Training & Development
Schedule
2005/2006
Issued by Training & Development, Human Resources Department
Training and Development, Human Resources Department
The Training and Development section is committed to supporting the training and
development of all staff in DCU.
To meet this commitment we coordinate the delivery and provision of:
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Centrally organised training and development courses
Customised training intervention for specific groups of staff or departments
Organisational development support to specific departments
One-to-one coaching to employees and managers
Financial support for courses leading to professional and/or academic
qualifications through the fee waiver scheme (DCU Programmes)
Paid study and examination leave
Training and Development can play an important and significant role in facilitating
career advancement and development. Therefore we would encourage staff to
undertake any staff development opportunities available.
Who we are?
Martin Leavy, Training & Development Officer,
(Ext. 5147/mailto:martin.leavy@dcu.ie)
Kathryn McCarthy, Training & Development Officer,
(Ext. 7377/mailto:Kathryn.mccarthy@dcu.ie)
Amanda Jordan, Training Assistant,
(Ext. 5904/mailto:Amanda.Jordan@dcu.ie)
The Training and Development Schedule
The Training and Development section facilitates staff development by issuing an
annual Training schedule on the Training and Development webpage. This schedule
outlines training programmes scheduled for the current academic year. The schedule
includes training on Equality & Diversity, Professional & Administrative
Development, Management Development, Interpersonnel Skills, Orientation, Career
Development, Computer Skills and Health & Safety.
How can staff access Training and Development opportunities?
Selection of participants on courses is based on the reasons why you want to attend
the course and is not necessarily based on a first come, first served basis. Selection is
also based on ensuring that there is a mix of departments, grades and gender on each
course. Participants selected to attend a course will be notified by e-mail.
Before applying for a course, it is important to consider what you want to achieve
from the course. This will involve asking yourself the following questions:
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
What you hope to gain from the course?
How you will apply what you learned from the course in your job?
2
The answers to these questions should be explored with your line-manager/and
of Head of School/Unit.
Staff can apply for training courses by completing the (application form) available on
the website and faxing to 5500. The reasons why you want to apply for a course need
to be stated on the application form. Any queries regarding Training and Development
can be made by e-mailing training.development@dcu.ie or phoning
Ext.5904/5147/7377
3
Index
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEME .................... 6
Reviewee Training ................................................................................................. 6
Reviewer Training ................................................................................................. 7
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY TRAINING ..................................................................... 8
Equality & Managing Diversity ............................................................................. 8
Respect & Dignity In DCU – What It Means? ...................................................... 9
Managing And Working In An Intercultural Work Environment ....................... 10
Them And Us – In Organisations, Which Group Are You In? ........................... 11
Improving the Learning Environment for Learners with Dyslexia ..................... 12
Disability Awareness Training ............................................................................ 13
PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DEVELOPMENT ................................... 14
PA Skills .............................................................................................................. 14
Minute Taking ...................................................................................................... 15
Self-Management In An Office Environment ...................................................... 16
Report Writing ..................................................................................................... 17
Managing your Unit’s Financial Accounts .......................................................... 18
Agresso Training .................................................................................................. 19
Freedom Of Information And Data Protection (Implications for Academic &
Administrative Processes) .................................................................................... 20
Administering HR Systems (Sick Leave, Annual Leave, Part-Time Contracts
Etc) ....................................................................................................................... 21
Personal Effectiveness ......................................................................................... 22
Presentation Skills ................................................................................................ 23
Train The Trainer ................................................................................................. 24
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................... 25
Improving the quality of Ph.D. student supervision* .......................................... 25
The Management Of Meetings ............................................................................ 26
Managing A Project ............................................................................................. 27
*Interviewer Skills ............................................................................................... 28
Shortlisting Skills ................................................................................................. 29
Supervisory Skills / Frontline Management ........................................................ 30
Team Building Skills ........................................................................................... 31
Media Skills ......................................................................................................... 32
Managing Change ................................................................................................ 33
Managing Difficult Situations Using The University’s Grievance And
Disciplinary Policies ............................................................................................ 33
Managing Difficult Situations Using The University’s Grievance And
Disciplinary Policies ............................................................................................ 34
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS TRAINING .................................................................. 35
Communication Skills & Personality Styles ........................................................ 35
Assertiveness Skills ............................................................................................. 36
Influencing & Negotiation Skills ......................................................................... 37
ORIENTATION ........................................................................................................ 38
Orientation To Dublin City University ................................................................ 38
How To Approach The Probationary Process ..................................................... 39
Getting To Know Your University ...................................................................... 40
CAREER DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................... 41
Getting Started (Career Development) ................................................................ 41
Developing And Managing Your Career (Mid Career Planning) ........................ 42
Senior Lecturer - Workshop On DCU’S Promotion Procedures ........................ 43
4
Associate Professor - Workshop On DCU’S Promotion Procedures .................. 44
Progression From Lecturer-Below-Bar To Lecturer-Above-Bar, Workshop On
DCU’S Promotion Procedures ............................................................................. 45
COMPUTER SKILLS ............................................................................................... 46
Microsoft Word - Introductory ............................................................................ 46
Microsoft Excel - Introductory ............................................................................ 47
Microsoft Powerpoint- Introductory .................................................................... 48
Microsoft Access – Introductory ......................................................................... 49
Microsoft Word – Intermediate/Advanced .......................................................... 50
Microsoft Excel – Intermediate/Advanced .......................................................... 51
Microsoft Powerpoint- Intermediate .................................................................... 52
Microsoft Office Specialist Certification ............................................................. 53
Introduction to SPSS & Statistics ........................................................................ 54
MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS (HEALTH, PENSIONS ETC) ........................ 55
Workshops For Making Informed Decisions ....................................................... 55
HEALTH & SAFETY................................................................................................ 57
Office Ergonomics ............................................................................................... 57
Manual Handling ................................................................................................. 58
5
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
Reviewee Training
Dates for Academic Staff: 24th February 2006 (A.M.)
Dates for Administrative, Technical and Support Staff:
15th February 2006 (A.M./P.M.)
Course Duration:
½ Day
Who is this course applicable to?
The course applies to all categories and levels of staff across the University. Staff
who hold contracts of less than 2 years or who are in the probationary process or are
within one year of retirement are not required to attend this course.
Aims of this course:
The aim of the workshop is to provide participants with a greater understanding of the
Performance Management Development Scheme together with the necessary skills to
maximise the benefits of the Scheme.
At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
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Use the documentation to assist in self reflective practice
Articulate more effectively their objectives (work development etc)
Set S.M.A.R.T. objectives
Set realistic action plans
Identify training and development needs together with strategies for meeting
identified needs
6
Reviewer Training
Dates for Academic Staff:
Dates for Administrative, Technical and Support Staff:
Course Duration:
2 Days
Who is this course applicable to?
Heads of School/Units and other nominated Reviewers
Aims of the course:
The aim of the workshop is to provide participants with a greater understanding of the
Performance Management Development Scheme and their role in supporting
Reviewees’ at the Review Meeting.
At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
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Conduct a Review meeting in an effective manner
Facilitate Reviewees in reflecting on their past performance
Assist Reviewees in setting S.M.A.R.T. objectives and realistic implementation
plans
7
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY TRAINING
Equality & Managing Diversity
Date: 30th & 31st March 2006
Date: 7th & 8th March 2006 - Postponed
Course Duration:
2 Days
Who is this course applicable to?
Specifically designed for staff with management or supervisory responsibilities
Aims of this course:
This course aims to promote the University’s strategic objective to “create a culture of
partnership, diversity, dignity, equality and respect for all individuals” at DCU.
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Recognise the social, legal, and organisational context of equality
Recognise the barriers, cultural and behavioural, that prevent equality
Develop a conceptual understanding of difference, stereotyping, and prejudice
Understand the behavioural and practical implications of managing diversity on a
day-to-day basis
8
Respect & Dignity In DCU – What It Means?
Date: 9th February, 2006 - Postponed
Course Duration:
2 Hours
Who is the course applicable to?
All staff
Aims of this course:
The aim of this workshop is to enable staff to recognise acceptable and unacceptable
workplace behaviour and take appropriate action if they consider themselves to be
victims of bullying and harassment.
At the end of this course, participants will:
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Be acquainted with university policies and procedures on preventing workplace
bullying and harassment
Be aware of the types of workplace behaviours that are in appropriate
Be able to take appropriate action if necessary
Understand how to use the policy to resolve
9
Managing And Working In An Intercultural Work Environment
Date for Administrative and Support Staff:
16th and 23rd November 2005
Date for Administrative and Support Staff:
16th and 17th January 2005
Course Duration:
2 Days
Who is this course applicable to?
Academic, Administrative and Support Staff who interact with international students
and staff
Aims of this course:

As cultural diversity within the staff and student body increases, it is imperative to
address issues of intercultural awareness and skills among staff, so that they will
be in a better position to manage intercultural interactions in an appropriate and
effective manner
At the end of this course, participants will have:
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Raised their awareness of intercultural issues in their work environment
Developed greater intercultural sensitivity
Explored racism and prejudice and identified strategies for overcoming them
Considered relevant information on the specific cultures with which participants
interact at work
Considered theoretical framework/models for interpreting real-life intercultural
experiences and difficulties
10
Them And Us – In Organisations, Which Group Are You In?
Date: January 2006 (date to be confirmed) - Postponed
Course Duration: ½ Day
Who is this course applicable to?
All Staff
Aims of this course:
A half day work shop to explore Equality and Diversity in the workplace
A distinguishing feature of organizational work is that it is usually performed in
groups. Working alongside others is important and Equality and Diversity are
important issues within our multi-functional, changing organization.
Have you ever wondered:
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How organizations work at the people level
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What can happen when people form groups
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Why some groups seem to be more favoured than others
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Who gets What
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Why you may have felt treated differently because of the group you belong to
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If you belong to the in group or the out group
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What effect the group can have upon the individual
During this half-day workshop participants will explore in a participative and practical
way how the research can help us to understand some of the answers to these
questions.
11
Improving the Learning Environment for Learners with Dyslexia
(Organised by the Disability Office)
Date: 6th December 2005 - Postponed
Duration:
½ Day
Who is this course applicable to?
Academic Staff
Aims of this course:
The aim of this course is to give participants a greater understanding of the impact of
specific learning difficulties on their students with dyslexia in the learning
environment. It will also allow them to address these issues within their teaching and
learning strategies.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to answer the following
questions:
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How do I identify some of the indicators of dyslexia in a student’s work?
How does dyslexia impact on a student’s learning?
How can I effectively accommodate this group of learners within my teaching
and assessment strategies?
What diagnostic assessments are available to students who present with
dyslexia in DCU?
What supports are available to learners with dyslexia in DCU?
Please click the Disability Office for more information
12
Disability Awareness Training
(Organised by the Disability Office)
Date: 7th December 2005 - Postponed
Course Duration:
½ Day
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff
Aims of this course:
Completion of the course will give staff an understanding of ‘Disability in Ireland’. It
will allow participants to deal with students with disabilities in both a professional and
appropriate way. This course is a general introduction to a range of disability related
issues.
By the end of this course, participants will have a greater understanding of:
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Models of Disability e.g. medical model
Language and Etiquette
Communication
The personal experience of Disability
The Disability Service in DCU
Please click the Disability Office for more information
13
PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE
DEVELOPMENT
PA Skills
Date: 26th April 2006
Course Duration:
1 Day
Heads of Schools / Units / Managers rely heavily on their personal assistants to help
them achieve success. It is understood that personal assistants should have excellent
administrative skills. There is far more to the role than just administration. This
programme offers Personal Assistants training in the areas beyond technical expertise
that will improve their personal effectiveness.
Who is this course applicable to?
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Recently appointed PA’s
People considering a career move to a PA position
Aims of this course:
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Identify how participants can communicate more effectively with the Dean / Head
of School / Unit / Manager
Help participants deal confidently with conflict and to negotiate effectively with
others
Improve participants organisational skills (e.g. diary management, e-mail
management)
Practice effective telephone behaviour
Highlight to participants how to project an image of self confidence and
professionalism
At the end of this workshop, participants will have learned:
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How to communicate more effectively with the Dean / Head of School / Unit /
Manager
How to say ‘no’ without appearing intimidating or aggressive
How to organise your work better
How to deal with confidential information
How to project an image of self confidence and professionalism
14
Minute Taking
Date: 8th December 2005
Course Duration:
½ Day (9.30 am -1.00 pm)
Who is this course applicable to?
Staff who take minutes at meetings
Aims of this course:
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Examine the role of the minute taker
Identify what to record during meetings
At the end of this course, participants will have learned:
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How to take effective minutes during meetings
15
Self-Management In An Office Environment
Date: 10th & 11th May 2006
Date: 23rd & 24th January 2006 - Postponed
Course Duration:
2 Days
Who is this course applicable to?
Secretarial and Administrative staff
Aims of this course:
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Identify work roles and relationships
Examine how to manage time and priorities
Develop and improve influencing and interacting skills
Develop an individual learning plan
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Clarify working roles and relationships, identify external and internal ‘customers’
Use planning and streamlining tools to manage time more effectively
Use basic assertiveness skills to build co-operative working relationships
16
Report Writing
Date: 2nd February 2006
Course Duration:
1 Day
Who is this course applicable to?
Staff who are required to produce reports and / or recommendations.
For example:
 Management reports summarising issues.
 Sequence of events with recommended actions (e.g. for complaint resolution)
Aims of this course:
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Develop the ability to define an issue or problem effectively
Develop the ability to summarise the problem succinctly and in terms that a senior
manager or person without a particular expertise can understand
Identify impact(s) and propose solution(s) or recommendations
Develop the ability to write a report quickly at the appropriate level of detail
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Summarise information clearly within a report
Develop reports that are pitched at different levels
17
Managing your Unit’s Financial Accounts
Date: To Be Confirmed
Course Duration:
2 Hours
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who manage accounts
The following topics will be covered in this course:
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Financial Issues impacting on Units/Schools
Understanding your reports
Financial controls
18
Agresso Training
Date: Courses scheduled Monthly. Dates will be confirmed shortly.
Course Duration:
½ Day
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff
Agresso courses will be offered in the following areas:

Agresso web requisitioning
The aim of this course is to introduce the University’s web based requisitioning
process on Agresso. It will enable users to submit requisitions.

Agresso Purchase Orders
This course will enable participants to raise purchase orders on Agresso

Agresso Reporting
The aim of this course is to enable participants to develop a greater understanding and
knowledge of financial reporting within Agresso.
19
Freedom Of Information And Data Protection (Implications for
Academic & Administrative Processes)
Date: 16th November 2005
Course Duration:
1 Hour (lunch-time)
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff
Description:
It’s been four years since the universities came under the ambit of the FOI Act. Joe
Maxwell, (FOI Officer) will explain the ongoing impact that FOI has had on academic
processes and will illustrate these using real FOI requests received by DCU. Among
the topics to be presented, this 1 hour session will put the Freedom of Information in
the context of exam marking, external examiners reports and postgraduate student
direct entry.
20
Administering HR Systems (Sick Leave, Annual Leave, Part-Time
Contracts Etc)
Date: 13th December 2005
Course Duration:
2 Hours
Who is this course applicable to?
Secretarial and Administrative who administer/coordinate contract requests, leave and
sick pay procedures and those who are interested in learning more about same.
Aims of this course:
The aim of this course is to outline the various regulations which underpin University
policies and procedures. It will also examine administrative systems which support
their effective implementation.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to administer:
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Sick pay procedures
Holiday leave entitlements
Requesting contracts of employment
21
Personal Effectiveness
Date: 15th December 2005 - Postponed
Course Duration:
1 Day
Who is this course applicable to?
This course is intended for those who wish to make fuller and more effective use of
their time and become more effective at work.
Aims of this course:
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Identify work objectives and prioritise tasks more efficiently
Develop personal plans to achieve objectives
Examine what participants spend their time doing and how that time can be used
more effectively
Identify interruptions and how these can be managed
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Define clear objectives for your job and prioritise tasks more efficiently
Plan and schedule activities to achieve your goals
Organise your time to get the important things done
Manage interactions and interruptions
Select the correct organising tools for your tasks
22
Presentation Skills
Date: 16th and 17th January 2006
Course Duration:
2 Days
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are required to make presentations to small / large groups
Aims of this course:
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Enable participants to make natural, interesting and effective presentations to large
or small groups.
Identify what makes a speaker nervous and how she/he can relax
Examine body language - the power of 'non verbal' communication
Examine how to influence the audience and what visual aids to use
At the end of this course, participants will have learned:
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
How to design and deliver high quality presentations
How to generate audience commitment and action through effective planning and
meeting control
23
Train The Trainer
Date: 14th December 2005
Repeated on
21st March 2006
Course Duration:
(+ follow-up ½ day, date to be confirmed)
(+ follow-up ½ day, date to be confirmed)
1.5 Days
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are required to design and deliver training courses and training
workshops
Aims of this course:
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Describe the structured approach to Training and identify different stages in the
learning process
Explain the principles of how adults learn and examine learning styles
Identify the steps to follow when designing training material and develop material
in line with this
Deliver training material using different methods to assist the learning process and
receive feedback
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Identify the difference between the structured and unstructured approaches to
training design and development
Recognise learning styles and how to adapt the design and delivery of training to
these styles
Follow best practice guidelines when designing and developing training materials
Practice delivering training material using different methods to help assist in the
learning process and receive feedback
24
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT
Improving the quality of Ph.D. student supervision*
Date: to be confirmed
Duration: 2 days
Who is this course applicable to?
Academic staff and postdoctoral researchers who are responsible for or involved in
the supervision of Ph.D. students.
Aims of this course:
The overall emphasis of the course is on the skills required for the efficient
management of the Ph.D. student and the student's programme, with a particular
emphasis on quality assurance and student support consistent with the objectives of a
Ph.D. programme. Essentially, the course aims to assist in the process of producing a
student capable of independent research to the highest of standards.
By the end of this course, participants will be:

Able to adopt a number of behaviours associated with a competent Ph.D
supervisor including:
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

adopt a planned approach to the supervision of Ph.D. students
ability to facilitate and act as an advisor
identifying difficulties early and implementing appropriate remedial action
where required
Funded by Training for Trainers, National Development Plan
25
The Management Of Meetings
Date: 26th January 2006 - Postponed
Course Duration:
½ Day
Who is this course applicable to?
Staff (Academic and Administrative) who regularly participate in and chair meetings
Aims of this course:

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

Examine the reasons for attending meetings and how to prepare for meetings
Examine the roles of the chairperson and participant
Highlight how to manage the time to produce results during a meeting
Provide participants with techniques for generating ideas and solutions
By the end of this course, participants will know:
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What meetings to attend and how to prepare for meetings
The fundamentals of effective meeting management
How to chair a meeting
How to participate more effectively during meetings
How to achieve results from meetings
26
Managing A Project
Date: 1st & 2nd December 2005 (Full)
Course Duration:
2 Days
Effective project management involves the project manager and the people working
on the project identifying and understanding the critical factors that are necessary for
the successful achievement of the project's objectives. The approaches and
techniques that are used in the project management process are of interest to all those
who wish to be more certain about achieving predetermined targets.
Who is this course applicable to?
Staff working in a project led environment or those wishing to adopt a project
management approach to their work.
Aims of this course:




To understand the difference between a process and a project
To recognise the different types of project structures
To be able to plan and schedule a project
To identify what is needed to control a project
At the end of this workshop, participants will have learned:
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


The fundamentals of project management
How to plan and schedule a project
How to manage a project team
How to manage the cost, benefit and analysis of a project
27
*Interviewer Skills
Date: 2nd March 2006
24th January 2006 – Postponed
Course Duration:
1 Day
Who is this course applicable to?
This course is designed to help those sitting on interview boards to make better
selection decisions
Aims of this course:

Develop a clear understanding of the recruitment process and in particular how to
conduct an interview.
By the end of this course, participants will know:





How to develop selection criteria
How to conduct the interview - establishing rapport, structuring the interview, etc.
Questioning techniques
How to make a decision
Equality and Freedom of Information legislation relevant to recruitment
* (The University Recruitment Policy states staff who become
involved in selection boards should undergo formal training in
Interviewing Skills)
28
Shortlisting Skills
Date: 12th January 2006 - Postponed
Course Duration:
½ Day
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are required to short-list candidates for recruitment and selection
purposes
The aim of this course is to help participants:


Gain the ability to identify the selection criteria for a role
Develop an awareness of the rules of short-listing and practice comparing
application forms against the selection criteria
By the end of this course, participants will know:



How to identify the selection criteria for roles
The rules of short-listing
How to short-list fairly
29
Supervisory Skills / Frontline Management
Date: 27th April 2006
Course Duration:
2 Days
Who is this course applicable to?
Staff with supervisory roles who have recently taken up supervisory positions and / or
staff in supervisory roles who have not received training in this area.
Aims of this course:

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


Assist staff in making the transition to their new role
Motivate and develop staff
Develop a team work approach
Set goals and priorities
Improve communication skills, up, down and across
Tackle problems and difficult situations
By the end of this course, participants will know how to:




Communicate effectively with staff
Motivate staff they supervise
Supervise a team
Deal with difficult situations
30
Team Building Skills
Date: 29th March 2006 – Postponed (new date to be confirmed)
Course Duration:
1 Day
Who is this course applicable to?


All staff who supervise, manage, lead or need to build a team
By request from existing teams who wish to review/improve their effectiveness
Aims of this course:
This course aims to help participants gain an understanding of the primciples of
effective teamwork and awareness of how to build an effective team
By the end of this course, participants will have gained:




An awareness of the principles of effective teamwork
An ability to create a productive team environment
An understanding of different team roles
An ability to build an effective team
31
Media Skills
Date: 23rd & 24th February 2006
Date: 26th and 27th January 2006 – Postponed
Course Duration:
2 Days
Who is this course applicable to?
Academic staff
Aims of the Course:


To develop media literacy
To develop the capacity to interact effectively with media
At the end of this course, participants will have:






Improved their understanding of how the media works
Been exposed to the demands of interacting with the media
Used scenarios to practice interacting with the media
Received coaching in writing media statements
Undertaken simulated broadcast interviews
Received feedback on their performance in media interactions
32
Managing Change
Date: 25th January 2006
Course Duration:
1 Day
“If we want deeper understanding of the prospect of change, we must pay
closer attention to our own powerful inclinations not to change”…Prof Bob
Kegan and Dr Lisa Lahey, Harvard University, 2002.
Who is this course applicable to?
Academic Staff
Aims of this course:
This workshop provides a developmental space for individuals to consider how these
words apply to themselves, their departments and the organisations in which they
work. The workshop will help participants identify clearly their unique ability to
consciously and successfully manufacture ‘non-change’, and explore the effects of
such a process on their careers, professional relationships and leadership roles.
Drawing on the work of Kegan and Lahey, the workshop will:

Introduce participants to the concept of the ‘immune system’, at individual,
and organizational levels

Identify why these immune systems are successful and therefore difficult to
‘switch off’

Explore the implications of successful immune systems for our own work, for
the context of our /department and in terms of the wider organization in which
we are employed

Consider ways in which leadership in our institutions might best respond to
the dynamic immune systems that constrain change

Develop a personal process for incorporating immune system dynamics into
our work.
Workshop Facilitator
Dr Jim Walsh lectures in management in University College Cork.
Funded by Training for Trainers, National Development Plan
33
Managing Difficult Situations Using The University’s Grievance And
Disciplinary Policies
Date: 17th January 2006 - Postponed
Course Duration:
½ Day
Who is this course applicable to?
Staff who have managerial, supervisory roles or who expect to have such roles in the
future
Aims of this course:

Good employee relations requires managers to have specific practical skills in
handling grievance and disciplinary issues. The workshop will examine key
aspects of the University's Industrial Relations policies and good practice models
in preventing issues escalating.
At the end of this workshop, participants will be:



Familiar with the provisions of the Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1977-2001 and its
implications for managerial and supervisory roles.
Know how to deal with issues arising in the areas of employee performance and
conducts including the holding of Disciplinary meetings and issuing verbal and
written warnings
Have the practical skills needed to handle disciplinary and grievances issues with
confidence
34
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS TRAINING
Communication Skills & Personality Styles
Date: 9th March 2006
5th April 2006 - Postponed
Course Duration:
1 Day
Have you ever wondered why your message may not be getting through to some
people? This course is designed to raise awareness among participants of their own
communication and personality styles and to help them to both spot and communicate
with different styles.
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are interested in improving how they communicate with others
Aims of this course:



Examine the importance of personality and communication styles in the
workplace
Look at ways to communicate with different personality styles
Your Performance Profiles Indicator, what this tells you about your own
personality style
By the end of this course participants will have learned:




The importance of personality and communication styles in the workplace
How to spot different communication and personality styles
How to communicate with different personality styles
What their own personality style is and how to use this more effectively at work
35
Assertiveness Skills
Date: 14th March & 25th May 2006 – Postponed (New date to be confirmed)
Course Duration:
1 Day
Assertiveness is a valuable communication tool. It is essential for progress and
successful interaction with colleagues.
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who wish to improve or develop their existing assertiveness skills
Aims of this course:




Understand what is assertive behaviour
Give participants an opportunity to practice assertiveness techniques
Identify how to deal with difficult situations and criticism
Examine ways to build confidence
By the end of this course, participants will have learned:




What assertive behaviour looks like
How to act assertively
How to manage difficult situations and criticism
How to build their confidence in different situations
36
Influencing & Negotiation Skills
Date: 11th & 12th May
Course Duration:
1.5 Days
This course examines negotiation and influencing skills, which are not only key skills
in any organisation, but also impact upon our relationships with other people, and
communication in general. This course investigates a range of leading thinkers on the
topic, in addition to key theories and practical models in order to sketch out the
processes of influencing and negotiation
Who is this course applicable to?
Staff who have managerial/supervisory role and/or positions involving negotiation
with others (e.g. suppliers, state agencies etc)
Aims of the course:



Understand the theory and practice of influencing and negotiation and power in
organisations.
Understand your own and others’ motivational factors and adapt your approach
accordingly when influencing
Consider a number of approaches to managing conflict and select the most
appropriate method for the situation
At the end of the course, participants will have learned to:




Prepare effectively to negotiate with a colleague
Conduct a negotiation with a colleague in an appropriate and effective manner
Achieve successful outcomes when negotiating and influencing
Use their personal sources of influence
37
ORIENTATION
Orientation To Dublin City University
Dates: 12th October 2005
Repeated on 25th January 2006
Repeated on 18th May 2006
Course Duration:
1 Day
Who is this course applicable to?
All new staff (including temporary and part-time)
Aims of this course:





Give you a sense of Dublin City University, it’s origins and culture
Provide an overview of DCU’s structures
Outline your terms, conditions and benefits
Give an overview of DCU’s policies and procedures
Provide an overview of Equality, Health & Safety and Computer Services
At the end of this workshop, participants will have:







An overview of the origins and culture of DCU
An understanding of DCU’s academic, administrative, support and committee
structures
A knowledge of their benefits and entitlements
An awareness of what HR policies exist and where they can be located
An overview of DCU’s policy ‘To promote Respect and To Protect Dignity’
An overview of Health and Safety
An overview of the Computer Services Department and the ‘code of conduct for
the use of computer resources in Dublin City University’ and ‘Breaches of the
Code of Conduct for the use of computing resources in DCU’
38
How To Approach The Probationary Process
Date: 23rd November 2005, 10am to 12pm.
Repeated on 22nd March, 2006, 10am to 12pm.
Course Duration:
2 Hours
The first year of employment in DCU is both challenging and exciting for new staff
members. The probation process exists to help new staff members become familiar
with their role and receive feedback on their strengths and development needs. The
probation process is an opportunity for new staff to engage in a two-way dialogue
with their Head of School and can enrich a person’s future career in DCU.
Who is this course applicable to?
All new permanent staff and those staff currently going through the probation process.
Aims of this course:





Look at the probationary year for new staff members
Define what is probation?
Identify who is involved and how the probationary process operates?
Identify what new staff members gain from the probationary process?
Provide tips on how to approach the assessment interview and complete the
probationary assessment form
At the end of this course participants will have learned:




The importance of the probationary year for them
What the probation process involves?
How to approach the assessment interviews?
How to complete the probationary assessment form?
39
Getting To Know Your University
Date: 31st January 2006 - Postponed
Course Duration:
1 Day (modular)
Who is this course applicable to?
New and long serving Staff
Aims of this course:

This series of sessions are being offered to all staff, new and long serving, to give
them the opportunity to get to know the University better, to understand the way it
is structured and organised and to highlight any changes that have taken place in
various departments in recent years.
A schedule of modules will be available shortly.
40
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Getting Started (Career Development)
Date: 15th November 2005 - Postponed
Course Duration:
1 Day plus 1 hour (1:1 meeting to be scheduled as agreed
with participant)
Who is this course applicable to?
Administrative, Secretarial, Technical and Support staff.
Aims of this course:

The aims of this course is to help participants identify their own skill set and
develop an awareness of the skills, strategies and resources to prepare them for
internal job opportunities
At the end of this workshop, participants will have:









Identified their skills, strengths, interests and achievements
Developed a CV
Identified any gaps in their CV
Begun to find ways to fill these gaps
Understood how to prepare for applications and interviews
Raised their awareness of their career development needs
Understood more about how to manage their career at DCU
Identified a short-term goal for their career
Built a portfolio of career resources to manage their career in the future
41
Developing And Managing Your Career (Mid Career Planning)
Postponed to:
Session 1 - Full day 9th May 2006
Session 2 - 90 Minutes (one to one session) 17th or 18th May 2006
Session 3 - Full day 25th May 2006
**********************************************
Date: This course is split into three different sessions, as indicated below.
Participants need to be available for all three sessions. The dates include:
(New dates scheduled as above)
Session 1 Full day 11th January
Session 2 90 Minutes (one to one session) 18th or 19th January
Session 3 Full day 1st February
Course Duration:
2 Days & 90 Minutes
Who is this course applicable to?



Staff (academic, administrative and support) with a significant amount of service
(e.g. 3 years plus)
Staff wishing to review their careers to date and consider other opportunities.
Staff who are curious and interested in finding out more about themselves and
how they might be able to develop themselves
Aims of this course:

This course aims to help participants to develop strategies that work for them, to
look in detail at their abilities and make good career decisions.
At the end of the course, participants will be able to:




Identify their personal plan (this will involve individuals assessing the role which
work plays in their lives)
Develop practical plans for action to achieve their plan
Identify and explore the match between what the organisation wants and offers
and what they want and offer
Take responsibility for their own career in a practical way.
42
Senior Lecturer - Workshop On DCU’S Promotion Procedures
Date: Notification of workshop will be included in the call for applications
Duration: 1.5 hours
Who is this course applicable to:
Academics who are considering making an application for Senior Lecturer under the
internal promotion procedures
Aims of this course:
The purpose of this workshop is to outline the procedures and processes stipulated by
the Senior Lecturer Promotion Policy. The workshop will also suggest how best to
present a Curriculum Vitae using the SL promotion Guidelines.
43
Associate Professor - Workshop On DCU’S Promotion Procedures
Date: Notification of workshop will be included in the call for applications
Duration:
2 hours
Who is this course applicable to?
Academics who are considering making an application for Associate Professor under
the internal promotion procedures
Aims of this course:
The purpose of this workshop is to outline the procedures and processes stipulated by
the Associate Professor Promotion Policy. This workshop will also suggest how best
to present a C.V. using the AP promotion Guidelines.
44
Progression From Lecturer-Below-Bar To Lecturer-Above-Bar,
Workshop On DCU’S Promotion Procedures
Date: To be confirmed
Duration of this course: 2 hours
Aims of this course:
The purpose of this workshop is to outline the procedures and processes stipulated by
the Progression Policies. The workshop will also suggest how best to present a
Curriculum Vitae and how to prepare for interview.
45
COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft Word - Introductory
Date: January 2006 (date to be confirmed) - Postponed
Course Duration:
1 Day
(Please note: Course fee is €25.00 per person)
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are unfamiliar with the topics outlined below
Topics covered in this course are:







Word Basics
Navigating a document
Additional editing techniques
Character and paragraph formatting
Introduction to tabs and tables
Controlling page appearance
Tools and printing
46
Microsoft Excel - Introductory
Date: 29th November 2005
Course Duration:
1 Day
(Please note: Course fee is €25.00 per person)
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are unfamiliar with the topics outlined below
Topics covered in this course are:







Excel basics
Entering data and navigating a work sheet
Modifying a workbook
Moving and copying data
Formatting a worksheet
Printing a worksheet
Introduction to the workbook environment
47
Microsoft Powerpoint- Introductory
Date: 30th November 2005 - Postponed
Course Duration:
1 Day
(Please note: Course fee is €25.00 per person)
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are unfamiliar with the topics outlined below:
Topics covered in this course are:








Introduction to powerpoint
Beginning a presentation
Drawing tools
Clip art and word art
Organisation charts and graphs
Templates and slide master
Slide shows, output and presentation options
Preparing presentations for the web
48
Microsoft Access – Introductory
Date: 28th January 2006
Course Duration:
2 Days
(Please note: Course fee is €25.00 per person per day)
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are unfamiliar with the topics outlined below:
Topics covered in this course are:







Overview of access
Creating tables
Creating and using select queries
Creating and using forms
Creating and using reports
Principles of table design
Principles of table relationships
49
Microsoft Word – Intermediate/Advanced
Date: 9th January 2006
Course Duration:
1 Day
(Please note: Course fee is €25.00 per person)
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are unfamiliar with the topics outlined below. This course will also
include topics from the Advanced Word course
Topics covered in this course are:















Working with selections
Managing tables and table data
Using mail merge
Styles and auto text
Introduction to templates
Introduction to macros
The internet and the web
Using Microsoft Office Word with other programmes
Collaborating on documents
Adding reference marks and notes
Making long documents easier to use
Securing a document
Creating web pages
Creating forms
Using XML in Word
50
Microsoft Excel – Intermediate/Advanced
Date: 10th January 2006
Course Duration:
1 Day
(Please note: Course fee is €25.00 per person)
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are unfamiliar with the topics outlined below. This course will also
include topics from the Advanced Excel course
Topics covered in this course are:














Sorting data
Filtering data
Using pivot tables
Creating charts
Modifying charts
Formatting a chart
Using graphic objects
Streamlining workflow
Collaborating with others
Auditing worksheets
Analyzing data
Working with multiple workbooks
Importing and exporting data
Structuring XML workbooks
51
Microsoft Powerpoint- Intermediate
Date: 11th January 2006
Course Duration:
1 Day
(Please note: Course fee is €25.00 per person)
Who is this course applicable to?
All staff who are unfamiliar with the topics outlined below
Topics covered in this course are:






Working with templates
Working with multimedia
Working within the office suite
Additional powerpoint features
Building interactive presentations
Collaborating on the web
52
Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
What is MOS?
Microsoft Office Specialist Certification is a global standard for developing superior
proficiency in desktop computing skills. This programme is the only Office
certification recognised and endorsed by Microsoft.
Who can apply for this certification?
The certification can be applied for by anyone who has completed an application
specific course provided through this Training & Development schedule or by an
external trainer. It can also be applied for by those who have completed the MS
modules on-line.
How to apply for Certification:
The Computer Services Department will make the courseware available on the L
drive under MELL. The L drive is available to all staff once they logon to the
Computer Services Department Novell network. Copy and paste the following link
into Internet Explorer http://www.dcu.ie/csd/mos_certificate.shtml
If you don't already have Office 2003 installed, and your PC complies with the
recommended spec detailed in the previous web link, you will need to contact the
Computer Services Helpdesk @ 5007, and log a request to have it installed.
The cost of taking the online test for certification is €60. Each candidate can go at
their own pace and decide to take a single or multiple tests.
The exams will be held on a regular basis by the Computer Services Department.
If you wish to find out more about Microsoft Office Specialist please contact Wendy
Clarke in CSD at ext. 8282.
53
Introduction to SPSS & Statistics
Course Date: 12th January 2006 - Postponed
19th January 2006 - Postponed
24th January 2006 - Postponed
Course duration: 3 days
(Please note: course fee is €500 per person)
Who is this course applicable to?
Staff who are interested in gaining an introduction to how to use SPSS. This course is
designed for those wishing to learn how to enter, modify, analyse and present data
using SPSS.
Aims of this course:
This course aims to provide an introduction to SPSS in each of the 4 main stages of
data analysis




Data definition and access
Data modification
Data analysis
Data presentation
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:







Enter, edit and define data
Carry out essential data modifications
Understand the importance of types of data and distinguish between them
Perform a range of analyses using SPSS
Produce high quality output (e.g. charts) to report findings and transfer this output
to word processing packages
Interpret data and draw conclusions
Control the operation of SPSS and manage files
54
MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS (HEALTH,
PENSIONS ETC)
Workshops For Making Informed Decisions
H Health - VHI, BUPA
E Entitlements
A AVC's - Additional Voluntary Contributions
L Life Assurance / Pensions (Superannuation)
T Time for You / Work Life Balance
H HR Policies - What can you expect from us
VHI
25th January 2006
The VHI will be on campus on Wednesday 25th January from 10.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m.
to give a presentation on their services. The VHI representative will also be available
to meet individual staff between 11.00 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. This presentation is open
to all staff.
BUPA
26th January 2006
BUPA will be on campus on Thursday 26th January from 2.00 p.m.. - 3.00 p.m. to
give a presentation on their services. The BUPA representative will also be available
to meet individual staff between 3.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. This presentation is open to
all staff.
Pensions (DCU Superannuation Scheme)
8th December 2005 & repeated on 26th January 2006
The Human Resources Department will deliver a presentation on the 'DCU
superannuation scheme' on Thursday 8th December from 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.
And repeated again on Thursday 26th January from 11.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. This
introductory session is aimed at staff who would like to find out what their
membership means in terms of benefits and entitlements. The information session will
also outline the various options available in order to maximise benefits at retirement.
AVC's - Additional Voluntary Contributions
8th December 2005 and repeated on 26th January 2006
Mr Mark Keane from Gregan McGuinness, who manage the DCU AVC scheme, will
be on campus on Thursday 8th December from 11.15 a.m.- 12.15 p.m. and repeated
again on Thursday 26th January from 11.15 a.m. - 12.15 p.m. to give a presentation
on Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC'S). AVC's is one of the means at
which you can maximise your retirement benefits when there is a shortfall.
55
S.E.L.F. – Support, Entitlements, Leave and Family Friendly Policies
1st December 2005 and repeated on 18th January 2006 (11.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m) Postponed
The purpose of these sessions is to raise awareness of your entitlements granted under
both legislation and University policies. This is an opportunity for you to gain
a better understanding of the Support, Entitlements, Leave and Family friendly
policies offered to you at DCU
………………………
56
HEALTH & SAFETY
(Organised by the Health & Safety Office)
Office Ergonomics
Available Dates:
14th & 15th December 2005
Course Duration:
1.5 hours
Who is this course applicable to:
If you use a Visual Display Unit (Computer screen) for more than 1 x hour per day
then this course is for you! Aims of this course:
The course is designed to provide you with the skills, advice and information
necessary to ensure that you can organise your work environment (chair/desk/VDU
etc) to minimise risk to your safety and health.
Following the course you will be able to:
- adjust your chair, monitor and desk layout to suit your own body frame
- understand how poor posture can affect your overall well being
- organise your daily tasks to lessen fatigue and keep the blood circulating!
For registration details for the above course please click on the link below.
http://www.dcu.ie/safety/registration.shtml
Please click the Health & Safety Office for more information
57
Manual Handling
(Organised by the Health & Safety Office)
Dates:
14th & 15th December 2005
Course Duration:
½ Day
Who is this course applicable to:
Almost everyone on campus is involved in manual handling at some stage in their
working week - so this course is for you.
Aims of this course:
This course is designed to provide you with the skills, advice and information
necessary to ensure that you can organise your manual handling tasks (lifting
/pushing/pulling etc) so as to avoid the strains, sprains and more serious injuries that
can be associated with these activities
Following this course you will be able to;
- Understand your back
- Understand the principles of safe manual handling
- Lift and handle loads safely
For registration details for the above course please click on the link below.
http://www.dcu.ie/safety/registration.shtml
Please Note:
1. Based on demand advertised courses may be cancelled or rescheduled
2. On receipt of your booking, The Health and Safety Office will contact you to
confirm details
Please click the Health & Safety Office for more information
58