Learning & Development

Mount Royal has a rich history of workplace learning. Human Resources' is committed to learning and development and provides opportunities for the collective Mount Royal employee community and the individual employee to embrace exceptional work practices by providing experiences that enhance:

  • Communicating and listening with intention
  • Contributing and leading
  • Making decisions and guiding efficient work

Learning & Development will work with you, your department or groups of like-minded employees. Advise us of your department's goals in learning and we will assist you in finding learning resources.

If you would like further information on learning opportunities, contact Learning and Development by e-mail prodev@mtroyal.ca 

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Workshops & Courses 2011 - 2012
For Employees of Mount Royal 

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Coaching Foundations

The Coaching Foundations training is an established addition to skill sets for all Mount Royal employees – if you are a supervisor, leader or member of a group or team, face conflict in your work, are responsible for performance management, or work alongside students, employees, faculty and the community.

This training introduces you to the tools and strategies of supportive communication. Learn and apply progressive methods for planning, reflection and the often challenging “in the moment” conversations.
 

• Understand and build trust by using the tools of rapport
• Explore the insights into identity and the underlying impacts these place on relationships
• Learn tools to build consciousness for achieving higher performance
• Develop others’ autonomy and community by helping them become problem-resolvers
• Facilitate thinking through mediational questioning and developing precision in language
 

Coaching Foundation Awareness
This is a prerequisite one-hour session. The session will introduce you to the Coaching Foundation program, the agenda for learning and provide a demonstration of how coaching skills are applied.

You must attend an Awareness session prior to the 36-hour commitment. 
 

Coaching Foundation Program
Learn and apply progressive methods of communication. The program provides a practical and innovative addition to your skills as supervisor, manager, team leader, or as a frontline employee as you face conflict with colleagues or students.
Equip yourself with substantial methods for achieving higher performance in yourself and others. Develop skills in advanced problem-solving. Facilitate thinking through advanced questioning and listening competencies.

The training is intense. You will grow in your understanding of yourself and others and take significant practice and skills back to your work. You will become part of the wider network of coaching practitioners at Mount Royal who apply and encourage the values of respectful listening and compelling interaction.
 

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list at prodev@mtroyal.ca. (MRU employees only)

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Computer Software Application Workshops

Just a reminder to all support staff and management that we welcome suggestions for software application training. Verle Winsor is available for individual and group training. If you have comments or ideas, please email Verle at ittrainer@mtroyal.ca, or Learning and Development at prodev@mtroyal.ca. 

Verle is located in the IT Services department in the East wing (E224A) and can be reached by telephone at local 8740 or by email at ittrainer@mtroyal.ca If you need assistance with technology, you can also call the ITS Help Desk at local 6000 or email helpdesk@mtroyal.ca

ITS Help Desk hours:
Monday - Thursday from 8 am to 7 pm
Friday from 8 am to 5 pm
Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm
Closed on Sundays and Statutory holidays

 

Building a Basic Access Database
Facilitated by Verle Winsor

Learn the basics of building a basic Access database including table creation, creating relationships amongst tables, data validation, creating basic queries and form building.

 

Access Intermediate
Facilitated by Verle Winsor

In these workshops cover aspects of Access including: linking tables - solve many to many relationship problems; the power of queries - calculated fields and wildcard operators; form design macros; report design. Note: Some basic Access knowledge is recommended for this course.

If you are interested in these workshops, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca

 

Excel Basics, Intermediate & Advanced Workshops
Facilitated by Verle Winsor

Build your skills in Excel. Explore basic formatting, formula creation, auto sum, chart basics, data validation, and importing and exporting data. Use conditional formatting to highlight excel data, compare data and find differences in data. In more advanced workshops, explore Excel's database functions (DCOUNT, DSUM, etc) that take the place of potentially thousands of functions, thus reducing both recalculation time and workbook space.

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. e-mail prodev@mtroyal.ca

 

Adobe Acrobat
Facilitated by Verle Winsor

Topics that will be covered are:
1. Why PDF?
2. Creating a PDF from other applications (i.e. MS Office)
3. Creating a PDF form (Blank vs. Template)
4. Combining individual PDF files into a single PDF binder file
5. Exporting PDF documents
6. Digital signatures
7. Securing your PDF documents with certificates/passwords
8. Sending PDF files for review

This course will be offered over two one-hour sessions, with the second session being reserved for hands-on work.

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca

 

Lotus Notes
Facilitated by Verle Winsor

Build your skills in Lotus Notes. Learn about creating an email group, out of office messages, creating signatures, sorting messages, stationary, to do lists, quick rules, archiving and scheduling appointments, meetings and creating groups in calendars. This is a valuable first workshop for new employees.

If you are interested in this course, call Verle at 8740 to arrange one-to-one one instruction at your desk

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 Drop-in IT Training Lab times for May

• Need a refresher in a software application?
• Have a question about a work-related software app, but find yourself too busy for a full training session?
• Need practice time with some assistance?
• New to Mount Royal and need to get more familiar with Mount Royal software applications to get you started?

Drop-in lab times: May 7, 9, 11, 14, 17, 22, 25 and 28

Time: 10 am - 12 noon
Location: E224A

Registration for drop in lab times is not required. You can stay for as little or as long as you wish. Drop on by!

Software available:
Lotus Notes 8.5
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Groove, Publisher and OneNote
Adobe Acrobat 9
Oracle CMS

If you have any questions call ITS Trainer, Verle Winsor.

 


Conflict Resolution

Conflict Management Workshops: The TKI
Conflict is a situation in which people’s concerns - the things they care about - appear incompatible. Conflict is neither good nor bad; it's a fact of life. But unmanaged conflict with coworkers, customers, families and others can be a significant source of stress.

People tend to approach conflict in different ways. By understanding how you prefer to approach conflict, you can gain insight into the ways that others tend to approach it. You can also learn to adapt your approach to conflict so you can be more effective in different situations.

The Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) allows you to look at how you tend to respond to conflicts. You learn five different approaches to conflict and discover how to choose the approach that will be most productive in different situations.

• Review conflict theory, sources of conflict, and skills required to manage conflict (in particular empathic listening and assertive communication)
• Become aware of your conflict style
• Recognize the conflict styles of others
• Assess conflict situations
• Practice using different conflict styles

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca. 

 

Managing Conflict in Today's Workplace Certificate of Completion
(These courses are for Mount Royal employees only)

Learning & Development has been offering selected courses in the Mount Royal Continuing Education Conflict Resolution Certificate program for over 10 years. This program is a tremendous benefit to your workplace learning and supports our university's respectful workplace initiative.

Incorporating conflict resolution skills into business processes can be crucial to an organization's short-term health and long-term success. Conflict resolution techniques are quick, inexpensive and low-risk compared to the alternatives - lower productivity, loss of business relationships or going to court. This online program introduces the concepts, skills and strategies of conflict resolution processes as they are used within today's diverse workplace. The benefits to a business of using conflict resolution and negotiation techniques include improved employee morale and productivity.

To receive your certificate of completion complete the three required courses (45 hours) listed in the schedule below. You may also register in individual courses providing you meet prerequisites.

Requirements: Introduction to Conflict Resolution is the prerequisite for the other two courses in the program.

Please note that you must complete the courses in which you register. There are limited seats available in this popular certificate program. We maintain waitlists of employees eager to complete the training.

 

Introduction to Conflict Resolution
Gain exposure to negotiation and mediation processes for resolving disputes in families, the community, the workplace and other foundations of society. Assess individual styles of communication and managing conflict. Examine diversity of temperament as it relates to conflict and investigate ethical considerations in third-party facilitation.

 

Negotiating with Integrity
Begin to examine the concepts of negotiating with integrity and consider their application in the business community. Identify key skills and processes which assist in effective negotiations and consider key elements in preparing to negotiate. Be introduced to the 4-Stage model of negotiation: interests, options, agreements and alternatives. Prerequisite: Introduction to Conflict Resolution

 

Dealing with Difficult Conversations

Develop communication skills to deal with difficult situations. By following the techniques outlined in this course, people walk away thanking each other for good, clear, compassionate conversation and look forward to other such interactions. Create your own approach by understanding the barriers that make communication difficult and building on concepts and skills presented. Prerequisite: Introduction to Conflict Resolution

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca

These specific courses are for Mount Royal employees only. If you are interested in the Conflict Resolution program through Continuing Education please see their website for public offerings.

Questions? If you have questions about the certificate program please contact the Continuing Education Coordinator at 7743 or email prodev@mtroyal.ca

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Facilitations Skills

Facilitator's Toolkit
Explore the tools of facilitation to design, deliver and lead a group. Learn what to consider in development and gather resources for delivery methods, implementation requirements, dialogue techniques and evaluation.

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca

 

Leadership

Leadership Communities of Discussion Series
Join your fellow MRU leaders in 2 hour discussions on innovative subjects that stimulate your leadership practice.

We offer a leadership discussion series on a variety of thought-provoking topics. Some past sessions have included themes such as Leading Adaptively, Interdependent Leadership, Trust, and Transformation through Values, Vision and Leadership. Invitations for upcoming sessions will be sent to those who currently lead and those aspiring to leadership roles.

 

Conversations to Inspire Trust in Relationships
The world around us is changing, and leaders are challenged to step into new relationships with all those around them and with themselves. This community dialogue provides the opportunity for participants to come together in authentic conversation around inspiring trust in relationships. Using a modified world café process, participants will explore together, the concept of trust in relationships – self, personal, interpersonal and organizational. The intentional conversation process enables people to interact with honesty, openness and with trust.

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca 

 

An Invitation to SOAR:
An Application of Appreciative Inquiry to Strategic Planning

Explore an appreciative approach to whole systems strategic planning, gather resources, tools and processes to try an alternate strengths-based approach. SOAR was pioneered by Dr. Jack Stavros alongside founders of Appreciative Inquiry and provides a refreshing and inclusive approach to strategic planning.

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list at prodev@mtroyal.ca. (MRU employees only)

 

Developing Your Emotional Intelligence

The topic of Emotional Intelligence is an important concept in leadership development. This foundational workshop will address: What exactly is Emotional Intelligence? Why is it important? How does becoming emotionally intelligent inform and guide your leadership? How do you grow your emotional intelligence?
 

Emotional Intelligence draws on the ability to identify, analyze, and appreciate emotions and behaviours - for yourself and others. The result can be seen in improved relationships, stronger team commitments, more effective decision making, conflict management, change management, and stronger leadership. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) plays a vital role in determining success in both work and life. Unlike IQ, EQ is a skill that can be improved through education and practice.
 

You will learn:
• Emotional Intelligence Foundations: the what, why, and how's
• The four skills that make up emotional intelligence: self awareness, self management, social awareness and relationship management
• To measure your EQ using the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal tool
• Identify strengths and gaps in your EQ
• Learn and practice strategies to increase your emotional intelligence

Prior to this workshop, you will complete an online Emotional Intelligence Appraisal (Emotional Intelligence 2.0, 2009)

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list at prodev@mtroyal.ca. (MRU employees only)

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Strengthening University Leadership 2012
A two-part program for Mount Royal leaders and those aspiring to leadership roles

These four days are highly interactive with short presentations, 360 and individual assessment and reflection, small and large group discussion in an atmosphere of respect, trust and creativity. The focus is on real issues, meaningful conversations and working together to strengthen leadership at MRU. You receive a comprehensive set of resource materials.

 

Realizing your Leadership Potential
Learn current leadership and management theory and key leadership practices that are relevant to today's university context – leading change, inspiring a shared vision and engaging others, modeling the way, enabling others to do their best and encouraging the heart. Clarify your personal leadership vision and values, increase awareness of your leadership strengths and areas for development through 360 feedback and self-assessment activities, and create a leadership development plan.

Begin applying the theory and research to your personal situation, focusing on the challenges of change, bringing out the best in self and others, and mentoring and coaching. Dialogue with senior leaders, cultivate your leadership network, and share resources with other university leaders.

Please discuss your attendance with your supervisor prior to registering to make certain that your work schedule can be adjusted accordingly. Do not register if you anticipate a workload issue at the time of the course. Note in your email registration that you have discussed this with your supervisor and obtained their approval to register.

If after you register you cannot attend, you MUST withdraw at least two weeks prior to the start of the course. There are significant costs for each attendee and often a waitlist of employees who are eager to attend.

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list at prodev@mtroyal.ca

 

Leading with Influence
Consider what leadership is needed now in Canadian universities and at MRU. This subsequent workshop will cover an overview of leadership and review the Leadership Challenge Model. Develop approaches to bring out the best in yourself and the individuals with whom you work. Consider the influence of an emotionally intelligent leader on the work environment, culture, and organizational outcomes. Complete an emotional intelligence self assessment, identifying strengths and areas for development.

Review how to strengthen important relationships, build consensus and promote collaboration, and enhance team effectiveness. Learn about your typical styles of handling difficult conversations and managing conflict and how to expand your conflict management repertoire. (Realizing Your Leadership Potential is a prerequisite to Leading with Influence)

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list at prodev@mtroyal.ca

Please discuss your attendance with your supervisor prior to registering to make certain that your work schedule can be adjusted accordingly. Do not register if you anticipate a workload issue at the time of the course. Note in your email registration that you have discussed this with your supervisor and obtained their approval to register.

If after you register you cannot attend, you MUST withdraw at least two weeks prior to the start of the course. There are significant costs for each attendee and often a waitlist of employees who are eager to attend.

A certificate is awarded on completion of the program.

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Meetings, Minutes & Shared Decision Making
Eli Mina has been providing meeting resources to Mount Royal employees since 2000. If your department or committee is interested in working with Eli, please email prodev and we will contact you to discuss your particular needs. Eli provides a newsletter of informative, useful guidelines for meetings, conflict resolution and decision-making. To sign up or read past newsletters visit Eli's website at www.elimina.com

Making Meetings Work Better
Are your meetings monotonous and dull? Are they dominated by the most outspoken members, to the exclusion of others? Do they agonize a lot and achieve very little? Do they become unravelled at the first sign of controversy?

In this workshop we discuss meeting dynamics. Eli gives you tools to make your future meetings productive, timely, inclusive and even ... enjoyable. Specific topics include:

• Ten key ingredients of a successful meeting.
• Proactive and visionary planning of meetings.
• Chair's roles and member's roles in a meeting.
• Managing people, time and issues in a meeting.
• Keeping a meeting on track and on time.
• Handling counter-productive behaviours during meetings.
• Asserting yourself in a meeting without getting angry.
• Making a meeting more varied, engaging, interesting and fun.
• Dealing with contentious issues.

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca

 

Meetings & Shared Decision Making
You are a facilitator of meetings. In your role as chair, team lead or participant you need to determine solutions as to how your committee, team or department functions effectively and efficiently. In this workshop we will discuss goals and principles of shared decision-making, and how to plan and run effective and inclusive meetings. Specific topics include:
• Goals of shared decision-making: Substance versus Process
• Consensus versus majority-based decision making
• Ten key ingredients of a successful meeting
• Planning agendas that make sense.
• Asserting yourself in a meeting without getting angry
• Chair's roles in managing time, people and issues in a meeting
• Keeping a meeting on track and on time

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca

 

Minute Taking Standards & Related Issues
Facilitated by Eli Mina

You are the recorder of meeting minutes and a participant in committees, teams and meetings. In this half-day workshop we will learn minute taking standards and how to work effectively with meeting chairs and members. Specifically we will discuss the following and other topics:

• Goals and principles for minute taking
• How much of the discussion should be recorded
• Making minutes more "reader-friendly"
• Tips for taking minutes during informal and formal meetings
• De-personalizing the minutes
• Minutes approval process and its impact
• Working effectively with the Chair and other meeting participants

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca

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MRSSA Develop Train & Learn Committee Opportunities for Support Staff
Check out more courses designed specifically for MRSSA members.

 

 

Project Management

Project Management: An Overview
Ensure the success of your next project with this comprehensive course, designed to familiarize you with the overall project management process. Discover how to implement project management concepts, techniques and tools.

This is the foundational 2 day course towards Mount Royal's Continuing Education Project Management Certificate. It provides training in the growing field of project management and is designed to develop introductory project management skills. The course is based on concepts from A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide - Fourth Edition), the widely recognized international standard in the project management profession.

If you are interested in either of these courses, or you are supporting your staff to upgrade their project management proficiencies, please email prodev@mtroyal.ca 

 

Managing Projects in an Operational Environment
Stakeholder Management
The Managing Projects in an Operational Environment – Stakeholder Management course is an overview of how the project management methodology of the Project Management Institute (PMI®), is applied in an environment where project management is not the primary function of the organization. The course takes a look at regular challenges that project managers’ face, and common mistakes that are made, when working on projects in environs that have day-to-day responsibilities that will be impacted by the project activities.

To truly understand the skills required to navigate operational challenges in operational environments, the project manager has to be very aware of the positive and/or negative impacts to and from stakeholders of the project. Project managers can only do this if they are aware of whom the project stakeholders are, their ongoing requirements, and appropriately accommodating these through the project planning and execution phases of the project.

This course takes the learner through various concepts, theories and strategies for appropriate stakeholder management that will serve them when managing projects in operational-type organizations.

This course has been designed for learners who have an interest in understanding the challenges of managing projects in an operational environment, and the skills that are required of the project manager in managing the stakeholders of the project.

If you are interested in either of these courses, or you are supporting your staff to upgrade their project management proficiencies, please email prodev@mtroyal.ca

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Supervision

MRU Performance Development Workshop for Managers and Supervisors
Do your employees understand the expectations you have of their performance? Do they understand how they fit into the bigger picture of your department or Mount Royal? Do you wonder how to keep your employees engaged and motivated?

The answer is “performance development”. Performance development is the first foundational step to the performance management process and vital to an employee’s progress at Mount Royal. Increase your understanding of performance development for your employees and learn how to align their performance with the priorities, goals, direction and culture of the department. It can be much more rewarding to the individual and valuable to a department’s results.

This interactive workshop focuses on the following topics: the practice and importance of performance management, what performance development is and why performance development is important and tools to enhance performance development in your employees and department.

Join two of our Mount Royal HR consultants for a conversation on performance development.

If you are interested or you are supporting your staff to supervisory skills learning email prodev@mtroyal.ca to be put on the interest list for upcoming offerings. (for MRU employees only)

 

Supervision: A Mount Royal Toolkit
Supervision: A Mount Royal Toolkit provides you with the skills to develop supervision abilities and to manage the performance management element of your job effectively. This 3-day session will provide a comprehensive opportunity to challenge yourself as well as build your knowledge and practice. You will work with relevant Mount Royal forms, processes and case studies.

Facilitator, Lisa Holden Rovers, is a human resources professional and leadership coach and trainer. She has worked in the fields of career development, human resources management and organizational development. Lisa holds a bachelor degree in industrial psychology and business management, as well as certificates in human resources management and corporate coaching and is currently completing her master's degree in training and performance improvement.

If you are interested or you are supporting your staff to supervisory skills learning, please email prodev@mtroyal.ca

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Team Building

Building Interdependent Teams
This two hour workshop will lead a group development process for newly formed or existing teams. Explore your individual capacities, opportunities to resolve conflict and the potential for your group to develop. Base your efforts in thoughtful and respectful communication with trust, rapport and listening skills. The workshop is specifically designed for your team, committee or department.

Contact Learning & Development at 6855 to discuss your department’s particular needs.

 

Occupational Health & Safety

Fall Protection Awareness
This is a four-hour overview intended to meet the training requirements specified in the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code section 144 for people who work at height and also for managers whose staff are required to use fall protection. Note: this is not a detailed course. There is a quick test at the end which must be scored at 75% or more to pass.

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca

 

Transportation of Dangerous Goods
The purpose of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Clear Language Edition, and legislation is to protect the public when dangerous goods are being transported by road. The regulations have been written to make sure that the proper information is provided to people who must handle, offer for transport, or transport dangerous goods, as well as to people who respond to emergencies involving dangerous goods.

The certificate is valid for three years. Any Mount Royal staff member that falls under the requirements of the regulations must receive training.

 

WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System is a nationwide system to provide information on hazardous materials used in the workplace. This course will provide the attendees with basic information about WHMIS, such as:

• Labelling
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

While working at Mount Royal, staff members must receive WHMIS training if they use, or are in proximity of "controlled" products.

Questions about Occupational Health & Safety / WHMIS / TDG Training call Duane Schaffer at 6038 or Learning & Development at 6855

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Retirement Planning

LAPP — Local Authority Pension Plan
Mount Royal's LAPP representative presents this seminar to help you better understand your defined benefit pension plan, make informal choices about your benefits, understand pros and cons of various choices members have, and update on recent plan improvements. Topics Include: Retirement benefits, Pension calculation, Pension estimate tables, Pension options, Pension partner protection, Normal/early retirement, Incoming leveling, Cost-of-living adjustments, Optional service, Leaving the plan, Reciprocal agreements, Death before pension commencement, Disability benefits, Working as a pensioner.

For general inquiries, please contact LAPP Member Services Centre (toll-free in Canada) at 1.877.649.LAPP (5277).

You can also register for My Pension Plan at http://www.lapp.ca/members/mypensionplan.jsp. Through the My Pension Plan website you can: 

• Calculate a pension estimate;
• Access and update your address and beneficiary information;
• View your latest annual statement;
• Download pension-related information sheets and forms;
 

If you are interested in this workshop, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca

 

Planning for Personal Freedom
An Exploration of Issues and Ideas in Developing a Personal Plan for Retirement

• Evaluate your current knowledge and resources for retirement
• Review information on benefits, finance, lifestyle and estate planning
• Set priorities to ensure lifestyle needs are met in retirement

Over the past twenty-five years, our ideas of retirement have undergone radical change. Canadians planning retirement are now more likely to choose a more active lifestyle that incorporates continued interest in work, the creative expression of interests, greater contact with family and friends and a hands-on approach to the management of personal financial assets in a complex financial market place.

Facilitated by Rein Selles, M.Sc., a professional retirement planner, the workshop will focus on the following issues. Financial planner Darrell Starrie facilitates the financial focus.

If you are interested in this course, put your name on the interest list. Email prodev@mtroyal.ca

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