Fall 2023 Class Registration

 

Register below for the Fall 2023 offerings for the Partnership for Worker Education classes.

We're using a new form, so please note:

1. Indicate your TOP THREE choices for classes by selecting "1" for your first choice, "2" for your second choice, and "3" for your third choice:

2. And don't forget to hit "Submit" at the bottom of the form! 

If you have any problems or questions, please email us at pwe@umass.edu or reach us through our contact form.

 

If you have any questions, please contact us by email or call us at 413-545-6263.

(updated 9/14/2023)

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Class Offering for Fall 2023

Computer Classes
Thursdays, 2:30-4pm, October 5, 12, 26, and November 2, 9, Room 210 Dickinson
Good UMass jobs require more technical skills than ever before. In this beginner 5-week class, you will get an introduction to MS Word and Excel. The Basic Computer Skills class will include time to practice creating documents and spreadsheets. This class will boost your computer skills and confidence even if you don't own a computer. Instructor: Heather Morgan
Thursdays, 9-11am, 5 sessions, November 2, 9, 16, 30, and December 7, Room 210, Dickinson Building
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. You will learn worksheet data entry, editing and formatting; saving and printing options; basic formulas and functions; and a few chart options. Topics may be added based on participant needs. - Fran Fortino, instructor
Thursdays, 12 – 2pm, 5 sessions, November 2, 9, 16, 30, and December 7, Room 210, Dickinson Building
Expand your knowledge of Excel by learning more functions and formatting tricks. This 5-week intermediate class will cover more complex and useful functions - cell and conditional formatting, linking worksheets, and pivot tables to make your data easier to understand. You’ll learn how to format worksheets effectively and use Excel functions, including IF, V Lookup & Match. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of Excel. Instructor: Fran Fortino
Fridays, 10 – 11am, 3 Zoom sessions, December 1, 8, 15
PowerPoint is a presentation program that allows you to create dynamic slide presentations. These presentations can include animation, images, videos, and much more. In this class, you'll learn your way around the PowerPoint environment with each session building on the previous one. Instructor: Heather Morgan
Fridays, 10 – 11am, 2 Zoom Sessions, November 3 and 10
Canva is a free graphic design platform that can create business cards, Zoom backgrounds, flyers, presentations, lesson plans, and more. Learn how to upload and edit your own photos as well as how to use the Canva drag and drop interface to create your own design or modify one of Canva’s free templates. Collaborate by allowing others to view or edit your project. Instructor: Heather Morgan
Fridays, 1 – 2pm, Zoom on October 20, 27 and November 3
Three sessions will be devoted to learning MS Word Mail Merge, creating and modifying tables, and inserting and modifying objects such as pictures, shapes, charts, Word Art, and more. We will also cover text wrapping and text boxes. Familiarity with MS Word is required. • Master MS Word Mail Merge, October 20, 1– 2 pm • Creating and Modifying Tables in Word, October 27, 1-2 pm • Inserting and Modifying Objects into Word, November 3, 1-2 pm Instructor: Heather Morgan
Thursday,12-1pm, November 16
his webinar is for those who are new to Microsoft OneDrive, but we'll also cover any questions from advanced users submitted ahead of time. We'll cover how to stores files, use OneDrive in Teams and more. Instructor: Jeff Napolitano
Thursday, 12-1pm, December 7
his webinar is an introduction to Microsoft Teams as an essential workplace tool. We'll cover how to start in Teams, what it's good for (and NOT good for), and we'll answer questions submitted in advance. Instructor: Jeff Napolitano
Tuesdays, 1-2:30pm, 4 sessions, November 14, 21, 28, and December 5, Room 210, Dickinson Building
An Excel macro records your mouse clicks and keystrokes so that you can run the action as many times as you want. In this class you will learn how to create, modify and use Macros in MS Excel. Must have Intermediate Excel skills. Instructor: Heather Morgan
Tuesdays, 1 - 2:30pm, 4 sessions, October 17, 24, 31, and November 7, Room 210, Dickinson Building
Learn the basics of Microsoft Access and database structure in this 4-session class. We will cover the basics of tables, queries, relationships – and more. Topics may be added based on participant needs. Each class will build upon the previous class. Instructor: Heather Morgan
Thursdays, 1 - 2:00pm, 2 Zoom sessions, November 30 & December 7
We'll start with an overview of Outlook, learn the differences between the classic and simplified ribbon, switching between them, using the Search bar beyond searching emails, finding attachments easily, creating a focused inbox, keyboard shortcuts and more. Instructor: Heather Morgan
Respectful Workplace Classes

Creating a Respectful Work Environment
Online (Zoom) registration coming soon at: https://www.umass.edu/hr/training-and-support/employee-inclusivity-trainings 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. This workshop explores strategies to cultivate inclusion and belonging to build a culture of respect at UMass.

Instructors: The Partnership for Worker Education & Workplace Learning and Development

Workplace Wellness
Tuesdays, 12 – 1pm, November 7, 14, 28, and December 5, 12, Room 205 Bartlett or on Zoom 
 Join us for a 5-week class, where we will learn mindfulness practices for improved focus and stress reduction and explore resources to support your wellbeing. Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Writing & Communication
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:45pm, October 4, 11,18, 25, and November 1, 8, 15, 29, Flint Lab Room 106
What does 'community' mean to you? In this 8-session writing workshop, we will explore our individual and collective experiences of community—at UMass, among each other, and beyond. As we work to 'build bridges' on-campus, the Writing & Community workshop is open to UMass workers and students. We will read the writing of other UMass workers from years past and have the opportunity to share our writing with others, whether as a reading event, a printed book, and/or at the Fall '23 Building Bridges Exhibit. Writing is an important skill in the workplace and this class provides an opportunity to practice and enhance your writing skills in a supportive environment. Instructor: Danielle Pappo
Career Growth & Learning
Thursday, 10 – 11:30am, November 9, Online and In-person at Campus Center 805-809
There are many areas to consider in estate law. Learn tips from financial, banking, and legal professionals about how to begin plans for aging parents/elders in your life. General and specific questions answered. Instructors: Michele Welch, VP mortgage loan officer; Chris Law, attorney; Dan Tarbell: financial planner
Tuesday, 10 – 11:30am, November 14, Online and In-person at Campus Center 805-809
Become a better manager of the income you earn and learn the basics of wise use of credit. We will help you understand your credit report and how credit scores are determined. You will also learn about credit cards and what you should always ask when applying for a loan. Instructors: Michele Welch: VP Mortgage loan Officer; Kim Minor: budget coach
Thursday, 10:30am – 12:30pm, November 16, Room 205 Bartlett
Learn how to create a résumé that works for you, craft a cover letter that promotes your strengths and skills, practice interviewing, and gather tips on using social media, networking, and putting your best self forward in the world of work. Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Tuesday, November 7, 10 – 11:30am, Online and In-person at Campus Center 805-809
Getting preapproved for a mortgage is the first step in buying a home. This workshop will take you through the steps of mortgage approval through signing a purchase and sales agreement and closing the sale. We will help you determine how much of a loan you can qualify for and go over payment and loan options available to you. Instructors: Michele Welch, instructor (VP Mortgage Loan Officer; Eileen Fowler, Keller Williams: realtors; Jon Goldman: real estate attny. Joe Tavella: insurance agent)
After November 16, 2023, Phone and Zoom at 413-545-1600 or lfraser@umass.edu by appointment
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 a college program and need some support for going back to school? Help with résumés is also offered. Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Building Bridges
Thursdays from 1-2pm, October 5 through December 14 (no class November 23), Online (Zoom) and In-person
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 2—and ways to increase visibility of worker art and experiences on campus and beyond. All interested UMass staff members are encouraged to sign up. Instructors: Jacob Carter & Joe Connolly
Wednesdays, 11am – 12pm, October 4 through December 13 (no class November 22), Room 106 Flint
This course brings together immigrant employees to get to know each other and discuss ways they’d like to amplify their voices. Participants and facilitators will work together using Photovoice—where participants take photos highlighting important issues in their lives and stimulating dialogue—and create a display that will be showcased and presented to the campus community. Any member of the UMass staff immigrant community interested in being a part of this course is encouraged to sign up. Instructor: Jacob Carter
English for the Workplace
Mondays and Wednesdays: 1-3pm, Oct. 2 – Dec. 11, In-person at 205 Bartlett
Would you like to communicate more easily in English at work? In this class we will connect workplace tasks and interactions with the English skills and practice you need to succeed. You will also expand your daily life vocabulary –hobbies, family, holidays, etc.- in the areas that interest you. Individual, partner, and group activities will help you become a more confident and effective communicator at work and beyond
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1-3pm, Oct. 3 – Dec. 12In-person at 205 Bartlett
Would you like to communicate more easily in English at work? In this class we will connect workplace tasks and interactions with the English skills and practice you need to succeed. You will also expand your daily life vocabulary –hobbies, family, holidays, etc.- in the areas that interest you. Individual, partner, and group activities will help you become a more confident and effective communicator at work and beyond
Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:30pm, October 2-December 11, Room 205 Bartlett
This mixed-level English class is geared to the needs of custodial workers. Lessons focus on language and interactions used in the workplace and in daily life to improve your communication in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Individual, partner, and group activities will help you become a more confident and effective communicator at work and beyond.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:30 - 3:30pm, October 2 to December 11, Worcester 3rd floor classroom
Do you have questions or want to improve your English at work? In this mixed-level class you will learn how to be more confident in food service and daily life conversations. Targeted instruction for various English levels will help you improve workplace vocabulary and conversation with customers, coworkers, and supervisors. Out-of-class practice is provided - the more you practice, the faster you’ll improve!
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 – 4pm, October 3 to December 12, Hampshire Classroom
Do you have questions or want to improve your English at work? In this mixed-level class you will learn how to be more confident in food service and daily life conversations. Targeted instruction for various English levels will help you improve workplace vocabulary and conversation with customers, coworkers, and supervisors. Out-of-class practice is provided; the more you practice, the more you’ll improve!
Career Ladder Classes for Facilities and Campus Services Employees Only
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 the union and management.
By appointment
If you need help updating or creating a résumé or more generally with career advising for a job at UMass, contact Leslie Fraser for an appointment: lfraser@umass.edu
Dates and time to be announced
Are you interested in learning more about the different kinds of trades work that happens here on campus? This is an opportunity to attend a series of info sessions on the different trades. 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. Instructor: Jacob Carter
Dates and times to be announced
Are you interested in maintenance trades but haven’t had the chance to learn or practice essential skills? 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 an ongoing series led by skilled UMass staff members and a great opportunity for anyone interested in upcoming apprenticeship opportunities. Facilitators, Thomas Fydenkevez, Becky Walton and others