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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.
  • 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

  1. Read through the ECN Overview document, particularly the specific requirements to be completed in 3 semesters and any related training fees.
  2. Complete & Submit the Employee Conflict Navigator (ECN) enrollment form.
  3. Make a 30-minute virtual appointment with the ECN Program coordinator Duren Thompson: Meet with Duren
  4. Review the ECN Tracking Log Excel file – both the Instructions and Certificate Record tabs
  5. Bring to your appointment info on any recently completed workshops/trainings for possible credit (source, dates, & length).

Sign up here to be added to our Ombuds announcements contact list.

If you have questions about this program, contact ombudsed@utk.edu or schedule a meeting with Duren to talk things over.