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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).

Our Spring 2025 class registration is open! You can now register for classes in the form below, or jump to the class catalog:

 

Spring 2025 Classes:

Workplace English Classes

Intermediate ESOL for 2nd Shift F&CS Employees
Instructor: Banen Mustafa
Description: 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. Learners are encouraged to bring topics for discussion and practice outside of class.
Day(s) of the Week: Tuesday;Thursday
Start / End Date: 2/18/2025 through 5/1/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 4:30 pm for 1.5 hours
Location: Bartlett Building, room 205

 

UMass Retirement Benefits Explained for ESOL Employees  Class Full!
Instructor: Kelly Pleasant/UMass HR Benefits, Midori Tabery, Workplace English Instructor assisting
Description: Kelly Pleasant from UMass HR Benefits will lead a conversation and share information based on your questions about retirement. This will help with decisions especially as you near ten years of benefitted employment at UMass. Limited space so signup early!
Day(s) of the Week: Friday
Start / End Date: 2/28/2025 through 2/28/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 2:00 pm for 1.5 hours
Location: Worcester DC, room 325

 

Beginning English Literacy
Instructor: Midori Tabery
Description: We will begin with the English alphabet and connect letters with everyday objects. From this foundation we will practice reading, writing, and speaking names of items and actions at work. We will also ask and answer questions, give personal information, and learn to recognize important safety signs.
Day(s) of the Week: Wednesday;Friday
Start / End Date: 2/19/2025 through 5/2/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 1:00 pm for 1 hour
Location: Worcester DC room 325

 

Intermediate ESOL
Instructor: Midori Tabery
Description: You will improve your reading, writing, and discussion skills with topics ranging from the workplace to our personal interests and communities. 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 and personal advancement. This class is for AFSCME custodial and culinary workers at the intermediate-to-advanced ESL level.
Day(s) of the Week: Wednesday; Friday
Start / End Date: 2/19/2025 through 5/2/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 2:00 pm for 2 hours
Location: Worcester DC room 325

 

Beginning Workplace English
Instructor: Suhong Chang
Description: Do you want to communicate more easily with people at work? Do you have questions about safety and daily routines, and want to improve your pronunciation of things at work? In this class, we 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!
Day(s) of the Week: Tuesday;Thursday
Start / End Date: 2/18/2025 through 5/1/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 1:00 pm for 2 hours
Location: Hampshire DC classroom

 

Low Intermediate Workplace English
Instructor: Suhong Chang
Description: 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.
Day(s) of the Week: Wednesday;Friday
Start / End Date: 2/19/2025 through 5/2/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 1:00 pm for 2 hours
Location: Bartlett Building, room 205

 

Welcome to UMass Libraries for Multilingual/ESOL Employees
Instructor: UMass Library Staff, Midori Tabery assisting
Description: Join a 40-minute tour to learn about our UMass libraries and resources available to you like: 3D printing, media production, materials to borrow, quiet spaces, and of course how to get a library card! The tour will take place in the WEB Dubois Library with staff who will answer all your questions.
Day(s) of the Week: Wednesday
Start / End Date: 3/19/2025 Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 2:15 for 45 minutes
Location: WEB Dubois Library

 

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Workplace Computer Classes

 

Class full!
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
Instructor: Heather Morgan
Description: 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. Prerequisite: basic computer skills
Day(s) of the Week: Tuesday
Start / End Date: 2/18/2025 through 3/18/2025
Format: Hybrid
Start time and length of class: 1:00 pm for 1.5 hours
Location: Dickenson Building, room 210 and Zoom

 

Intermediate Microsoft Excel
Instructor: Heather Morgan
Description: 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.
Day(s) of the Week: Tuesday
Start / End Date: 4/1/2025 through 4/29/2025
Format: Hybrid
Start time and length of class: 1:00 pm for 1.5 hours
Location: Dickenson Building, room 210 and Zoom

 

Class Full!
Canva
Instructor: Heather Morgan
Description: Are you interested in creating flyers, posters, presentations, videos, social media posts, or invitations? In this 4–week class, you will learn how to use Canva’s drag-and-drop interface to create your own design or modify one of Canva's free templates. Prerequisite: Basic Computer Skills
Day(s) of the Week: Thursday
Start / End Date: 5/1/2025 through 5/22/2025
Format: Zoom
Start time and length of class: 10:30 am for 1 hour
Location: Zoom

 

Introduction to Foxit pdf Editor
Instructor: Heather Morgan
Description: Foxit PDF Editor is a software application that allows users to create, edit, organize, and secure PDF files. It offers comprehensive tools to modify PDF text, images, and pages. This one-hour, 3-session class is for beginners and experienced Foxit users aiming to enhance their productivity.
Day(s) of the Week: Thursday
Start / End Date: 3/13/2025 through 3/27/2025
Format: Zoom
Start time and length of class: 11:00 AM for 1 hour
Location: Zoom

 

Class Full!
Basic Computer Skills
Instructor: Heather Morgan
Description: This 5-session class introduces the basic concepts of computer usage, including understanding hardware, software, operating systems, and essential applications. By the end of the class, participants should feel comfortable navigating a computer and utilizing basic programs effectively for everyday tasks.
Day(s) of the Week: Tuesday
Start / End Date: 4/1/2025 through 4/29/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 11:00 AM for 1 hour
Location: Dickenson Building, room 210 and Zoom

 


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Building Bridges Classes

 

Our Immigrant Voices
Instructor: Nyaradzai Changamire, Jacob Carter
Description: 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.
Day(s) of the Week: Thursday
Start / End Date: 2/20/2025 through 5/1/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 11:00am-12:00pm for 1 hour
Location: Wilder Hall, room 102

 

Showcasing Worker Artists at UMass
Instructor: Nyaradzai Changamire, Jacob Carter, Joe Connolly
Description: 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.
Day(s) of the Week: Thursday
Start / End Date: 2/20/2025 through 5/8/2025
Format: Hybrid
Start time and length of class: 1:00-2:00pm for 1 hour
Location: TBD, zoom

 

Writing about Class and Our Common Ground: A Community Writing Workshop
Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Description: In this 5-week writing workshop, we will write from the Building Bridges theme, "Our Common Ground," highlighting our many identities as artists, musicians, poets, flyfishers, parents, caretakers, and whole human beings. We will explore our many identities and experiences, including class and status, as they operate in our working and personal lives. Using writing prompts and exercises, we will listen, reflect, and discuss our writing, differences and intersections building freindship and support. Bring a notebook or computer to class. Everyone is welcome!
Day(s) of the Week: Wednesday
Start / End Date: 2/19/2025 through 3/26/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 4:30 pm for 1.5 hours
Location: Wilder Hall, room 102

 


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Career Growth and Beyond Classes

 

Heading into Retirement
Instructor: Dan Tarbell from Sterling Financial; Sean Rooney from Rooney Insurance; Michele Welch from Westfield Bank
Description: Are you thinking about retirement? This informational session will help you learn what you can do now to prepare for retirement. The session includes how to navigate retirement benefits, social security, and financial planning before the big day. Handouts will be available as a take-home resource.
Day(s) of the Week: Thursday
Start / End Date: 4/17/2025 through 4/17/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 10:00 am for 1.5 hours
Location: Campus Center, room 804-08

 

Elder Care : Wills, Trusts and More
Instructor: Chris Roy from Plan It law; Sean Rooney from Rooney Insurance; Michele Welch from Westfield Bank
Description: Are you, or will you be, caring for an elder in your family? Learn the basics of caring for your elder's finances. We will discuss preparation of wills, trusts, and long-term care plans for the elders in your life. Handouts will be available as a take-home resource.
Day(s) of the Week: Tuesday
Start / End Date: 4/8/2025 through 4/8/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 10:00 am for 1.5 hours
Location: Campus Center, room 804-08

 

Homebuying 101
Instructor: Michele Welch of Westfield Bank; Eileen Fowler of Keller Williams Realty; Jon Goldman of Statera Law; Joseph Tavella of Bearingstar Insurance
Description: Are you thinking about buying your own home? This is an important fisrt step for first time homebuyers or those looking to purchase an investment home. We will cover key points from getting pre-approved to closing.
Day(s) of the Week: Thursday
Start / End Date: 4/3/2025 through 4/3/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 10:00 am for 1.5 hours
Location: Campus Center, room 904-08

 

Fair Housing Basics for UMass Workers
Instructor: Vineeth Hemavathi, Staff Attorney at the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center, Holoyke, MA
Description: 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.
Day(s) of the Week: Wednesday
Start / End Date: 3/19/2025 through 3/19/2025
Format: Remote
Start time and length of class: 12:00 for 1 hour
Location: Zoom

 


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Respectful Workplace Classes

 

Creating a Respectful Work Environment
Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Description: 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 the Partnership for Worker Education and Workplace Learning and Development
Day(s) of the Week: Tuesday;Thursday
Start / End Date: 1/21/2025 through 5/13/2025
Format: In-person and remote
Start time and length of class: January 21, 2:00-4:00 pm (Campus Center), March 13, 10:00 am-12:00 pm (on Zoom), May 13, 2:00-4:00pm 􀯗(Campus Center) for 2 hours
Location: Jan. 21, Campus Center- room 165 March 13, on Zoom May 13, Campus Center-room 168

 


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Wellness Classes

 

Stress-busting Practices: Mindfulness for Workplace Wellness
Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Description: Join us for a 5-week class of mindfulness practices and stress-reducing exercises, where we will learn mindfulness techniques 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 exercises designed to help you find your own common ground of rest, renewal, and regeneration. This offering is for five sessions in-person. (See below for zoom sessions)
Day(s) of the Week: Tuesday
Start / End Date: 4/1/2025 through 4/29/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 2:00 pm for 1 hour
Location: Wilder Hall, room 102

 

Stressbusting Practices: Mindfulness for Workplace Wellness
Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Description: Join us for a 5-week class of mindfulness practices and stress-reducing exercises, where we will learn mindfulness techniques 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 exercises designed to help you find your own common ground of rest, renewal, and regeneration. This offering is for five sessions on Zoom. (See above for inperson sessions.)
Day(s) of the Week: Tuesday
Start / End Date: 2/18/2025 through 3/25/2025
Format: Remote
Start time and length of class: 12:00 pm for 1 hour
Location: Zoom

 

Yoga for Wellness at Work and Beyond
Instructor: Nancy Paglia
Description: Is stress at work impacting your relationships, productivity, and quality of life at work and beyond? In 1-hour a week, learn simple yoga techniques to reduce that stress. Connect by Zoom to this "chair yoga" class, no equipment needed. Taught by Nancy Paglia, a yoga instructor with more than 30 years of experience in workplace wellness.
Day(s) of the Week: Thursday
Start / End Date: 2/20/2025 through 3/20/2025
Format: Remote
Start time and length of class: 12:00 pm for 1 hour
Location: Zoom link will be shared

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Career Advising Classes

 

What Do You Want to Do? Exploring Jobs and Career Paths
Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Description: As the world of work is changing, are you wondering about your next steps? In this class, you can begin to define career, education, and life plans with reality checks along the way. We will also explore specific career development websites to understand the tools, requirements, and opportunities that can help you move forward with confidence.
Day(s) of the Week: Wednesday
Start / End Date: 4/2/2025 through 4/9/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 1:00 pm for 1.5 hours
Location: Wilder Hall, room 102

 

 

Résumés and Cover Letters
Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Description: Did you know that most UMass jobs now require an updated résumé? 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.
Day(s) of the Week: Wednesday
Start / End Date: 4/16/2025 through 4/16/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 1:00 pm for 1.5 hours
Location: Wilder Hall, room 102

 

 

Job Interviewing Tips
Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Description: 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.
Day(s) of the Week: Wednesday
Start / End Date: 4/23/2025 through 4/23/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: 1:00 pm for 1.5 hours
Location: Wilder Hall, room 102

 

 

Career and Education Advising
Instructor: Leslie Fraser
Description: 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, lfraser@umass.edu, or call 508-224- 8281.
Day(s) of the Week: Monday
Start / End Date: 1/6/2025 through 5/21/2025
Format: In-person
Start time and length of class: for 1-2 hours
Location: Wilder Hall TBD

 

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