Check out this huge variety of HR Learning Series workshops being offered this fall – there’s something for everyone! Sign up today.
Workload Management from the Lens of Life Management
In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll discover how to manage your workload more effectively by viewing work as just one part of your broader life picture. Learn practical strategies to manage your time, energy, and priorities in a way that aligns with your personal values and well-being. By integrating techniques like time blocking, and prioritization with the Eisenhower Matrix, and setting clear boundaries, you’ll gain the tools to improve productivity without sacrificing your health, relationships, or personal goals. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to find a better balance, reduce stress, and align their work with a more fulfilling life.
Date: September 23rd, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Wellness Works Canada
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ieoe_Wi8R9-9KrM65e3q8A#/registration
Freeing up Mental Clutter for Focus and Clarity
In a hustle culture, we often get caught up in working harder, not smarter. We have limited bandwidth, resources, limited time, and more and more on our plates. In this interactive session, join us to learn tips and tricks to declutter your mind to work smarter to reach your potential. Learning outcomes include:
• Learn about the connection between productivity, well-being, and innovation at an individual, team, and organization level.
• Have loads of tips and tools to free your mind to work smarter, not harder.
• Have a personal plan to be healthy and productive at work and beyond.
Date: October 21st, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Wellness Works Canada
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CijmdOBfSu2OdkAhIYgB1A
Thriving Through Difficult Conversations
In an age of electronic communications and virtual work, many find the nuances of communication to be difficult to decipher. High rates of mental health concerns and online bullying and harassment have reduced patience, tolerance, civility, and respect which can be very damaging to the overall well-being of all parties involved. Join us in an interactive workshop to learn key skills around resilience and how to have those tough conversations with resolve and grace. Participants will receive a copy of their workbook and loads of other tools and resources for future use.
Participants will:
• Learn tricks and tips for difficult online and in-person encounters
• Have actionable steps to manage online bullying and harassment
• Learn a methodology around having mental health conversations
Date: October 7th, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Wellness Works Canada
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ELMsh9O-TzmJClzdWs-rUw
Three (3) Part Series: Beyond Mindfulness – Exploring Structural Opportunities for Change in the Workplace
In this HR learning Series, participants will learn about different approaches to supporting and maintaining health and “resilience” in the workplace. In parts I and II of the learning series, a specific focus will be on moving beyond individualized understandings of health and resiliency towards examining how health and resiliency in the workplace is socially organized. In doing so, participants will develop a “structural competency” lens to issues in the workplace. In part III of the
series, participants will collaborate to create a focused action plan, identifying one or two constructive strategies to enhance workplace well-being and support positive organizational change within the university.
*Please note this is a 3-part series, and you would need to register and attend all sessions as part 3 builds on part 1 and 2*
Bio: Dr. Michael K. Corman is an Associate Professor (Sociology) at UFV and a medical sociologist by training. His research has appeared in numerous peer reviewed publications, including his book, Paramedics on and off the streets: Emergency medical services in the age of technological governance.
Date: September 26, October 10, October 24, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Abbotsford, A225 (Oct 10, 24); C1429 (Sept 26)
Register – September 26: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-mindfulness-exploring-structural-opportunities-for-change-tickets-1402909693659?aff=oddtdtcreator
October 10: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-mindfulness-exploring-structural-opportunities-for-change-tickets-1402929833899?aff=oddtdtcreator
October 24: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-mindfulness-exploring-structural-opportunities-for-change-tickets-1402960224799?aff=oddtdtcreator
Stress Busters
When stressors overwhelm us, effective techniques can help to bring us back to equilibrium. This session will explore all aspects of the stress response, focusing on practical tips and tools to bring us to optimal stress levels, thereby helping us to maximize our energy and performance. During the half-day workshop, participants will gain additional stress management strategies and have opportunities to discuss how these skills can be applied in their daily lives.
Date: September 17, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Lauren Brown, Homewood Health
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stress-busters-tickets-1403029542129?aff=oddtdtcreator
Improving Workplace Communication
Successful work groups are comprised of individuals who know how to communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders in a variety of settings and circumstances. This session will review the key skills that enhance our ability to work well with others by providing information about speaking confidently and assertively, creating a supportive communication climate, listening effectively, and asking clear questions.
Date: October 6, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Ronaye Coulson, Homewood Health
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/improving-workplace-communication-tickets-1402946864839?aff=oddtdtcreator
Psychological Hygiene
From a very young age we adopt common physical hygiene habits such as brushing our teeth washing our hands and taking regular showers. What about hygiene habits that focus on our mental health? This one-hour hour, interactive session will increase participant awareness and understanding of psychological hygiene and highlight the factors that can promote and preserve good mental health. Participants will gain practical tools and resources to activate their own personal psychological hygiene practice
Date: October 23, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Ronaye Coulson, Homewood Health
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/psychological-hygiene-tickets-1403044557039?aff=oddtdtcreator
Inner Strength
This session will explore self-esteem, self-confidence and self-efficacy, all important components of inner strength, as well as the benefits of practicing self-compassion. Participants will be introduced to a variety of theories and concepts around these topics, have the opportunity to complete self-assessments and learn strategies to help build a stronger sense of self.
Date: November 4, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Ronaye Coulson, Homewood Health
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inner-strength-tickets-1403059672249?aff=oddtdtcreator
Eating Plan for Stress Management
Stress is a common workplace challenge that can have a mental and physical impact on well-being. Eating habits play a significant role in helping the body combat stress; yet as stress mounts, even healthy employees can see their eating habits deteriorate. In this session, participants will learn how the right foods can increase their energy levels, boost their immune defense, and allow for mental clarity. The session will also explore what participants can do to maintain a balanced diet that promotes a stress-free lifestyle.
Date: November 19, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Megan Wong, Homewood Health
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eating-plan-for-stress-management-tickets-1403063593979?aff=oddtdtcreator
Jedi Mind Tricks of Influence: Advanced Communication Skills
Many professionals in academia have cultivated effective communication skills. Paraphrasing,
staying curious with open questions, and framing what we wish to say tactfully and strategically
are foundational skills. But what happens in really tough communications when what we
usually say isn’t working? Overcoming resistance, effectively persuading someone of our point
of view, and influencing others to take responsibility and engage in the work can be daunting
tasks for even the most skilled communicator. Participants will examine common
communication challenges and review foundational skills, before focusing on advanced
techniques they don’t teach you in conflict resolution school. Participants will leave with practical skills and strategies they can use right away to maximize their influence on others and
move the dial to achieve important outcomes.
Date: October 22, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Neutral Zone
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jedi-mind-tricks-of-influence-advanced-communication-skills-tickets-1403072410349?aff=oddtdtcreator
Generations at Work
In today’s evolving workplace, professionals from very different life stages and generational
backgrounds are increasingly working side by side—often with unspoken tensions, mismatched
expectations, and untapped collaborative potential. This engaging, one-hour virtual workshop,
invites higher education professionals to explore how generational diversity shapes
communication, decision-making, and team dynamics. Through interactive discussion and
practical strategies, participants will examine common challenges and discover tools to foster
greater understanding, mutual respect, and cross-generational mentorship—essential skills for
thriving in both research and administrative environments.
Date: November 18, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Neutral Zone
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/generations-at-work-tickets-1403090263749?aff=oddtdtcreator
Managing Conflict
This course provides training in managing conflict effectively for both managers and employees. It begins with an exploration of workplace conflict types and their organizational impacts, emphasizing the importance of constructive resolution. Participants will delve into conflict dynamics, examining causes, emotional intelligence, and cultural factors influencing conflicts. For employees, the course covers active listening, communication strategies, negotiation, and assertiveness. Managers will focus on mediation, facilitation, and creating supportive environments. The course concludes with strategies for fostering a conflict-competent workplace through feedback cultures and continuous improvement, ensuring participants can apply learned skills effectively in their roles.
Date: October 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Abbotsford, A203B
Facilitator: Barb Sharp
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/managing-conflict-tickets-1478909922389?aff=oddtdtcreator
Awareness
Help workers gain comfort in talking about mental health and mental illness and explore practical ways to build resiliency.
Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Geoff Moffatt, Workplace Mental Health Facilitator, Canadian Mental Health Association, BC
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/awareness-tickets-1403102981789?aff=oddtdtcreator
Building Trust Across Cultures
Trusting relationships are at the foundation of inclusivity. In professional settings, the actions and experiences that establish trust can differ across individuals and cultures.
In this workshop, we will:
• discuss why taking time for trust building is vital in multicultural interactions and teams.
• define different orientations to trust-building and locate our own orientation.
• learn about the role of empathy and cultural humility in trust building.
• explore strategies for shifting our approach trust-building in work with colleagues and students.
This will be an interactive workshop – be prepared for reflection and application activities. If you have questions or specific scenarios you would like to discuss, please contact Victoria Surtees: Victoria.surtees@ufv.ca
Eager to read ahead? Check out these two resources to start reflecting on what trust means to you in the context of communication across cultures.
• Ward, R. (2019). Building trust before truth: How non-indigenous Canadians become Allies. https://animikii.com/news/building-trust-before-truth-how-non-indigenous-canadians-become-allies
• Meyer, E. (2016). The head or the heart: Two types of trust and how they grow, The culture map: Decoding how people think, lead, and get things done across cultures. PublicAffairs.
Date: November 6th, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Abbotsford A203B
Facilitator: Victoria Surtees, Teaching & Learning specialist, Internationalization
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-trust-across-cultures-tickets-1403132189149?aff=oddtdtcreator
Eldercare Planning 101
Stephanie Chan is a senior living advisor, and the founder and owner of two companies in the senior living industry. Her first company started in 2007, Home to Home, helps seniors and families with healthcare navigation, care planning, downsizing/transitions and care management. Her newer venture, myCareBase, helps families find, hire, and manage professional caregivers to help aging parents stay living safely at home. Prior to this, Stephanie practiced law at a national law firm and then as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for a public cleantech company. In her personal time, Stephanie has been very involved on several boards. She is currently on the board of a non-profit called Flavours of Hope. In the past, she has been a board member of several other non-profits, including Make-A-Wish Foundation of BC & Yukon, Museum of Vancouver, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada, Goh Ballet Vancouver Society, and the Caregivers’ Association of BC.
At our session, Stephanie will talk about how to stay involved in helping your parents while balancing a career, what you need to know to make informed decisions relating to your parents’ care, and how to navigate the fragmented senior care and housing system in BC and the various resources available.
Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Stephanie Chan, Senior Living Advisor, Home to Home and myCareBase
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eldercare-planning-101-tickets-1403133192149?aff=oddtdtcreator
The importance of planning your retirement
Planning your retirement is not only necessary but also exciting and fun. Transitioning to a new life stage and lifestyle with different routines, identities, and roles is an important matter. This session allows you to listen, firsthand, to a retiree’s experiences, findings, and major steps for you to reflect on your retirement, whether or not it comes close.
Date: October 2, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: José Lara Portal, retired from IBM Mexico
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-importance-of-planning-your-retirement-tickets-1403133844099?aff=oddtdtcreator
Making Effective Selection Decisions
This workshop explores the best practices in hiring and is designed to help employees be effective SAC Chairs or members. Topics covered are: purpose of the interview, legal considerations in hiring, job descriptions and competencies, developing interview questions, and deliberation and decision making.
Date: October 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location Abbotsford, A203B
Facilitator: Kelly Murphy and Tara Rozenek, Senior HR Advisors
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/making-effective-selection-decisions-tickets-1403136261329?aff=oddtdtcreator
Polishing your Interview Skills
Do you have dreams about getting promoted but nightmares about the job interview process? In this interactive session you will learn a systematic approach to preparing yourself for a job interview. This session is adaptable for positions of any level. You will learn about types of interview questions and why employers ask them. During the session, you will practice responding to interview questions and get feedback on how to strengthen your responses.
Dates: November 4, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Abbotsford, A203B
Facilitator: Mark Pearson, Senior Advisor, Human Resources
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/polishing-your-interview-skills-tickets-1403136572259?aff=oddtdtcreator
Equity Diversity Inclusion 101
3-Part Series – 1 set of series in Chilliwack and 1 set of series in Abbotsford
Dates: Abbotsford Campus: September 24, October 1, October 8
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Abbotsford, Room A203B
Facilitator: Sundeep Hans, Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/equity-diversity-inclusion-101-tickets-1403142339509?aff=oddtdtcreator
Dates: Chilliwack Campus: October 29, November 5, November 12
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Chilliwack, Room CEPA 2428
Facilitator: Sundeep Hans, Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/equity-diversity-inclusion-101-tickets-1403145950309?aff=oddtdtcreator
Safety Series
Stretching break – Learn stretches at your desk
Date & Location: October 16th, 2025
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Online, Teams
Facilitator: Jason Dallavalle, Manager, Environmental Health & Safety
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stretching-break-learn-stretches-at-your-desk-tickets-1481835924139?aff=oddtdtcreator
Incidents / near misses & hazard reporting
Date & Location: November 6th, 2025
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Online, Teams
Facilitator: Jason Dallavalle, Manager, Environmental Health & Safety
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/incidents-near-misses-hazard-reporting-tickets-1481837268159?aff=oddtdtcreator
Ergonomics
Date & Location: December 3rd, 2025
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Online, Teams
Facilitator: Jason Dallavalle, Manager, Environmental Health & Safety
Register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ergonomics-tickets-1481842533909?aff=oddtdtcreator
Minute Taking
This workshop provides introductory minute-taking skills in a digital environment. Participants will learn the steps in the minute-taking process including agenda, pre-meeting minutes, and minute template skills.
Dates: October 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Lisa McMartin
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minute-taking-tickets-1640790852609?aff=oddtdtcreator
Advanced Excel
Learn advanced skills in Microsoft Excel through Blackboard Collaborate. Topics may include financial functions, table creating and manipulation, PivotTables and PivotCharts, custom formatting, and consolidating data.
Dates: October 21, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Courtney Boisvert
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advanced-excel-tickets-1640795777339?aff=oddtdtcreator
Advanced Word
Learn advanced Microsoft Word skills through Blackboard Collaborate. Topics may include form, index, table of contents, and tab stop creation. Review and revising documents and document protection
Dates: November 18, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Courtney Boisvert
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advanced-word-tickets-1640803640859?aff=oddtdtcreator
Social Media Basics
This workshop provides an introductory overview of the social media landscape and the platforms most commonly used today, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Canva. Participants will learn practical approaches to creating and managing content, with opportunities to apply new skills through guided activities.
Dates: November 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Crystal Sylvester
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/social-media-basics-tickets-1640819498289?aff=oddtdtcreator
Digital wellbeing for mindful tech use
This workshop aims to provide a deeper understanding of how digital technologies impact our brains, attention, and overall well-being. We will explore key concepts such as neurohormonal influences on behaviors, the science of willpower, attention, and strategies for mindful tech use. The session will combine research and practical “how-to” protocols for immediate
Dates: December 9, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Crystal Sylvester
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digital-wellbeing-for-mindful-tech-use-tickets-1640840170119?aff=oddtdtcreator
AI Basics
This introductory workshop explores the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing role in the tools we use every day. Participants will gain an understanding of what AI is, how it is shaping common technologies, and practical ways it can support both professional and personal tasks. The session will feature demonstrations of popular AI platforms along with discussion of the opportunities, challenges, and considerations around using AI responsibly.
Dates: February 3, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Crystal Sylvester
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-basics-tickets-1640842105909?aff=oddtdtcreator
Fundamentals of Accessible Web Content (With the Accessible BC Act)
Discover how to make your web content inclusive and compliant with the new Accessible BC Act. This workshop will empower you with practical strategies to create accessible, user-friendly digital experiences. Perfect for UFV web editors and content creators looking to champion accessibility on campus and beyond.
Dates: October 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Online, Zoom
Facilitator: Stephanie Jantzen
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fundamentals-of-accessible-web-content-with-the-accessible-bc-act-tickets-1640844312509?aff=oddtdtcreator
LinkedIn Learning
Are there courses on topics you are interested in developing or learning more about that you don’t see in these offerings? Check out LinkedIn Learning, an incredible learning platform available for all UFV employees to access. Or maybe you aren’t able to attend one of the sessions offered, search in LinkedIn Learning, and guaranteed you will find a vast array of courses on this topic.
If you have not yet activated your UFV LinkedIn Learning account, below are the steps to get started:
1. Activate: login with your UFV SSO and activate your new user account via either of these links:
https://myapps.microsoft.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/learning-login/
2. If you have an existing LinkedIn Account, and are prompted to enter a password, you will use your UFV username, but your personal LinkedIn password.
3. Connect: Connect your pre-existing LinkedIn Profile, if desired.
After logging in, enrolling in a course is easy – just click play. Once you’ve chosen a course on the platform, you can access it on your desktop computer, smart phone or tablet, 24/7. You can also download your courses if you’re going to be accessing lessons without an internet connection.
Connecting your UFV LinkedIn Learning account to your personal LinkedIn profile
When you are activating your account for the first time, you will be prompted to connect your LinkedIn Learning account to your personal LinkedIn account – this step is optional and the choice is up to you. If you aren’t sure, you have the option to connect your profile at a later time, or if you change your mind, you can also disconnect your profiles at any time