Fall 2024 Campus Classes

Welcome to the Partnership for Worker Education's (PWE) offering of Campus Classes for Fall 2024.

Please use the registration form below to register for classes.

To view the list of classes, scroll past the registration form or click here.

If you have any questions, please contact us by emailing @email or calling at (413) 545-6263.

Class Catalog for Fall 2024

List of Class Categories

• Building Bridges
• Career Advising
• Career Growth and Beyond
• Communication for the Workplace
• Respectful Workplace
• Workplace Computers
• Workplace English
• Workplace Wellness
• Facilities and Campus Services / AFSCME 1776 Career Ladder

Building Bridges

Writing about Class: A Community Writing Workshop

In this writing workshop, we will explore our experiences with class, status, and identity as they operate in our working and personal lives. We will write from the Building Bridges premise that workers are whole people—artists, musicians, poets, fly-fishers, mothers, fathers, caretakers—and reflect upon how the demands of work can make us feel less than whole. We will also consider how coming together across difference creates new possibilities for building community, friendship, and support. As we write our own stories, we will also read & discuss the stories of others at the intersections of work, class, status, and identity.
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Wednesdays, from 9/25/2024 to 11/20/2024
From 4:30 - 5:45 pm
Instructor(s): Danielle Pappo
Location: Flint 106

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Our Immigrant Voices

This course brings together immigrant employees to get to know each other and discuss ways they’d like to elevate the voice and visibility of immigrant employees and their experiences on campus and beyond. Participants and facilitators will work together using Photovoice—where participants take photos highlighting important issues in their lives—and create a display that will be showcased and presented to the campus community. Any UMass staff member interested in being a part of this course is encouraged to sign up.
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Thursdays, from 10/2/2024 to 12/13/2024
From 11am-12pm
Instructor(s): Nyari Changamire, Jacob Carter
Location: Flint 106

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Showcasing Worker Artists at UMass

This course brings together worker artists to get to know each other and explore ways to showcase the talents of all worker artists on campus. Participants will plan for campus exhibitions—including our Annual Showcase Event, April 1 at the Fine Arts Center—and ways to increase the visibility of worker artists and their experiences on campus and beyond. All interested UMass staff members are encouraged to sign up.
Format: Hybrid
Day(s)/time: Thursday, from 10/3/2024 to 12/12/2024
From 1-2pm
Instructor(s): Nyari Changamire, Jacob Carter, Joe Connolly
Location: Flint 106

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Career Advising

What Do You Want to Do? Exploring Jobs and Career Paths

Wednesdays, 2 sessions: Nov. 13 and Nov. 20, 10 – 11:30 AM  103A Flint Lab Are you wondering about next steps in your work life? Do you want to learn some tools to help you figure out the best options for you? The world of work is changing, and workers can access career development and assessment information, and research websites that will help in career, education, and life planning. This class will help you define your job prospects and offer reality checks along the way. There are two sessions to this in-person class. —Leslie Fraser, instructor
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Wednesdays, from 11/13/2024 to 11/20/2024
From 10 - 11:30am
Instructor(s): Leslie Fraser
Location: Flint 103A

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Career and Education Advising

Are you wondering if you need a new skill set? Would you like some help with work and education goals? Are you planning to start an apprenticeship, technical training, or college program and need some support for going back to school? Help with résumés is also offered. Make an appointment with Leslie Fraser.   Contact Leslie Fraser for an appointment: 413-545-1600, 508-224-8281 or lfraser@umass.edu   
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: By appointment, from 9/16/2024 onwards
Instructor(s): Leslie Fraser

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Résumés and Cover Letters

Learn how to create a résumé that works for you and craft a cover letter that promotes your strengths and skills, putting your best self forward in the world of work.  —Leslie Fraser, instructor  
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Wednesday, on 12/4/2024
From 10am
Instructor(s): Leslie Fraser
Location: Flint 103A

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Job Interviewing Tips

Get ready for your interview! Learn how to research your employer, practice interviewing, and prepare for questions about how you would respond in difficult work situations. Gather tips on using social media, networking, and promoting yourself in the changing world of job hiring.   —Leslie Fraser, instructor  
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Wednesday, from 12/11/2024 to 12/11/2024
From 10 - 11:30am
Instructor(s): Leslie Fraser
Location: Flint 103A

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Career Growth and Beyond

Home Buying from Pre-Approval to Closing

Have you ever thought about buying a house? This class takes you through the steps of purchasing a new home from getting pre-approved to closing.
Format: In-person
Day/time:Thursday, 10/17/2024
From 10 - 11:30am
Instructor(s): Michele Welch, loan officer from Westfield Bank, joined by Eileen Fowler, realtor from Keller WIlliams Realty, Joe Tavella from Bearingstar Insurance; and Jon Goldman from Statera Law.
Location: Campus Center 904-08

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Financial Elder Care, Wills and Trusts

Are you caring for an elder? Will you need to care for an elder in the future? This class will discuss preparing finances, wills and trusts to avoid probate and protect your elders assets from taxes.
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Thursday on 10/24/2024
From 10-11:30am
Instructor(s): Michele Welch, joined by Chris Law from PlanIt Law and Dan Tarbell from Sterling Financial
Location: Campus Center 904-08

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Budget and Credit 101

Budgeting and managing credit are essential skills for working adults. Financial Coach Kim Minor discusses practical steps for budgeting and setting financial goals. Loan Officer Michele Welch will discuss Credit Scores, what impacts them, and how to improve your credit.
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Tuesday, 10/22/2024
From 10 - 11:30am
Instructor(s):Michele Welch
Location: Campus Center 804-08

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Fair Housing basics for UMass workers

Did you know that many people experience housing discrimination in Western Massachusetts? Learn basic information about fair housing laws and how to get help if you believe you or someone you know is facing discrimination.
Format: Remote
Day/time: Wednesday, 10/23/2024
From 2-3pm
Instructor(s): Rosa Tobin, Communications Associate at Massachusetts Fair Housing Center
Location: Zoom

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Communication for the Workplace

Communication Skills: Coaching for Solutions

 Thursday, November 7 and November 21, 2 – 3:30 PM 103A Flint Lab Let’s practice communication skills that can help you give and receive feedback and move through difficult conversations. In coaching or small group sessions, we will practice ways to respond rather than react by using deep listening, inquiry, feedback, and finding common ground. Contact instructor Leslie Fraser (lfraser@umass.edu) to set up a personal coaching session. —Leslie Fraser, instructor   
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Thursdays, from 11/7/2024 to 11/21/2024
From 2pm - 3:30pm
Instructor(s): Leslie Fraser
Location: Flint 103A

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Respectful Workplace

Creating a Respectful Work Environment

The University of Massachusetts is committed to promoting inclusive workplaces, ensuring all employees understand their role in creating a respectful work environment, and providing information on the resources and procedures available to address concerns. The workshop explores strategies to cultivate inclusion and belonging to build a culture of respect at UMass.   —Facilitated by Partnership for Worker Education and Workplace Learning and Development

For this specific class, you must register at: https://www.umass.edu/hr-forms/respectful-workplace-workshops

Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Monday;Tuesday;Thursday, from 9/23/2024 to 1/21/2025
From 10-12 on September 23 in Campus Center 165-69: and November 14, 10-12 on Zoom; 2-4pm on January 21 in Campus Center 165-69
Instructor(s): Leslie Fraser

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Workplace Computers

Introduction to Canva’s Top Features

Canva is a powerful online design tool catering to beginners and professionals alike. This one-hour workshop will cover some of the top features that make Canva an indispensable tool for many: User-Friendly Interface, Extensive Template Library, Rich Media Library, Custom Fonts, Text Effects, Brand Kit, and Video Editing.
Format: Zoom
Day(s)/time:Thursday, December 12
From1 - 2pm
Instructor(s): Heather Morgan
Location: Online (Zoom)

Introduction to MS Excel

Learn to track your finances and keep a budget in this 5-week class. We will cover the basic functions and terminology of MS Excel, the most used spreadsheet app. Topics may be added based on participant needs.
Format: Hybrid
Day(s)/time: Tuesday, from 10/8/2024 to 11/5/2024
From 10 am - 12pm
Instructor(s): Heather Morgan
Location: Dickinson 210

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Intermediate MS Excel

Expand your knowledge of Excel in this 5-week intermediate class. We will cover more complex functions, conditional formatting, linking worksheets, pivot tables, and more. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of Excel.
Format: Hybrid
Day(s)/time: Tuesday, from 10/8/2024 to 11/5/2024
From 1 - 3pm
Instructor(s): Heather Morgan
Location: Dickinson 210

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Advanced MS Excel

This four-week Advanced Excel class will cover Macros, Advanced Formulas and Functions, Pivot Tables and Charts, and more. Prerequisite: Intermediate Excel skills.
Format: Hybrid
Day(s)/time: Thursday, from 10/31/2024 to 11/21/2024
From 10 - 11:30am
Instructor(s): Heather Morgan
Location: Dickinson 210

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Introduction to Canva

Interested in creating flyers, posters, or invitations? Canva is a free graphic design platform. Learn how to use the Canva drag-and-drop interface to create your design or modify one of Canva's free templates. Prerequisite: Basic Computer Skills
Format: Hybrid
Day(s)/time: Friday, 10/18/2024
From 10 am - 12pm
Instructor(s): Heather Morgan
Location: In-Person at Dickinson Room 210 and Zoom

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Introduction to Access

Learn the basics of MS Access and database structure in this introductory four-session class. Basic computer skills are required.
Format: Remote
Day(s)/time: Friday, from 11/1/2024 to 11/22/2024
From 10 - 11:30am
Instructor(s): Heather Morgan
Location: Zoom

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Creating a Presentation in PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a presentation program that allows you to create dynamic slide presentations. In this three-session class, you'll learn your way around the PowerPoint environment, with each session building on the previous one.
Format: Hybrid
Day(s)/time: Tuesday, from 11/12/2024 to 11/26/2024
From 1 - 2:30pm
Instructor(s): Heather Morgan
Location: Dickinson 210

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Introduction to Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive is Microsoft’s online storage space for saving, editing, and sharing documents and other files. You can access OneDrive from your computer, smartphone, or other devices. This class will cover the benefits of using OneDrive and how to use it.
Format: Remote
Day(s)/time: Tuesday, from 12/3/2024 to 12/3/2024
From 12 - 1pm
Instructor(s): Heather Morgan
Location: Zoom

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Workplace English

Beginning English Literacy

We will begin by connecting everyday objects with the letters of the English alphabet. With this foundation you will learn to read, write, and say names and other personal information with confidence. You will progress to simple words that you use every day at work, asking and answering questions, and recognizing important safety signs. Everyone is welcome!
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Wednesday and Friday, from 10/9/2024 to 12/13/2024
From 1 - 2pm
Instructor(s): Midori Tabery
Location: Worcester DC classroom 325

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Beginning Workplace English

Do you want to communicate more easily with people at work? Do you have questions about safety, asking for time off, and how to pronounce things at work? In this class we will practice speaking and understanding vocabulary about the tools and skills at UMass and beyond that matter to you. With individual and group practice, your confidence will grow!
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Tuesday;Thursday, from 10/8/2024 to 12/12/2024
From 1 - 3pm
Instructor(s): TBD
Location:Hampshire DC classroom

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Low Intermediate Workplace English

Do you want to improve your ability to ask questions and understand written notices, UMass emails, and workplace trainings? In this class you will continue to build vocabulary about the tools, skills, and relationships at work and beyond. We will also read, write, and discuss topics important to you. Learners are encouraged to practice outside class.
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Wednesday;Friday, from 10/9/2024 to 12/13/2024
From 1 - 3pm
Instructor(s): Suhong Chang
Location: Bartlett 205

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Intermediate English Topics

This class is for F&CS and Auxiliary Enterprise employees at the high intermediate-to-advanced ESOL level. You will improve your reading, writing, and discussion skills with topics ranging from the workplace to current world events. Specific feedback will be given during group and individual practice with a focus on improving pronunciation, grammatical accuracy, and developing a richer vocabulary for career advancement and personal interests. Digital skills for career readiness will be included.
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Wednesday;Friday, from 10/9/2024 to 12/13/2024
From 2-4pm
Instructor(s): Midori Tabery
Location: Worcester DC classroom 325

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Intermediate ESOL for 2nd shift F&CS Employees

Do you want to communicate more easily with people at your workplace and in daily life? Group and individual activities will help you improve your conversational English as well as your reading and writing skills. We will also explore basic computer instruction, including understanding your paycheck and navigating the UMass website. Learners are encouraged to bring topics for discussion and practice outside of class.
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Tuesday;Thursday, from 10/22/2024 to 12/19/2024
From 4:30 - 6pm
Instructor(s): TBD
Location: Bartlett 205

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Workplace Wellness

Ways of Knowing Through the Senses: A Nature Walking Experience

Using our senses, we will enjoy a short, guided walk on campus to increase our awareness of the beauty of UMass and refresh our connection to the more-than-human world. Led by Madeleine Charney, certified guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, and a librarian at the Science & Engineering Library!
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Thursday, from 10/10/2024 to 10/10/2024
From 1 - 2:30pm
Instructor(s): Madeleine Charney
Location: In front of the main entrance to Bartlett

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Workplace Yoga

Take an hour a week to improve your workplace wellness. A study in the March 2019 issue of Occupational Medicine concluded that yoga has a positive effect on health in the workplace, particularly in reducing stress. This five-week class will focus on yoga practice to support you at work and beyond. Wear comfortable clothing that will let you stretch. Taught by Nancy Paglia, a yoga instructor with more than 30 years of experience in workplace wellness.
Format: Remote
Day(s)/time: Thursday, from 10/3/2024 to 10/31/2024
From 1 - 2pm
Instructor(s): Nancy Paglia
Location: Zoom

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Stress-busting Practices: Mindfulness and Writing for Workplace Wellness

Tuesdays, 5 sessions: Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 19: Join us for a 5-week class of mindfulness, stress-reducing exercises, and writing together, where we will learn mindfulness practices for focusing and stress reduction and explore resources to support your wellbeing.  We will also link to this year’s Building Bridges theme, “Our Common Ground,” by sharing writing exercises designed to help you find your own common ground of rest, renewal, and regeneration.   
Format: In-person
Day(s)/time: Tuesday, from 10/22/2024 to 11/19/2024
From 2 - 3:30pm
Instructor(s): Leslie Fraser
Location: Flint 103A

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Facilities and Campus Services / AFSCME 1776 Career Ladder

This Career Ladder program is for Facilities and Campus Services employees (Physical Plant custodial, Physical Plant grounds staff, and Residential Life custodial staff) who are covered by a UMass/AFSCME collective bargaining agreement. The Career Ladder program continues to be very active with new apprenticeship opportunities, new trainings, and new courses. It provides a clear pathway for moving up at the workplace. Workers build up their skills through trainings and educational programming. In doing so, they increase their chances for promotion. This is a joint partnership effort between F&CS and AFSCME 1776.

• Career and Résumé Advising for the F&CS Career Ladder:Individual appointments to help you update or create a résumé or more generally with career advising for a job at UMass.
• Exposure to the Trades: Learning about different trades work in Facilities and Campus Services: Are you interested in learning more about the different kinds of trades work that happens here on campus? This is an ongoing series and invites you to consider your own interests and skill sets that could help you to prepare for work in the trades at UMass.
• Essential Skills for Maintenance Trades Workshop Series:These workshops will give you the opportunity to learn about and practice using essential tools used in the trades such as measuring tapes, electric drills, electric screwdrivers, saws, and more. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in upcoming apprenticeship opportunities at UMass.
• Math & Measurements for the Trades: This class will help you improve your knowledge and confidence in using mathematics and measurements. You will learn about and review the baseline math and measurement skills needed to learn and work in the trades at UMass.
• Advancing Women in the Trades at UMass: Learn about what the trades positions are at UMass and hear from tradeswomen working at UMass. This is a great opportunity to learn more and consider a career in the trades!

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This and pages below it are from the SPRING 2024 semester at UMass Amherst. For our latest classes, always go to Campus Classes

The Partnership for Worker Education holds fall and spring classes on campus for the staff of UMass Amherst, particularly focused on the unionized campus staff of the Professional Staff Union (PSU), University Staff Association (USA), and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).