To enhance skills and familiarize supervisors with WSU processes, Human Resource Services offers several training opportunities for managers and supervisors. This training is open to all current supervisors and managers.
In accordance with WAC 357-34 this series is required for entry level supervisors.
Civil Service entry level supervisors and managers are required to begin the training within six months of their appointment (twelve months if organizational circumstances require their attendance be postponed). If you are an entry level supervisor and manager and you feel you may be exempt from this training, download and complete the audit form and return to Human Resource Services, Campus Zip 1014.
Note: Regional campus supervisors are encouraged to contact their local Human Resource Office for assistance. Other supervisors not located in Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities or Vancouver may consider the Supervisory Training Online Course Options.
Contact Human Resource Services for more information.
WSU Supervisory/Manager Training
Last updated: 5/10/2012
How to Enroll in Instructor-Led Training
Required Supervisory Courses
Workplace Communication: Giving and Receiving Feedback
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 | 9:00 - 11:30
This course reviews the development stages of teams and emphasizes the importance of clear communication in the workplace. Special attention is devoted to identifying different communication styles and the skills required to give effective feedback. The workshop includes an interactive survey and role plays.
Enroll in upcoming session
Position Descriptions, Expectations, and Annual Reviews
Thursday, October 6, 2011 | 10:00 - 12:00
This course examines the first two building blocks of Washington State University performance management: job descriptions and job expectations. The steps in writing a current and accurate job description including qualifications and the identification of mental and physical requirements are provide. Additional topics include the concept and requirements of a well written job expectation and how to group job expectations for use in performance evaluations and annual reviews. In addition, this course will also examine the purpose and value of regular performance evaluations/annual reviews.
Enroll in upcoming session
Managing FMLA, RA, L&I and Other Leave Policies
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 | 1:00 - 3:30
This workshop addresses the most typical leave issues mangers and supervisors need to manage. It addresses such questions as:
- What type of leave should my employee be using?
- When is their leave request something I handle at the departmental level, and when should it be directed to HRS?
- How can the work be done when I have an employee who is off work for an extended period of time?
Enroll in upcoming session
Corrective Action and Discipline Process
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 | 9:00 - 11:00
This courses enhances management skills by reviewing WSU’s corrective action and disciplinary processes and discussing actual corrective / disciplinary action cases. Learn from others' experiences.
Enroll in upcoming session
Performance Management Simulation
Thursday, December 1, 2011 | 9:00 - 12:00
This course allows for guided practice in applying the knowledge and skills learned in the first half of Washington State University's supervisory training series. A case study / simulation approach provides opportunities to test applications of supervisory principles.
Enroll in upcoming session
Fair Labor Standards Act
Thursday, January 24, 2012 | 1:30 - 3:00
This module provides supervisors with an overview of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and overtime standards within Washington State University. It explains who is covered under FLSA, outlines the Washington Administrative Code overtime standards, reviews meal and rest period requirements, provides guidance for hours worked during travel, highlights potential penalties for non-compliance, and demonstrates an overall overtime management for supervisors.
Enroll in upcoming session
Equal Opportunity Issues for Supervisors
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 | 9:30-11:00
This class addresses equal employment opportunity, workplace discrimination, and sexual harassment. Specifically it describes the role of the Washington State University supervisor in regard to minimizing institutional liability in these areas.
Enroll in upcoming session
WSU Recruitment Processes
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 | 9:30 - 11:00
This presentation is designed to give hiring managers a practical understanding of the recruitment process and how to conduct effective interviews so that you are able to attract the best candidates and choose the best person for the job.
Enroll in upcoming session
Dealing with Workplace Issues and Concerns
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 | 9:00 - 10:30
This course provides resources and a general overview of to assist you with a general overview of laws, policies and procedures to assist you with workplace issues and concerns at Washington State University. Policies discussed include: Workplace Violence, Domestic Violence and Alcohol and Drug.
Enroll in upcoming session
Workplace Issues Simulation
Thursday, April 26, 2012 | 9:00 - 12:00
As the capstone course of Washington State University’s supervisory training series, this workshop provides additional practice in applying the knowledge and principles of the series in a guided application.
Enroll in upcoming session
State Ethics Law
Various Dates
This overview of the Ethics in Public Service requirements addresses such questions as: To whom do the ethics requirements apply? Who is responsible for interpreting ethics laws and adopting ethics regulations? What are the major principles of the ethics requirements? Where can I obtain further information?
Enroll in upcoming session
Whistleblower Act
Various Dates
The intent of the Whistleblower Act enacted by the Washington State Legislature is to provide an avenue for state employees to report improper governmental actions. State law preserves the confidentiality of people who file assertions of improper governmental actions and of people who provide information for whistleblower investigations.
Enroll in upcoming session
Cultural Competency Training
Various Dates
WSU's Diversity Education Program provides this course to give participants a competitive edge in today’s multicultural labor market. Participants will learn how to deal with different cultural values, norms, customs and expectations in today’s workplace using best practice techniques and real world leadership skills. Upon completion participants will earn a Certificate of Training.
Enroll in upcoming session
Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Prevention - Online
This online training focuses on issues of sexual harassment and workplace discrimination. Discussion includes appropriate/inappropriate behavior, options for those subjected to inappropriate behavior, and supervisory responsibilities when such issues arise.
Roles & Responsibilities of the Supervisor - Online
This course provides an overview of the multiple roles and legal responsibilities of the supervisor. Additionally, the four primary functions of the supervisor are addressed along with the supervisor's responsibilities to the organization and to the employees.
Labor Relations - Online
This class addresses the statutory provisions for collective bargaining, current Washington State laws and regulations associated with collective bargaining and civil service reform, the labor relations structure at WSU, bargaining unit employee rights, the role of stewards, and the grievance procedure.
Recommended Supervisory Courses
Business Policies and Procedures and Records Retention
Various Dates
This workshop discusses how to use the Business Policies and Procedures Manual, how the manual is updated and its history. Records scheduling, records retention and state records requirements are also examined.
Enroll in upcoming session
Computer and Network Security Awareness
Various Dates
This course highlights best computer security practices - and most common mistakes - to help you protect yourself from hoaxes, spyware, phishing, ID theft, copyright issues, spam, viruses, social engineering. Appropriate WSU policies are also identified.
Enroll in upcoming session
Coping with Stress
Various Dates
This workshop provides an introduction to the basics of understanding stress, stressors and the stress response in people. You will learn about the stress continuum and the four areas in which stress exists in all of us. You will be taught a simple breathing technique that the latest research demonstrates can be highly effective in managing the stress reactions in both our minds and our bodies. We will focus on ways you can begin to control how external & internal stressors affect you. We will talk about aspects of personality and behavior that can contribute to escalating our stress levels and how we may, with practice, learn to manage our unwanted and unhealthy responses to the stressors in our lives.
Enroll in upcoming session
Dreaded Conversations: Effectively Communicating Difficult News
October 19, 2011 | 9:30-12:00
This interactive workshop emphasizes active listening skills as the basis of effective communication. Participants will also practice strategies for approaching difficult conversations, using dialogue to improve understanding, and thinking about formal and informal communication systems in the workplace.
Enroll in upcoming session
Emotional Intelligence
November 7, 2011 | 1:30-4:00
This session is designed to provide an overview of the components of Emotional Intelligence, as well as to facilitate discussion on how we use it in our own management and leadership roles. Areas of application include corrective and disciplinary actions, effective communication and team development.
Enroll in upcoming session
Employment Issues: Roundtable Discussion
Various Dates
This session, facilitated by the Attorney General's Office, is intended to provide an update on current trends in employment law including recent legislative action, issues coming from the state and federal courts that may impact how we respond to employee concerns or behaviors, and the current state of union representation at WSU.
- Course Materials: No course materials
Enroll in upcoming session
Public Records and Records Requests
Various Dates
This course is designed to acquaint managers with the basics of the Public Records Law, the types of records that are public and must be produced, the new WSU policy relating to public records, the process for responding thereto and the university Public Records Office
Enroll in upcoming session
Supervisor as Leader
Various Dates
This module examines a variety of leadership styles, provides an overview of different leadership theories and focuses upon the application of Blanchard's Situational Leadership model.
Enroll in upcoming session
Supervisor as Motivator
Various Dates
This class provides an overview of the determinants of behavior and the different theories of motivation, including a discussion on the importance of recognizing and rewarding employees.
Enroll in upcoming session
Supervisor as Safety Manager
Various Dates
Washington State University is dedicated to providing a workplace where employees can be productive and free from injury and in complying with state safety laws. This course provides information on the new employee safety checklist, the Supervisors' Safety Manual, WSU's Accident Prevention Program and the supervisor's role in performing inspections and reporting and investigating accidents.
Enroll in upcoming session
