Course Syllabus

Meet Your Instructor:  Dr. Debra Aiken

Learners will explore the role of public sector HR professionals in building and maintaining resilience in today’s changing environment.

Overview

Participants will examine the key characteristics and attributes of a resilient individual. Exploring how individuals can develop and sustain resilience as an individual and as a team member. All while gaining practical strategies to support employee well-being while keeping operations running smoothly.

Learning Objectives:

• Define and describe resilience in today’s workplace.
• Develop and sustain your resilience both individually and collectively.
• Identify tips and gain strategies to support employee resilience.

The course will take place in one two-hour session.

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

Course Design:

The course will take place in one two-hour session.  You will receive details about the date, time, and the URL for your course meetings.

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."

• Start and Complete Date and Time: 12/7/2026 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm ET

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Meet Your Instructor:  Dr. Beatriz Conningham

Learners will explore the full investigation process from intake to reporting, with a focus on balancing legal, ethical, and organizational considerations. Participants will gain tools to plan, conduct, and document investigations with fairness, consistency, and clarity. The content will be delivered through a realistic and engaging case study.

Overview

This comprehensive learning program is designed for Human Resource (HR) professionals in the United States public sector. It prepares learners for the complexities and challenges of conducting fair and effective workplace investigations.

Learning Objectives

1. Ensure Legal Compliance: Understand the legal frameworks and compliance requirements necessary for conducting workplace investigations.
2. Support the Complainant and Prevent Retaliation: Master communication techniques that prioritize confidentiality and complainant protections.
3. Enhance Investigative Skills: Learn advanced investigative techniques to conduct thorough and effective investigations.
4. Apply Skills Practically: Engage in scenario-based activities that simulate real-life challenges, enhancing practical application skills. 

Program Components

Workshop 1

• Introduction to Workplace Investigations: Overview of legal and ethical considerations specific to public sector contexts.
• Supporting the Complainant, Preventing Retaliation: Processes and techniques.

Workshop 2

• Planning an Investigation: Steps for a thorough, timely and impartial investigation.
• Conducting Interviews: Developing effective interview questions and documentation.

Workshop 3

• Gathering and Analyzing Evidence: Managing your own bias, selecting and collecting evidence from various sources.
• Reporting and Concluding an Investigation: Deciding on the outcomes and recommendations, and communicating the results. 

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Meetings and Discussions:

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
• Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 12/7/2026
• End Date: 12/21/2026
• Meeting 1:  12/7/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  12/14/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  12/21/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Meet Your Instructor:  Dr. Tony Luton

Course Description

Learners will explore the foundational components of public sector compensation:  compensation elements and strategy, labor market assessment, and internal equity. Appropriate and fair compensation directly impacts employee attraction, retention, motivation, and productivity. A well-structured compensation system that aligns with the organization’s goals helps maintain fiscal responsibility and promotes fair and equitable pay.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• explain key differences between public and private sector compensation systems
• understand basic public sector pay and classification structures
• apply foundational compensation principles

Student Expectations:

• Live attendance and full engagement at all 3 Zoom sessions.
• Respond to each of the instructor’s discussion posts within 3 days.
• Complete weekly readings and assignments.
• Contact instructor if questions arise, [email protected].

Instructor Expectations:

• Provide weekly assignments and regular discussion posts for student engagement and learning.
• Prepare for and present course content for live Zoom sessions.
• Respond to any student email inquiries within 3 days.

Week One: Foundations of Public Sector Compensation

• Total compensation
• Public sector compensation strategy
• Private and public sector differences

Week Two: Labor Market Assessment

• Labor markets
• Salary data sources
• Benchmarking jobs
• Compensation structure
• External equity

Week Three: Internal Equity and Fair Compensation

• Internal equity
• Pay increases
• Compensation influences

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three sessions.  

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Meetings and Discussions:

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
• Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 12/2/2026
• Completion Date: 12/4/2026
• Meeting 1:  12/2/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 1:  12/3/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  12/4/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.

Syllabus:  Strategies for Public Sector Leadership Certificate Program

Start Date: November 17, 2026

End Date:  January 8, 2027

Welcome:

Meet Your Instructor - Priscilla Wilson

Welcome to PSHRA's Strategies for Public Sector Leadership. This course will equip you with the necessary tools to shift from a transactional to a strategic role in Public Sector HR by using a competency framework. Your role has evolved beyond merely transactional tasks. Today's HR department in the public sector is pivotal to the agency's success. It involves teaching team building, coaching, conflict resolution, consensus-building, fostering a risk-taking culture, enhancing communication, building trust, and more. 

Course Outcomes:

This comprehensive leadership course is designed for mid- to senior-level public sector HR leaders, providing a solid foundation for success.

To achieve this, the course focuses on the following outcomes:

• Assess the impact of HR and human capital management in the public sector and justify HR programs in the public sector.
• Design programs that align with specific competencies within the PSHRA Competency Model, covering three major modules: Leader, Business Partner, and Change Agent.
• Evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses regarding these competencies and create a plan for your individual professional development as an HR professional using the PSHRA Competency Model.
• Plan professional development in accordance with your personal competencies.

You will finish this course with:

• A solid strategic foundation for success.
• A professional development plan.

Certificate of Attendance:

You will earn a Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the course.

Course Design:

The course spans six weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. You will receive details about the dates, times, and locations of cohort sessions. 

Time Commitment:

Plan for 90 minutes for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans.

Meetings and Discussions:

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
• Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."

Online Cohort Schedule (subject to change):

• Cohort #1 – 11/20/2026 - 1:00  - 2:30 pm ET
• Cohort #2 – 12/2/2026 - 3:00 - 4:30 pm ET
• Cohort #3 - 12/8/2026 - 12:30 - 2:00 pm ET
• Cohort #4 - 12/15/2026 - 12:30 - 2:00 pm ET

Course Schedule:

Week 1:

Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 1: Introduction

Week 2:

Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 1: Introduction

Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 2: The Role of the HR Leader

Week 3:

No Cohort Session

Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 3: The Role of an HR Business Partner

Week 4:

Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 2: The Role of the HR Leader

• Negotiation: the cohort participants will perform a mock negotiation of a contract or provisions of a rule and have sides. This activity will allow participants to see how people react in these situations and practice skills used to defuse tension
• Emotional Quotient/Intelligence: cohort participants will develop a proposed response modeling EQ based on a stressful leadership/communication scenario

Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 4: The Role of the Change Agent

Week 5:

Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 3: The Role of an HR Business Partner

• Partnered practice scenario performs as a trusted coach or consultant on a challenging people issue such as performance, DEIA, risk management, or leadership coaching (developing) or advising (consulting)
• Partners work on conducting an HR needs analysis

Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 5: Summary

Week 6:

Cohort Session (in-person or virtual) - Session 4: The Role of the Change Agent & Summary

Course Workbook:

The course includes a workbook.  You'll use the workbook throughout the course to reflect on what you're learning, record ideas, plan for future personal development, and plan activities for your agency. There are two versions:

• a PDF version - if you'd like to print it and write your answers and ideas and
• an MS Word version - if you'd prefer to work electronically.

The files have the same content - just differences in page layout. You will use the workbook while taking the online lessons and while attending the cohort sessions.

The workbook is available by selecting the Course Materials tab and then Strategies for Public Sector Leadership Workbook.

Making public sector work better™.

Ready Enough: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and the Confidence Gap

You may be more qualified than you feel.  Many public sector HR professionals — credentialed, experienced, and respected by their peers — still hesitate at critical moments of opportunity. Not because they lack ability, but because confidence hasn't caught up with competence. That gap has a name, and it has a solution.

This engaging session introduces the Ready Enough framework: a research-grounded, practically applicable approach to understanding why capable professionals wait — and what to do instead. Drawing on research in self-efficacy, imposter syndrome, and deliberate practice, participants will learn how confidence is built through preparation, evidence, and action rather than summoned on command.

This session also examines the organizational side of the equation — exploring how workplace culture, feedback systems, and visibility practices shape who feels ready and who gets seen as ready.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the root causes of imposter syndrome and the confidence gap in professional settings
• Apply the Ready Enough framework to evaluate personal readiness and overcome hesitation at moments of opportunity
• Use practical tools — including evidence inventories and feedforward strategies — to build authentic, sustainable confidence

Don’t miss out! Join us on November 19th at 1 PM. ET.

Speaker: Dr. Patrick Henley, DBA, MBA, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Director of Human Resources and Risk Management, Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority

PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

Making public sector work better.

Course Syllabus

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

Meet Your Instructor: Robert Greene, Ph.D.

Target Audience:

• Mid-level HR professionals in the public sector
• Compensation and classification specialists
• HR leaders seeking to modernize rewards strategies
• Agency managers responsible for performance management
• An Intermediate Level Course

Course Design:

• Three Live Virtual Sessions over three weeks
• Pre-Session Readings & Assignments
• Instructor-Led Discussions
• Peer Sharing and Case-Based Application

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Meeting Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 11/16/2026
• Completion Date: 11/18/2026
• Course Meeting :  11/16/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
• Course Meeting 2: 11/17/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET
• Course Meeting 3: 11/18/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET

Course Recordings:  Coming Soon!

Course Content:

Before Session 1 -- Attendees to submit ([email protected]) their most critical issues related to compensation management and complete readings for Session 1.

SESSION 1 — Instructor will review attendee submissions of issues - Topic: Evaluating the agency's context and formulating its value proposition: Compensation Philosophy and Compensation Strategy

Before Session 2 -- Attendees to draft and submit ([email protected]) their compensation philosophy and complete readings for Session 2

SESSION 2 — Instructor will review submitted compensation philosophies - Topic: Compensation planning and Compensation program design

Before Session 3 -- Attendees submit ([email protected]) questions and more information on Module 2 material. Plus related insights or questions Readings for Sessions 3

SESSION 3 — Instructor will review submitted - Topic: Administrating compensation programs:  Evaluating compensation programs.

Recommended Readings:  The readings provide a more in-depth discussion of the topics

• Session 1 - Rewarding Performance in Public Sector Organizations and Compensation Philosophy
• Session 2 - Effectively Managing Pay Budgets, Pay Structure and Pay Rates and Public Eye Article: Pay Equity
• Sessions 3 - Recognition as Rewards, Base Pay Management, and Evaluating Rewards Management Systems

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Learners will explore the legal frameworks, policy development, and best practices for managing remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector.

Meet Your Instructor:  Shelvia Ashford

Overview

As work environments continue to evolve, public sector HR professionals are at the forefront of navigating flexible work arrangements, balancing legal compliance, and fostering engagement and culture. This 2 session virtual course will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal frameworks, policy development, and best practices for managing remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector.

Course Schedule

Evolving the Workplace & Legal Foundations 

Policy Development & Equity Considerations 

Engagement, Performance & Culture

Format: 

 - Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) 

 - 1-hour and half live session per week (over two weeks)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 

 - Define remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector context 

 - Identify key legal considerations (FLSA, ADA, FMLA) in flexible work arrangements 

 - Develop equitable and effective flexible work policies 

 - Support managers and supervisors in policy implementation 

 - Foster employee engagement and sustain organizational culture in hybrid environments

Breakdown

Evolving the Workplace & Legal Foundations 

 - Explore how the public sector workplace has changed since 2020 

 - Define remote, hybrid, and flexible work arrangements 

 - Review legal frameworks: FLSA, ADA, FMLA

 - Discuss challenges and opportunities in balancing flexibility with compliance 

 Policy Development & Equity Considerations 

 - Identify essential components of effective flexible work policies 

 - Learn a step-by-step process for policy development and pilot-testing 

 - Examine equity considerations in access and implementation 

 - Share best practices and practical examples from the field 

Engagement, Performance & Culture 

 - Strategies to engage and motivate employees across flexible work settings 

 - Tools and approaches for managing performance remotely 

 - Techniques for sustaining organizational culture in distributed teams 

 - Discuss real-world solutions and personal strategies

Course Materials

- Weekly slide decks (provided) 

 - Additional resources (articles, templates) shared during sessions (if applicable)

The course will be delivered over two-weeks with 2 one hour and half weekly online meetings.

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

Meetings:

• Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over two sessions with 2 one hour and half sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 11/12/2026
• Completion Date: 11/13/2026
• Meeting 1: 11/12/2026 - 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET
• Meeting 2: 11/13/2026 - 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.

Join us on November 12th at 1 PM ET as our speaker explores how to use military strategic planning and leadership for better public sector preparedness and crisis response.

Learn how to build resilient teams and systems for natural disasters, public health emergencies, and organizational disruptions.

This session is perfect for HR professionals who want to improve workforce readiness, emergency response, and operational resilience. Don’t miss out on gaining actionable insights!

This webinar is the sixth edition of the 2026 Dialogue and Perspectives Webinar Series, a series created to bring forward diverse voices, real-world experiences, and meaningful conversations that challenge us to think differently about public sector HR.

Speaker: Stephen Fields, CMM, ICMA-CM, Town Manager

PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

Making public sector work better.

Course Syllabus

Meet Your Instructor:  Dr. Beatriz Conningham

Learners will 

Overview

This comprehensive learning program is designed for Human Resource (HR) professionals to learn how to resolve everyday employee relations matters more effectively by borrowing techniques from the mediator's toolkit. This is not training to conduct formal mediation sessions.

Using motivational interviewing to get past generalities; how to shape commitments that are concrete, mutual, and durable; building in follow-up so agreements hold.

Learning Objectives - You will learn:

• how to discover surfacing underlying interests.
• how to apply active and reflective listening.
• how to generate alternative solutions.
• how to move from problem to solution.
• conduct behavioral interviewing.
• develop sustainable comments.

Program Components

Session 1

• How to recognize when an employee relations issue is a fit.
• The difference between positions ("what they say they want") and interests ("what they actually need").
• How to use active and reflective listening.

Session 2

• How to shift a discussion from being backward-looking grievance to forward looking options.
• Techniques for generating alternatives without imposing your own answer.
• How to test whether an option meets both parties' interests.

Session 3

• Using motivational interviewing to get past generalities.
• How to shape commitments that are concrete, mutual, and durable.
• Building in follow-up so agreements hold.

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three one-hour sessions.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Meetings and Discussions:

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
• Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 11/9/2026
• End Date:   11/13/2026
• Meeting 1:  11/9/2026 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  11/11/2026 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  11/13/2026 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Meet Your Instructor:  Dr. Patrick Henley

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

Course Material (All you need is on your dashboard)

• Detailed Course Syllabus
• Ethics and Policy Participant Handbook
• Ethical Decision-Making
• Framework-Cheat Sheet

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. 

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 11/4/2026
• Completion Date: 11/18/2026
• Meeting 1:  11/4/2026 - 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  11/10/2026 - 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  11/18/2026 - 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET

Course Content:

Module 1 — Foundations of Ethics in Public Sector HR

Topics Covered

• Why ethics matter in government HR
• Major ethical theories and practical applications
• Public-service values and professional responsibility
• HR as steward, strategist, and guardian of trust

Module 2 — Professional Standards & Codes of Conduct

Topics Covered

• Purpose and structure of HR codes of ethics
• Core principles: fairness, impartiality, confidentiality, transparency
• Ethical leadership behaviors and modeling expectations
• Documentation and rationale in ethical decision-making

Module 3 — Ethical Risks & Integrity Challenges in HR

Topics Covered

• Risks in hiring, promotion, and classification decisions
• Favoritism, undue influence, and political pressure
• Conflicts of interest and divided loyalties
• Misuse of authority and breaches of trust
• Systems weaknesses that enable misconduct
• Subtle or “quiet” forms of unethical behavior

Module 4 — Building Ethical Culture & Governance Structures

Topics Covered

• HR’s role in shaping organizational culture
• Governance mechanisms and internal controls
• Transparency practices and reporting pathways
• Whistleblowing, psychological safety, and anti-retaliation norms
• Leadership impact on ethical climates

Module 5 — Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks (Applied Practice)

Topics Covered

• Structured reasoning processes
• Assessing stakeholders, principles, and consequences
• Applying policies and values to real situations
• Navigating ambiguity and competing obligations
• Hands-on scenario walkthroughs
• Developing confidence in ethical judgment

Module 6 — Policy, Accountability & Public Trust

Topics Covered

• Designing clear, enforceable HR policy
• Aligning policy with ethical expectations
• Accountability structures and compliance practices
• Managing gray areas and policy gaps
• The relationship between ethical HR and public confidence

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Making public sector work better®.