The Administrative Professional Certificate Program is designed to provide University administrators and front-line employees with tools and experiences to enhance their knowledge and skills on behalf of their individual success and that of their organization.  Participants will build communication skills to positively impact their workplace relationships; project management, financial management, and problem-solving skills to improve effectiveness; and enhance their knowledge of technology management in an administrative role. The Program requires completion of five required workshops, two elective workshops, and a finally, a capstone session that reviews what has been learned and how it can be applied. It is recommended that the Administrative Professional Certificate be completed in two years.  The core courses and elective courses are offered on a rotating basis each fall and spring through FSDP. 

Participants should track their own progress offline and submit the Completion Form to Organization Development once all seven workshops have been completed. At this point, participants receive an invitation to the next scheduled Capstone Session held in January and June. Certificates are issued in January and June.

The Administrative Professionals Certificate Program consists of the following five required workshops and two elective workshops:

Participants should track their own progress offline and submit the Completion Form to Organization Development once all seven workshops have been completed. At that point, participants receive an invitation to the next scheduled Capstone Session held in January and June. Certificates are issued in January and June.

The Administrative Professionals Certificate Program consists of the following five required workshops and two elective workshops:

Five required core workshops:

• Effective Interpersonal Communication
• Introduction to Financial Management for Administrators
• IT Fundamentals for Administrators
• Problem Solving Skills for the Workplace
• Project Management Basics in Higher Education

Choose two elective workshops:

• Customer Service for Success
• Managing Up
• Strategies for Success in Professional Correspondence
• Time Management
• Data Literacy in the Workplace 101

The Community Engagement Professional Foundations Certificate Program (CEPF) is designed to reinforce the University’s core value of community service through a series of six introductory-level workshops open to all faculty and staff. Workshops address the purpose, and primary activities, of an organization’s community engagement function both in support of the University’s mission, and on behalf of individual professional development. Core courses are designed to include a mix of instructional and discussion-based exploration, allowing participants to adapt content to their unique identities, positions, and relationships. Participants will leave these workshops with increased knowledge of the competencies required to carry out this function in an organizational setting.

The Program requires completion of three required core workshops and three elective workshops. All workshops required to complete the CEPF Certificate Program are offered on a rotating basis each fall and spring through the Faculty and Staff Development Program (FSDP). Participants can take these workshops in any order. Participants are expected to track their own programs and use the online CEPF Completion Form to report completion of required courses. 

The Community Engagement Professional Foundations Certificate Program consists of the following workshops: 

Three required core workshops 

• Community Engagement Fundamentals
• Community Partnerships
• Mindsets & Modes to Support Community Engaged Processes

Choose three elective workshops (elective workshops can be found on the FSDP website)

Global Competence 

• Intercultural Competency Basics

Sustainability 

• Pitt Blue & Gold = Green 
• Sustainability: Building an Equitable Future 
• Sustainability Foundations: Balancing the Three E’s 
• Sustainable Community Development

Workplace Knowledge

• Effective Interpersonal Communication 
• Public Speaking in a Nutshell 
• Problem Solving Skills for the Workplace

The Intercultural Ally Certificate Program offers faculty and staff the opportunity to build awareness and understanding of the cultures of our community members, while learning about University policies and resources that support Pitt’s strategic goal of being welcoming and engaged within our campus community and as we interact with our global community. Interactive sessions will help participants define intercultural competence, identify their own cultural values, and analyze how this knowledge can be used to enhance our working and learning environments and their professional growth. Participants will engage with colleagues and experts in simulations, activities and dialogue to share best practices, identify campus resources, and learn how to further their unit’s global engagement efforts. The Intercultural Ally program is offered through the Faculty & Staff Development Program and is also part of the University Center for International Studies’ tiered Intercultural Competency learning program.

This program requires completion of two required sessions, four elective sessions, and participation in a capstone conversation. Workshops are offered on a rotating basis each fall and spring through the Faculty & Staff Development Program (FSDP). Participants will be contacted by the Office of International Services once workshop requirements have been completed. For questions, please contact hr-odcont@pitt.edu.

The Intercultural Ally Certificate Program consists of the following workshops:

Two required sessions:

• Intercultural Competency Basics
• Working Across Cultures

Choose four elective sessions:

• Best Practices for Teaching International Students
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Cultural Stories
• Life of an International Visitor
• Understanding the Visa Menu
• Understanding X Series (Country or Theme Specific Sessions)

The Sustainability Professional Certificate Program (SUST) is designed to reinforce the University’s commitment to sustainability with a series of workshops open to all employees.  The workshops address both individual behaviors and University programs that impact local, national, and global efforts to become more sustainable (balancing equity, environment, and economics). 

Participants will leave these workshops with a deeper understanding of sustainability principles and the important role they play in helping Pitt succeed in achieving the goals set forth in the Pitt Sustainability Plan. Participants will also have an increased awareness of how Pitt’s actions contribute to Pittsburgh, U.S., and global sustainability endeavors.

The Program requires completion of four (4) core, required workshops and two (2) elective workshops. All workshops required to earn the SUST certificate will be offered on a rotating basis each fall and spring through the Pitt Human Resources’ Faculty and Staff Development Program (FSDP). Participants are expected to track their own progress and use the online  SUST Completion Form to report completion of required courses.

The Sustainability Professional Certificate Program consists of the following workshops 

Four required core workshops (REQUIRED):

• Sustainability Foundations: Balancing the Three E's
• Sustainability: Circular, Regenerative, & Just Economies
• Sustainability: Environment, Ecosystems, and You
• Sustainability: Building an Equitable Future

Two elective workshops (CHOOSE TWO):

• Pitt Blue & Gold = Green
• Recycling: How to Reduce Waste at Pitt & Beyond
• Sustainable Landscapes
• Sustainable Food Systems
• Introduction to Sustainable Health Care
• One workshop from the Intercultural Ally Certificate Program or the Community Engagement Certificate Program

Designed to help employees build valuable works skills and enhance their performance, these programs provide a dynamic learning experience that will enable staff to hone their day-to-day professional skills and for supervisors to create an environment conducive to success. Opportunities are also available to explore the educational and cultural resources available at the University to develop meaningful career opportunities.

Highlighted Courses Include:

• Interview Skills: Making a Good Impression
• Resume Writing and Cover Letters
• Career Development Topics via LinkedIn Learning
• Continuing Education

These workshops will help supervisors and administrators to navigate the fundamentals of research administration at the University of Pittsburgh.

Highlighted Courses Include:

• Basics of Federal Contract Administration
• Clinical and Corporate Contract Basics
• Electronic Certification of Effort (ECRT): Effort Coordinator Responsibilities
• From Application to Submission: An Overview of Research Development and Funding Resources at Pitt
• Gifts That Support Projects Policy Review 
• Introduction to Fee-For-Service in the Office of Sponsored Programs
• Introduction to Grants Management Services in the Office of Sponsored Programs
• Introduction to MyRA for Non-Financial Agreements
• Introduction to the Office of Sponsored Programs
• Introduction to Subawards Administratio
• Introduction to PERIS^TM MyFUNDING – Awards
• Introduction to PERIS™ MyFunding – Proposals
• Spar Introduction

• Introduction to Financial Management for Administrators
• Panther Express System
• Prism Financial Applications
• Pitt Worx – Employees
• Pitt Worx - Supervisors
• Preventing Harassment and Discrimination with Title IX/Clery
• Recognizing And Reporting Child Abuse: Mandated and Permissive Reporting In Pennsylvania

Designed to help employees build valuable works skills and enhance their performance, these programs provide a dynamic learning experience that will enable staff to hone their day-to-day professional skills and for supervisors to create an environment conducive to success. Opportunities are also available to explore the educational and cultural resources available at the University to develop meaningful career opportunities.

Highlighted Courses Include:

• Customer Service for Success
• Effective Interpersonal Communication
• Grammar, Punctuation, & Proofreading: Ensuring Professional Presentation

• Financial Freedom: Strategies for Reducing Debt and Saving More
• TIAA Webinars

CAREER CHAMPION PROGRAM

Who Should Attend: Faculty and staff who are in the position to assist students with career plans

Pitt’s Career Center recognizes the valuable role faculty and staff play every day in helping students prepare for their careers.  Your relationships with students may find you reviewing resumes, helping them network with employers or academic contacts, or giving internship advice. In doing so, we see you as a partner and member of an ecosystem that supports Pitt students’ career readiness. In an effort to enhance our partnerships, we’ve developed the Career Champion program - an opportunity to learn more specifics about the career development process and to develop consistent University-wide messaging for our Pitt students.

To learn more about the Career Champion program and register for an upcoming training session, please visit the Career Champion web page.

MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Who Should Attend: Faculty and staff who are in the position to support students’ well-being.

Pitt’s University Counseling Center provides opportunities for the Pitt community to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting the emotional well-being of students. This virtual program is designed to provide faculty and staff more extensive knowledge and skills to be champions of mental health at Pitt. Participants will have an opportunity to:

Learn ways to increase student well-being and promote human flourishing

Learn how to support students experiencing mental health concerns

Build relationships with other mental health champions across campus

For more information and to register for an upcoming cohort, please visit University Counseling Center’s web page: Support Emotional Well-Being at Pitt | Student Affairs

PITT ACT PROGRAM

Who Should Attend: Faculty and staff who work with undergraduate students in an advising and mentoring capacity

The University of Pittsburgh Advising Certification and Training program (Pitt ACT) is a suite of online onboarding and training materials designed for faculty and staff at Pitt who work with undergraduate students in an advising and mentoring capacity. Pitt is committed to helping advisors and mentors build networks and grow in the profession, and Pitt ACT is a key resource for advisors and mentors to refine their skills and advance their professional development.

For more information and to register, please visit Pitt ACT’s web page:

https://www.personaled.pitt.edu/pitt-act

CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN: LAB SAFETY TRAINING

Who Should Attend: University employees with exposure to any potentially infectious material during an assigned duty

This training is required annually for all Pitt faculty, staff, and student employees (full or part time) working with or exposed to human patients or research subjects, human blood, human body fluids, human cells, or all other types of potentially infectious materials or agents.

OSHA BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

Who Should Attend: Faculty and staff who are in the position to assist students with career plans

Pitt’s Career Center recognizes the valuable role faculty and staff play every day in helping students prepare for their careers.  Your relationships with students may find you reviewing resumes, helping them network with employers or academic contacts, or giving internship advice. In doing so, we see you as a partner and member of an ecosystem that supports Pitt students’ career readiness. In an effort to enhance our partnerships, we’ve developed the Career Champion program - an opportunity to learn more specifics about the career development process and to develop consistent University-wide messaging for our Pitt students.

RADIATION SAFETY AND RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

This training is required for all Pitt faculty, staff, and student employees (full or part time) working with radioactive materials or equipment that produces ionizing radiation. Training is available for isotope research safety, analytical X-rays, and clinical use of radiation sources, as well as fluoroscopy certification for physicians. 

Contact the Radiation Safety Office for training dates, location, and registration details at 412-624-2728 or www.radsafe.pitt.edu.

SHIPPING INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES OR BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS

Who Should Attend: University employees preparing or shipping infectious substances, specimens, or biological materials or any shipment that uses dry ice

This training is required every two years for Pitt faculty, staff, and student employees (full or part time) involved in the preparation, packaging, or shipment of infectious substances, biological materials, human/animal specimens, genetically modified micro-organisms, or any shipment involving the application or use of dry ice.

The Certificate in Organization Leadership and Ethics (COLE) is a series of eight workshops that are designed for supervisors and administrators who want to maximize their ability to have impact as ethical leaders within their unit/department or overall workplace. This workshop series combines knowledge, interactive discussion and skill-building exercises to help participants learn the essentials of ethical leadership. Participants will learn competencies that include skills for building and maintaining a responsible workplace, responsible use of power and authority, enhancing productive work team performance and developing talent through the use of tools such as mentoring.

COLE workshops can be taken in any sequence over a five-year period. Faculty and staff can take one or more of these workshops based on interest. To receive a certificate, individuals must complete six workshops. Participants are expected to track their own progress and use the online COLE Completion Form to report completion of required courses. COLE consists of the following eleven workshops offered on a rotating basis each fall and spring:

• The Role of Mentoring in Leadership
• Situational Leadership: Adapting Your Leadership Style for Optimal Results
• The Ethical Use of Power
• Solving Problems and Ethical Dilemmas
• Principles and Practices of Servant Leadership
• Leadership and Effective Talent Development
• Building Social Capital by Managing Relationships, Conflict and Incivility in the Workplace (formerly Managing Incivility and the Bystander Effect in the Workplace)
• The Changing American Workplace: Rights, Responsibilities, and Challenges
• Silence (Not Golden): Dissent and Consensus in the Workplace
• Holding Difficult Conversations
• Managing Remote and Hybrid Work

Workshops can be taken in any sequence over a five-year period. Faculty and staff can take just one or more workshops based on interest.

Who Should Attend: Faculty and staff who are supervisors or administrators or those who have made the transition from technical or administrative positions into managerial career paths where effectively managing people is part of competency development and overall effectiveness

The Certificate in Organizational Leadership and Ethics program is co-sponsored by the David Berg Center for Ethics and Leadership in conjunction with the Office of Human Resources at the University of Pittsburgh.

This series, presented by the Office of Human Resources, is designed to help supervisors across the University with support and guidance in navigating day-to-day workplace dynamics. The goal of these sessions is to share creative ideas, unearth best practices, provide coaching, and to answer questions you may have as a supervisor.