Professional Development Overview

Human Resources staff, along with our campus and community partners, provide a variety of professional development opportunities for employees to improve their knowledge, self-awareness, and effectiveness.

University employees may use the MyTalent Learning Management System to search the catalog for classes facilitated by KU staff as well as those in the LinkedIn Learning library of on-demand video courses. 

KU staff also facilitate courses in these topic areas:

  • Compassionate Communication Series
    • A series of classes centered on communicating in ways that foster understanding, connection, and compassion. Class sessions cover topics related to empathy, needs, feelings, conflict, observations, and requests.
  • Equip: Development for Aspiring Leaders
    • Anyone can be a leader and there are leaders at every level at the University of Kansas. The Equip program consists of four class sessions that go through powerful concepts and tools designed to help you lead with greater confidence and effectiveness. During Equip, you will have the opportunity to explore the following topics: Leading yourself; Leading others; Communication and Feedback; Navigating Change. (This program will be offered in-person on the Lawrence campus in the fall of 2027.)
  • Project Leader Program
    • A four-part program for unofficial project managers. Class sessions cover topics related to project management basics, leading change, managing conflict, and facilitating meetings. (This program is being updated and will be offered in the summer of 2027.)
  • STEP 3.0 – Supervisory Training for Excellence in Performance Program
    • A comprehensive course for those who supervise staff employees. Class sessions cover topics related to hiring, employee performance, and compliance as well as mental health, trust, and communication.
sarah crawford parker sitting in classroom

We also offer staff the opportunity to participate in extended programs each year. 

  • The Leadership Hour
    • The Leadership Hour is a recurring professional development program that explores influential leadership books and frameworks, one topic at a time, one week at a time. Each series runs for several weeks and focuses on a single book or leadership concept, offering bite-sized learning with meaningful impact. Through guided discussion, reflection, and application, participants gain new tools and perspectives to strengthen their leadership at KU and beyond.
  • The Manager's Collective
    • The Manager's Collective is a community created specifically for those who supervise staff. Membership is open to those in middle-management positions across all of the KU campuses. Beginning in February 2027, the Collective will meet monthly via Teams to discuss topics relevant to managers and supervisors. Participants will have the opportunity to learn together and to connect with peers from across the organization. 
  • Staff Fellows Program
    • This eight-month program provides staff the opportunity to work together on a campus project while gaining experience to grow their careers and building their capacity as leaders. The application process generally begins in late fall each year. (This program will be offered again in 2028; watch for more information to come in fall 2027.)

KU HR staff also organize the annual Staff Leadership Summit. This day-long event consists of a series of presentations aligned around one topic. 

Other Resources

Our university partners and off-campus organizations also offer a variety of learning and development opportunities. Please see our quarterly email newsletter for information about these events.

Please note that some courses and programs require payment. These fees cover the cost of materials and assessments. An invoice will be sent to the department’s accounting representative, and it is our expectation that payment will be made in a timely fashion.