Fall 2022 Classes
Below are the Fall 2022 class offerings from the Partnership for Worker Education. To register for any of these classes, go to our registration page (at umass.edu/worker-ed/register)
Our in-person classes will follow UMass Covid safety protocols.
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Computer Classes
Webinar: Using Microsoft OneDrive on Zoom
Three recurrences of this hour-long webinar:
Thursday, September 29 12-1pm, or
Tuesday, October 18, 12-1pm, or
Thursday, December 1, 2-3pm
If you’re new to Microsoft Teams, or are migrating from Box or Google Drive, learn about OneDrive, how it stores files, how to use it in Teams and across UMass, in this 1-hour webinar. Jeff Napolitano, instructor
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Microsoft Teams Basics on Zoom
Tuesday, November 15, 12-1pm, on Zoom
This webinar is an introduction to Microsoft Teams, and will focus on this application as an essential workplace tool. Increasingly, colleges and departments, here on campus, are encouraging staff to explore all that Microsoft Teams has to offer. Jeff Napolitano, instructor
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Introduction to MS PowerPoint on Zoom
Wednesdays, 4 sessions: October 5 to 26, 10 – 11:30 AM
Learn the basics of Microsoft PowerPoint to create engaging presentations. In this four-week course, you will learn how to use PowerPoint’s basic design features to add variety and style to your slides. We will also discuss transitions, animations, and how to import and edit templates. Topics may be added based on participant needs. Gretchen Hohmeyer, instructor.
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Expand Your MS Word Skills in-person class
Wednesdays, 2 sessions: November 2 and 9, 12 – 2PM
Over this two-session course, we will look at such features as SmartArt, tables, and other design elements as we explore what Word can do outside of text. Topics may be added based on participant needs. --Gretchen Hohmeyer, instructor.
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Upgrade Your Computer Skills in-person class
Thursdays, 4 sessions: October 6 to 27, 9 – 11AM
Room 210, Dickinson Building
Good UMass jobs require more technical skills than ever before, including remote work due to Covid. In this beginner 4-week class, you will get a quick introduction to MS Word and Excel applications and practice creating documents and spreadsheets to make you financially smart. Even if you don’t own a computer, this class will boost your computer skills and confidence. —Fran Fortino, instructor
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Introduction to MS Excel in-person class
Thursdays, 5 sessions: November 3 to December 8, 9 – 11AM
Room 210, Dickinson Building
Learn to track your finances and keep a budget in this 5-week in-person 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
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Intermediate MS Excel in-person class
Thursdays, 5 sessions: November 3 to December 8, 12 – 2PM
Room 210, Dickinson Building
Build on your knowledge of Excel and learn more functions and formatting tricks. This 5-week intermediate Excel class will cover more complex and useful functions, cell and conditional formatting, linking worksheets, and pivot tables. You’ll learn how to format worksheets effectively, use Excel functions like IF, V Lookup & Match, and create pivot tables to make your data easier to understand. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of Excel. —Fran Fortino, instructor
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Design with Canva on Zoom
Fridays, 2 sessions: Oct. 21 and Oct. 28, 10 – 11:30AM
Canva is a graphic design platform used to create business cards, Zoom backgrounds, flyers, presentations, lesson plans, and more. Need to collaborate with others on a project? With Canva, you can. Share your design and allow others to view or edit your project. You can even upload and edit your photos. Topics will include how to use the Canva drag and drop interface to modify one of Canva’s 250,000 + free templates and how to design from scratch. Also covered will be how to upload and edit photos using Canva’s free photo editor. This class meets twice on Zoom. Heather Morgan, instructor
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Building Bridges
Showcasing Worker Artists at UMass
Mondays and/or Wednesdays, 10 sessions, starting September 12, 1 – 2PM, hybrid (on Zoom and in person), Goodell 508
This course brings together worker artists to get to know each other and to explore the ways in which they can showcase the talents of worker artists on campus. Participants will be planning for different exhibitions on campus—including an an exhibition this fall at the Student Union Art Gallery —and how to increase the visibility of worker artists, their art and their experiences on campus and beyond. Our theme this semester centers on the question, what does belonging mean to you? Anyone in the UMass staff community interested in being a part of this course is encouraged to sign up. Joe Connolly and Jacob Carter, facilitators
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Our Immigrant Voices
Wednesdays at 11, 8 sessions, starting October 5th, hybrid (on Zoom and in person)
This course brings together immigrant employees to get to know each other and to discuss ways they would like to amplify their voice and visibility.
Participants and facilitators will work together using Photovoice—where participants take photos to highlight important issues in their lives and stimulate dialogue—and create a display that will be showcased and presented to the campus community. Anyone in the UMass staff community interested in being a part of this course is encouraged to sign up. Jacob Carter, facilitator
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Building Bridges and Belonging Exhibition Events
Kick-Off Workshop at the Craft Center on Monday, October 17th at 4:30
Closing Receptions at the Gallery on Thursday, November 3rd from 4:00 - 6:00 and Friday, November 4th at 12:00
UMass Student Union Art Gallery
Join us to celebrate this exhibition of creative work from UMass staff members who have crafted their own responses to the question, “What does belonging mean to you?”
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Writing and Belonging
Thursdays, 5 sessions: Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10, 1:30 – 3PM
Old Chapel conference room and Student Union Art Gallery
What does belonging mean to you? In this 5-session class, we will explore this year’s Building Bridges theme of belonging and create our own writing to share with the UMass community. During the three weeks of the Building Bridges art exhibit in the Student Union, the artwork will become prompts to our writing. Everyone is welcome—bring a computer or a notebook and pen with you, and let’s write together. Leslie Fraser, Gretchen Hohmeyer, and Danielle Pappo, instructors
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Writing & Communication
Writing and Belonging
Thursdays, 5 sessions: Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10, 1:30 – 3PM
Old Chapel Conference Room and Student Union Art Gallery
What does belonging mean to you? In this 5-session class, we will explore this year’s Building Bridges theme of belonging and create our own writing to share with the UMass community. During the three weeks of the Building Bridges art exhibit in the Student Union, the artwork will become prompts to our writing. Everyone is welcome—bring a computer or a notebook and pen with you, and let’s write together. Leslie Fraser, Gretchen Hohmeyer and Danielle Pappo, instructors
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Communication Skills: Moving to Solutions
Thursdays, 3 sessions: Nov. 17, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, 11:30AM – 1PM
Campus Center Room TBA
Let’s practice communication skills that can help you give and receive feedback and move through difficult conversations. We will learn to respond rather than react by using deep listening, inquiry, feedback, and finding common ground. We will practice communicating in ways that build respect and inclusion in our jobs and in the world. Leslie Fraser, instructor
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Respectful Workplace
Creating a Respectful Work Environment
Check https://www.umass.edu/humres/respectful-workplace-training for fall dates
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
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Workplace Wellness
Mindfulness for Workplace Wellness
Tuesdays, 5 sessions: October 18 to November 15, 12 – 1PM,
Campus Center Room TBA or on Zoom
Join us for a 5-week mindfulness class, where we will learn mindfulness practices for focusing and stress reduction and explore resources to support your wellbeing. Leslie Fraser, instructor
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Career Growth & Learning
Exploring Jobs and Career Paths
Tuesdays, 2 sessions: Nov. 29 and Dec. 5, 10:30AM – 12PM, 210 Dickinson
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 dream job and offer reality checks along the way. There are two sessions to this in-person class. Leslie Fraser, instructor
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Résumés, Cover Letters & Interviewing Tips
Tuesday, December 12, 10:30AM – 12PM, 210 Dickinson
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. Leslie Fraser, instructor
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Career and Education Advising
Contact Leslie Fraser for an appointment: 413-545-1600, 508-224-8281 or lfraser@umass.edu
Now that UMass is back to on-site work, 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.
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Financial and Life Planning
Homebuying 101
Tuesday, November 1, 10 – 11:30AM, Campus Center Room TBA with zoom option
Getting pre-approved 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. You may choose to take this workshop on Zoom or in person. Michele Welch, mortgage loan originator, with financial advisors who may need to be on zoom
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Tips for Budgeting and Managing Credit
Tuesday, November 8, 10 – 11:30AM, Campus Center Room TBA with zoom option?
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. Michele Welch, advisor, with other advisors who may need to be on zoom
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Taking Care of Aging Parents
Tuesday, November 15, 10 – 11:30AM, Campus Center Room TBA with zoom option
Explore financial planning, health and wellness options, and elder care needs that must be addressed when caring for aging parents. You may choose to take this workshop on Zoom or in person. Michele Welch, advisor, with financial and legal advisors who may need to be on zoom
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English for the Workplace
Level 1 Workplace English
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 weeks, beginning October 3, 1 – 3PM
Bartlett or Campus Center, Room TBD
Are you comfortable understanding and speaking English at work? Level 1 English teaches you vocabulary and grammar to help you at work and in your daily life. You will also use basic computer and smartphone technology to support at-home learning, such WhatsApp and online language learning resources. Melissa Kane, instructor
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Level 2 Workplace English
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 weeks, beginning October 4, 1 – 3PM
Bartlett or Campus Center, Room TBD
Can you understand and read English but struggle to speak and write easily? In Level 2 English, you will continue to improve your communication skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English. Lessons will focus on language needs for work and daily life to help you communicate effectively and confidently. Midori Tabery, instructor
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Workplace English for 2nd Shift Physical Plant Employees
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 weeks, beginning October 3, 4:30 – 6:30PM
Bartlett or Campus Center, Room TBD
This mixed-level English class is geared to the needs of custodial workers. Lessons focus on your work and daily life to help you improve the four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You will also use basic computer and smartphone technology to support at-home learning, such as WhatsApp and online language learning resources. Melissa Kane, instructor
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Workplace English for Auxiliary Enterprises Employees, Franklin Area
Days TBD, 10 weeks, 2X/wk. beginning Oct 3, time TBD
Do you want to improve your English, but don’t know where to start? In this mixed-level class you’ll improve your language skills for better communication and confidence in food service and in daily life situations. Step-by step listening and speaking practice will be supported by reading and writing instruction. You can review and extend your skills outside of class at your own pace. Instructor TBD
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Workplace English for Auxiliary Enterprises Employees, Worcester Area
Days TBD, 10 weeks, 2X/wk. beginning Oct 3, time TBD
Do you want to improve your English, but don’t know where to start? In this mixed-level class you’ll improve your language skills for better communication and confidence in food service and in daily life situations. Step-by step listening and speaking practice will be supported by reading and writing instruction. You can review and extend your skills outside of class at your own pace. Instructor TBD
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Career Ladder Classes (for Auxiliary Enterprises Employees Only)
Online Workplace Culinary English for New Culinary Hires
This 10-session hybrid (in person and online) course intends to provide employees an opportunity to learn and review basic conversational English related specifically to work in the kitchen. This course introduces new vocabulary pointing at location of produce and equipment in pantries and kitchens and includes on site orientation to help employees regardless of their English level. While the course targets employees at an initial English level (employees with little or no knowledge of English), the online format allows each employee to practice and advance at their own pace.
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Basic Computer Skills for Culinary Services for New Culinary Hires
This 1-session course intends to support internal organizational communication to raise employees’ confidence and provide foundational computer skills required for fluent communication within the organization.
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Culinary Basic Skills for New Culinary Hires
This 1-session course intends to create a positive introduction to the organization by providing clear job expectations, rules and procedures.
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Individualized Case Management for New Culinary Hires
(For participants in the new CommCorp project) Individualized support provided during application and initial stages of introduction to the workplace.
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Career Builder Information Sessions for Culinary Employees
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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.
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Résumé Advising for the F&CS Career Ladder
By Appointment: Zoom, FaceTime, video chat, telephone, or in person
If you need help updating or creating a résumé for a job at UMass, contact Leslie Fraser for an appointment: 413-545-1600, 508-224-8281 or lfraser@umass.edu
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Career Advising for the F&CS Career Ladder
By Appointment: zoom, facetime, video chat, telephone, or in person
If you need help learning about and discussing options for your career at UMass, contact Leslie Fraser for an appointment: 413-545-1600, 508-224-8281 or lfraser@umass.edu
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Exposure to the Trades: Learning about different trades work in Facilities and Campus Services
Dates and times TBD
Are you interested in learning more about the different kinds of trades work that happens here on campus? This is a great starting point if you are considering applying for any of the apprenticeship opportunities or if you would benefit from better understanding the different kinds of work that go into making UMass run. This will involve attending a series of info sessions on the different trades along with considering your own interests and skill sets that could help you to prepare for work in the trades. Jacob Carter, facilitator