At Western, we provide a number of internal courses and learning opportunities developed specifically for our employees. Programs are offered by Learning and Development Services and other Western partners.
The following courses are available to Western employees.
Learn communication skills to effectively work with others and express your work needs in a constructive manner. Explore work style differences and how to leverage these when working in groups. This program is for Western's informal and emerging leaders and those new to a leadership role.
This program is for those in formal leadership roles at Western. Increase your ability to use best practices in leadership, strengthen your communication skills in challenging situations, and work effectively with groups.
This program is for graduates of Western’s Foundational Leadership program (Understanding Leadership and “LET”). As new challenges arise for you as leaders, take this opportunity to address them through reflection, review, and practice of your foundational leadership skills.
This program is for those who lead teams, projects, or committees at Western. Learn to prepare for productive meetings, facilitate high quality participation, maintain meeting focus and momentum, and plan for action and follow-up.
Learn effective planning strategies to move ‘important work’ forward, manage your daily work, and prioritize tasks. If you are in a formal leadership role at Western, or if your role includes leadership of team projects, committees or other work groups, this course is for you.
The BASICS program is a series of full and half-day workshops for Western’s academic leaders at the Chair level or higher. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with colleagues from across Western; interact with, and ask questions of senior leaders; and learn about Western resources. BASICS is offered by Faculty Relations in partnership with Learning and Development Services.
This program is for graduates of the Mental Health First Aid Certificate program who are in a formal leadership role at Western. The program provides practical information to deal with mental health issues. Participants will learn effective communication strategies, understand their role in supporting an employee with a mental health issue, and recognize resources available to support the employee and the leader. This program is offered by Rehabilitation Services in partnership with Staff Relations.
Western offers two recognized certificate programs tailored for Western employees.
This 12-hour certification program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada is available to leaders and staff at Western. Participants will learn how to help someone showing signs of a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. This program is offered by Rehabilitation Services in partnership with Learning and Development and other campus resources.
The Western Certificate in Management (Western CIM) program is for staff and leaders engaged in human resource functions, accounting or finance as part of their role. Eight courses are offered on a variety of management topics – courses are customized for Western employees. Graduates receive a designation from the Canadian Institute of Management. The program is delivered by Continuing Studies at Western in collaboration with Learning and Development Services.
A number of large group learning opportunities are provided throughout the year for Western employees.
Held annually in February, Western’s Staff & Leaders' Conference offers engaging keynote speakers, workshops, and tours of some of Western’s key research and support facilities. The conference is a great opportunity for staff and leaders from across Western to come together and learn about current issues, trends, and best practices.
The Leaders’ Forum is an opportunity for Western’s senior Academic and Administrative leaders to discuss issues of strategic importance to the University. The Forum provides an opportunity for information sharing, idea exploration, dialogue and feedback.
The Professional Network Forum is an opportunity for Western’s professionals to meet and discuss matters of strategic importance to the University, and to learn about relevant learning and development topics.
Western employees have access to a number of additional learning services and resources:
Western’s Information Technology Services (ITS) provides a regular schedule of computer skills training workshops for employees on a variety of software applications.
Occupational Health and Safety offers a broad range of training designed to ensure the safety for all who work and learn at Western. Some courses are required for all Western employees and volunteers, other courses are required for those who work or study in specific areas.
Continuing Studies offers a large variety of professional development courses, workshops, and certificates to members of the public. Many Western employees take Continuing Studies courses to further their career development.
Western faculty members, librarians, and archivists, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students are encouraged to visit this website for workshops, conferences, and courses to advance their teaching and learning practices.
Western offers a large array of excellent undergraduate programs and courses. This link will help you learn about what is available and how to apply.
Western’s School of Graduate and Post-doctoral Studies is the place to start if you are interested in exploring a graduate degree.
Western employees enjoy access to over 11 million items offered on-site or online through Western Libraries. Materials may be signed out using a staff identification card; online collections are accessible using your Western username and password.
