparedness & Incident Command
This module presents information about emergency preparedness guidance which you can use at work and at home. It will explain what Incident Command is, how it works, and how the University uses Incident Command to manage emergencies. It will provide guidance for how to respond in an emergency situation and direct learners to resources for any questions about emergency preparedness. (10 minutes)
Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
CPI training provides de-escalation techniques and behavior management strategies to support a culture of safety. Assigned to all clinically-facing faculty and staff.
Hazard Assessment Tool
This tool has been designed to determine an employee’s required Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) safety training, based on hazardous materials, processes and equipment that are present in the workplace or used as part of a job. (15 minutes)
Potential Violence Identification and Response
Annual required training that provides an overview on workplace violence, de-escalating potential violence, firearms/weapons, and active shooter response. (10 minutes)
Response to Active Violence in a Healthcare Setting
This online training video presents run, hide, fight and other best practices for keeping health care employees safe during an active violence incident. (15 minutes) Note: for an in-person training on this topic for your department, please submit a request to the Department of Public Safety.
SMH Policy 4.5: Emergency Management Program
Available in PolicyStat, the SMH Emergency Management Program includes Goals, Objectives, Capabilities, Effectiveness and Evaluation.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training Initiative Provides Lifesaving Resuscitation Skills for All
Make every second count when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest. Knowing what to do in such a situation can save a life. Similarly, someone nearby may possess the skills to save your life as well. By understanding how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or operate an automated external defibrillator (AED) correctly, we can enhance survival rates and improve outcomes for cardiac arrest victims. That’s why the Learning and Development team is leading a dedicated group of individuals to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at increasing CPR resources and training for both University employees and the Rochester community.
We strive to expand training opportunities by providing access for non-healthcare individuals and groups in the community through the Learning and Development American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center. Achieving success in this initiative would generate momentum to extend the program’s reach into the community, thereby improving outcomes for cardiac arrest patients due to increased bystander CPR.
To register yourself or your team for CPR training/CPR Kiosk, please complete the training request form.
Required culture and safety courses for incumbent faculty and staff*
*Additional education may be required for certain divisions, departments and roles.
University (Non-Medical Center):
- University Conduct at Work (2025) – launch March due June
- Code of Conduct
- Acceptable Use of Information Technology and Resources
- Confidentiality Statement
- Information Security
- Minimum Standards for Programs for Minors
- IT Policies and Questions
- Harassment Prevention Training (2025-2026) – launch July due October
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- Culture of Civility: Creating a Harassment-Free Workplace
- Title IX Prohibitions and Protections for UR Community Members (2025)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Center:
- Annual Mandatory In-Service (AMI) Education with Questionnaire [All Employee] (2025) – launch February due June
- Conduct at Work – 13 Topics
- Healthcare Environment – 12 Topics
- Workplace Safety – 9 Topics
- Clinical Mandatory In-Service Education (2025) based on role
- Harassment Prevention Training (2025-2026) – launch July due October
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- Culture of Civility: Creating a Harassment-Free Workplace
- Title IX Prohibitions and Protections for UR Community Members (2025)
- Nursing Core Mandatory Education Courses (list does not include service/unit education)
University (Non-Medical Center):
- NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (2024-2025)
Medical Center:
- NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (2024-2025)
- Annual Mandatory In-Service Education with Questionnaire [All Employee] (2024)
- Clinical Mandatory In-Service Education (2024) based on role
- Nursing Core Mandatory Education Courses (list does not include service/unit education)
University support services and resources
Find access to emergency resources as well as University-wide support services to help you navigate your work-life—and beyond.
Award-winning training courses
Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue®
Offered in-person and virtually!
Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue® teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stake, 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 begin to surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions, and then act on your decisions with unity and commitment. Led by Crucial Conversations-certified instructors.
Here, you can find information about the cost and registration process for upcoming Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue® classes. Tuition reimbursement for Crucial Conversations may be available for eligible University employees.
- June 11, 2025: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Focused, in-person)
- July 17 & 24, 2025: 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Focused, virtual; must attend both sessions and have access to a computer with a camera and a microphone)
- September 10, 2025: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Focused, in-person)
Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue® + Crucial Conversations for Accountability® 2-Day bundled class!
This 2-Day bundled class is offered to participants who have never taken a Crucial Conversations class before and will feature both the skills of Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue, as well as Crucial Conversations for Accountability. This research-based program teaches step-by-step processes and skills to hold others accountable, improve performance, and ensure execution. Led by Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue®/Accountability®-certified instructors. Participation in both class dates is required.
- May 7 & 14, 2025: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. & 8:00 a.m.–2:45 p.m. (2-day, in-person; must attend both days)
Crucial Conversations for Accountability® (Prerequisite: Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue®)
Open to participants who have completed Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue®. This one-day follow up class builds on the prior skills learned in Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue® and will focus on improving accountability. This research-based program teaches step-by-step processes and skills to hold others accountable, improve performance, and ensure execution. Led by Crucial Accountability-certified instructors.
- September 16, 2025: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (1-day, in-person)
Pricing and CNE/CME offered (PLEASE NOTE: There will be a price increase effective July 1, 2025)
| Class | CNE/CME Offered | Price: With CNE* OR Without CNE/CME | Price: With CME** | As of July 1, 2025 Price: With CNE OR Without CNE/CME | As of July 1, 2025 Price: With CME |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Focused Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue® | 6 | $285 | $295 | $295 | $305 |
| Focused In-Person Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue® | 7.5 | $320 | $330 | $335 | $345 |
| Two-Day Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue® | 15 | $415 | $450 | $430 | $465 |
| Crucial Conversations Refresher + Crucial Conversations for Accountability® | 7.5 | $320 | $330 | $335 | $345 |
| Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue + Crucial Conversations for Accountability® 2-day Bundled Class | 13 | $355 | $365 | $360 | $380 |
*CNE – Continuing Nursing Education hours
**CME – Continuing Medical Education hours
Experience the FranklinCovey approach: Timeless principles. Timely results.
FranklinCovey content is designed to help organizations succeed in four key areas:
- Develop exceptional leaders at every level
- Instill habits of effectiveness in every individual
- Build an inclusive, high-trust culture where great ideas thrive
- Use a unified execution framework to pursue the most important goals
Learn more about FranklinCovey content here.
At the University of Rochester, we offer two options for employees to experience FranklinCovey’s breakthrough content.
- Register for the 2-day, in-person 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course with Michelle Lewis, our certified instructor. ($200). Bonus! Attending the course will also get you access to the Impact Platform (see below) for support content for one year.
- Register for the Impact Platform and get on-demand access to all FranklinCovey’s content for one year. The FranklinCovey Impact Platform and mobile app provide an easy-to-use, convenient way for learners to develop new, effective mindsets and behaviors anytime, anywhere. Learners can explore and subscribe to OnDemand learning and work towards earning a certificate upon completion of a variety of content areas. The platform automatically sends learning activities, application challenges, and reminders spaced out over time, providing an engaging and impactful experience.
For more information or to request a demonstration of the Impact portal, please contact Michelle Lewis.
Online MyPath courses for aspiring leaders
Optional online leadership courses are available in MyPath to support your career development and professional growth. These self-paced modules are available for any learner who would like to use them, from aspiring to existing leaders.
Search for the course names below in MyPath to start learning.
- Adapting Your Leadership Style
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Managing Remote Employees
- Skillful Collaboration
- Talk Like a Leader: What Every Employee Needs to Hear
- The Toughest Supervisor Challenges and How to Overcome Them
For managers
Leadership training opportunities
If you’re a manager, visit our Learning & Development page as part of our Manager’s Toolkit to explore additional leadership training opportunities.