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Employee Conflict Navigator (ECN) Certificate
Be recognized for developing expertise in constructively navigating conflict & challenges towards desired & innovative outcomes!
All full-time employees associated with the Knoxville campus are eligible to participate. Participation is self-paced and may be virtual, in person, or a combination.
Our goal for this ECN certificate program is to encourage and recognize employees who develop relationship-building skills that contribute to a flagship campus culture whose members:
- view tension, uncertainty, and conflict as opportunities for reflection, innovation, and positive growth; and
- support frequent, open, and constructive communication – particularly within evaluative relationships or those with a power imbalance.
Through a combination of training, coaching, and self-assessment over 7-12 months, ECN participants will improve their understanding of, and apply knowledge and skills in:
- constructive workplace communication and conflict management
- cultivating a workplace environment of equity, inclusion, and dignity
- self-reflection and other focused professional learning approaches
Besides increasing your skills and knowledge, ECN certificate program completers (ECNs):
- will receive a digital certificate & badge as well as a printed certificate and swag box from the Ombuds.
- with your permission, we will notify your supervision chain, and your name will be listed in the Ombuds Annual report, in our Newsletter, and in social media posts. See list of ECN certificate recipients to date.
- you may list [Certificate in Employee Conflict Navigation (20 hours) for your annual performance review and on your resume.
Requirements & Getting Started
The ECN certificate program is for all full-time employees with a netID ending in utk.edu. This includes exempt, non-exempt, faculty, and executive/managerial employees in work locations across Tennessee.
ECN Participants
- Individually complete 20+ hours of professional development within 3 semesters – virtually or in person.
- Engage in a minimum of three rounds of coaching/follow-up with the Office of Ombuds Services
- Use MS Teams & an Excel tracking sheet to independently record their certificate completion progress
- For more detailed requirements info see the ECN overview document in ‘Getting Started’ below
- Read through the ECN Overview document, particularly the specific requirements to be completed in 3 semesters and any related training fees.
- Complete & Submit the Employee Conflict Navigator (ECN) enrollment form.
- Make a 30-minute virtual appointment with Ombuds Ed Staff
- Review the ECN Tracking Log Excel file – both the Instructions and Certificate Record tabs
- Bring to your appointment info on any recently completed workshops/trainings for possible credit (source, dates, & length).
List of UT Employee Conflict Navigator (ECN) Certificate Recipients
Since it’s founding in the 2023-2024 academic year, these 17 employees have independently completed the ECN professional development program.
- Iama (Arianne) Price, Extension Agent II, UTIA Hardeman County Extension Office, 09/2025
- Sarah Linn-Peirano, Assistant Professor of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, 10/2025
- Keri Boyd, Student Engagement Coordinator for Student Engagement & Success, Haslam College of Business, 11/2025
- Matthew Pamental, Teaching Associate Professor of Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences, 12/2025
- Pam Borovy, Regional Director, Social Work Research and Public Service (SWORPS), 06/2025
- Chris (Sissie) Hadjiharalambous, Assistant Director, Social Work Research and Public Service (SWORPS), 06/2025
- Julia Stiles, Assistant Business Manager, VolShop, 06/2025
- Milagros Zingoni Phielipp, Director and Professor, School of Interior Architecture, 06/2025
- Mariah Cozart, Student Services Specialist, School of Information Sciences, 7/2025
- Daniel Tipton, Technical Director for the Dept Technical Services, College of Arts & Sciences, 1/2025
- Cearra Sears, previously Career Development Coach, Human Resources, 3/2025*
- Amanda Beasley, Visitor Services Coordinator, McClung Museum, 12/2024
- Ann Mitchell, Training Manager, Social Work Research and Public Service (SWORPS), 12/2024
- Marsha Sliker, Coordinator of Executive Office Operations, College of Social Work, 10/2024
- Laura Moyers, Software Analyst/System Administrator, Office of Innovative Technologies, 06/2024
- Margeaux Emery, Senior writer and Producer, UT Institute of Agriculture Office of Marketing and Communications, 6/2024
- Karin Grindall, previously Graduate Coordinator for Chemical Engineering, College of Arts & Sciences, 6/2024*
*These recipients have left employment at the University of Tennessee. We wish them well in their new endeavors.
If you have questions about this program, contact ombudsed@utk.edu or schedule a meeting with Ombuds Ed staff to talk things over.