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Educational Programming

Schedule an Appointment with our Ombuds

The Office of Ombuds Services provides outreach and educational programming both in-person and virtually to graduate students, staff, faculty, and campus leadership.

Outreach | Education | Coaching | Certificates 

Ombuds are happy to provide Outreach or Education activities via
in-person, virtual, or hybrid formats in morning, afternoon, and evening time slots.

Request an Outreach or Educational session for a unit or group.


Outreach Activities

The Ombuds office is always happy to talk about our services at any graduate student, staff, faculty or leadership gathering. Common options include:

30-60 minute Ombuds Information Sessions

Information sessions are typically 30 minutes with 15 minutes for Q&A, but can be shortened or extended as needed. Click on each title to view details.

Other Ombuds Outreach Options

  • Short section at a scheduled Conference or Training (20-40 minutes)
  • Panel Session participation (5-15 minutes)
  • Facilitated Information Table or Virtual Exhibit Breakout Room (20-120 minutes)
  • Ombuds Materials/Swag for giveaway (physical materials only)

Request an Ombuds Outreach Activity
or contact ombuds@utk.edu with questions about any of these options.

 


Educational Activities

90-Minute Workshops

Highly trained Ombuds facilitators will provide interactive and engaging in-person, virtual, or hybrid training for 90-120 minutes on the following topics.
Click on the workshop title to view details.

FOCUS ON SELF

FOCUS ON LEADERSHIP

  • DL-Navigating Conflict as Dignity-Conscious Leaders- available soon
  • GRFL-Giving & Receiving Feedback: Creating Safe Dialogue – available soon
  • PSL-Creating a Psychologically Safe Working Environment – available soon

Request an Ombuds Workshop
or contact ombuds@utk.edu with questions about our 90-minute workshops.

 

12-Hour Multi-session Workshops – Crucial Conversations®

Ombuds staff certified as Crucial Conversations Trainers will support participants understanding and practicing strategies for effective interactions when stakes are high, opinions differ, and emotions are strong.

Delivery: Over 4-5 weeks, participants will complete on-demand asynchronous activities (5-6 hours) and then discuss& practice strategies in four 90-minute synchronous Zoom sessions (6 hours). Other schedule options available.

Cost: There is a $300 per participant online materials access fee for each course – with 1 year access to all materials. Funding assistance & scholarships available.

Groups should use the Request Form to schedule a private workshop offering
or contact ombuds@utk.edu with any questions.
Outreach | Education | Coaching | Certificates | Top

NEW! Follow-Up Coaching & Consultation (FC&C)

To assist in applying new skills, Ombuds staff provides individualized coaching or consultation sessions to individuals, groups, or leaders within 6 months of any workshop completion. This services is available for:

  • Crucial Conversations FC&C – 2 sessions included for leaders, groups or individuals who complete the training – provided by CC Certified staff.
  • Conflict Dynamics Profile FC&C – provided by CPI Certified staff
  • FC&C for all other 90-minute workshops – provided by certified coaching staff.

Request a Follow-up Coaching or Consultation session
or contact ombuds@utk.edu with any questions

 


Ombuds Certificate Programs

Be recognized for developing expertise in constructively navigating conflict & challenges towards desired & innovative outcomes!

NEW! Staff Conflict Navigator Certificate

Open to all full-time non-probationary UT staff (with an @utk.edu NetID)

  • Requirement: Successfully complete 20 hours of conflict-specific professional learning activities within a 1-year period, including a 12-hour Crucial Conversations course. Read Certificate details & Scholarships info.
  • Receive: Certificate awardees will also receive online recognition from the UT Ombuds Office for their commitment to a campus-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.

Interested in Participating?
Sign up here to be added to our Ombuds announcements contact list.

Outreach | Education | Coaching | Certificates | Top