Course Syllabus

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, jlittle1104@gmail.com.

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 weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  

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: 7/31/2026
• Completion Date: 8/14/2026
• Meeting 1:  7/31/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 1:  8/7/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  8/14/2026 - 2:30 - 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®.

Course Syllabus

Course Overview:

Learners will move from understanding conflict, to applying resolution strategies, to practicing those strategies through realistic public sector scenarios. By the end of the course, learners will have a practical framework they can use immediately when responding to employee disputes, supervisor-employee tension, interdepartmental conflict, communication breakdowns, and situations where emotions are high but professionalism still matters.

Audience: This comprehensive learning program is designed for public sector HR professionals, employee relations professionals, HR managers, department leaders, supervisors, and public agency professionals who are responsible for addressing workplace conflict, coaching managers, supporting employees, and helping maintain a healthy and productive workplace culture.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify common causes and early warning signs of workplace conflict in public sector environments.
2. Distinguish between performance issues, behavior issues, communication breakdowns, personality conflict, and systemic workplace problems.
3. Apply practical de-escalation, active listening, and mediation techniques to reduce defensiveness and move conversations toward resolution.
4. Explain HR’s role in balancing neutrality, empathy, accountability, policy compliance, documentation, and organizational risk.
5. Use structured conflict-resolution tools to prepare for, facilitate, document, and follow up after difficult workplace conversations.
6. Practice conflict-resolution strategies through public sector case studies, role-play scenarios, and facilitated group discussion. 

Course Structure:

Session 1: Understanding Conflict in Public Sector Workplaces This session focuses on what conflict is, why it happens, how it escalates, and why public sector workplaces have unique conflict dynamics. Participants will explore common root causes such as unclear expectations, poor communication, perceived disrespect, role confusion, inconsistent supervision, workplace silos, and fear of speaking up. We will also discuss public sector pitfalls such as political sensitivity, public scrutiny, hierarchy, union or labor considerations, and the tendency to avoid conflict until it becomes formal.

Session 2: Resolving Conflict — HR’s Role, Tools, and Frameworks This session focuses on what HR, managers, and leaders can do once conflict is present. Participants will learn practical tools for de-escalation, active listening, reframing, mediation preparation, meeting structure, ground rules, policy alignment, documentation, and follow-up. We will also discuss how to balance empathy and accountability, how to stay neutral without becoming passive, and how to help employees move from positions to interests.

Session 3: Conflict Resolution Lab — Public Sector Case Studies and Role Play This final session is application-focused. Participants will work through realistic public sector scenarios involving employee disputes, supervisor-employee conflict, interdepartmental tension, communication breakdowns, and emotionally charged conversations. Through breakout rooms, role-play, group debriefs, and guided discussion, learners will practice using the tools from Sessions 1 and 2 in a safe, structured environment.

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: 7/29/2026
• Completion Date: 8/12/2026
• Meeting 1:  Coming Soon!
• Meeting 2:  Coming Soon!
• Meeting 3:  Coming Soon!

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

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.  

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: 7/14/2026
• Completion Date: 7/28/2026
• Course Meeting 1:  7/14/2026 - 1:30 - 2:30 PM ET
• Course Meeting 2:  7/21/2026 - 1:30 - 2:30 PM ET
• Course Meeting 3:  7/28/2026 - 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET

Course Recordings:  Coming Soon!

Course Content:

Before Session 1 -- Attendees to submit (rewardsystems@sbcglobal.net) 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 (rewardsystems@sbcglobal.net) 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 (rewardsystems@sbcglobal.net) 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 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: 7/13/2026
• Completion Date: 7/27/2026
• Meeting 1:  7/13/2026 - 1:30 - 2:30 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  7/20/2026 - 1:30 - 2:30 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  7/27/2026 - 1:30 - 2:30 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®.

Course Syllabus

Course Overview

Learners will take a deep dive into effective communication. Participants will learn how to access your current communication reality, understand communication as a system, make improvements using data, and more. Upon completion, you will have the tools to implement effective communication strategies at both the team and agency level. 

Format: 2 Micro-Sessions (90 minutes each)

Learning Objectives

Participants will leave with usable frameworks and templates to help:

• clarify communication expectations and norms
• reduce channel confusion and missed information
• improve ownership and follow-through
• strengthen communication around recurring updates, projects, and incidents
• measure progress without creating unnecessary process overload

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

1. Identify common causes of communication breakdowns in teams, meetings, channels, and cross-department work.
2. Assess communication gaps and hidden assumptions that create confusion, inconsistency, or rework.
3. Use practical tools such as a channel matrix, responsibilities matrix, communication calendar, and incident review to improve communication systems.
4. Clarify expectations, ownership, and communication norms across teams and stakeholders.
5. Build a simple measurement approach using pulse questions, mini-surveys, and review cadences to track communication improvement over time.

Target Audience:  This course is designed for public-sector HR professionals, people managers, and agency leaders who want practical tools to reduce communication breakdowns, clarify expectations, improve coordination across teams, and build stronger communication systems in their agencies.

Course Materials:  A course workbook will be provided.

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 access your Zoom Meetings from the Contents Tab.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over two-weeks with two 90 minute sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and your course URL.

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 course meetings 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: 7/8/2026
• Completion Date:  7/13/2026
• Course Meeting 1:  7/8/2026 - 3:30 - 5:00 pm ET
• Course Meeting 2:  7/13/2026 - 3:00 - 4:30 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®.

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.  

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: 6/30/2026
• Completion Date: 7/14/2026
• Meeting 1:  6/30/2026 - 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  7/7/2026 - 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  7/14/2026 - 3:00 - 4:00 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®.

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.  

Course Material (All you need is your dashboard):  

• Detailed Syllabus
• Life Values Inventory - Assessment
• Participant Workbook

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with 3 one-hour weekly online 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: 6/29/2026
• Completion Date: 7/13/2026
• Meeting 1:  6/29/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  7/8/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  7/13/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Course Content:

Workshop 1

• What are Values and Why They Matter: Define “values” and discuss how the consistent application of values to practice builds credibility and trust in leadership, and supports collective mental health.
• Your Own Values-Based Foundation: Develop learners’ ability to articulate values as a foundation to address complex challenges and dilemmas in their professional activities.
  • Debrief Life Values Inventory results. Note the importance of defining values and becoming aware of the hierarchy of values for different people and groups.
  • Identify own, team, and organizational long-lasting values.
• The HR Leader as a Values Guiding Light: How the HR leader can become the organization’s consistent, long-term ethical beacon through articulating, practicing, and promoting shared values.

Workshop 2

• A Congruent Decision-Making Process: Step-by-step values-based decision-making process.
• Walking the Talk: Practice values-based decision making in realistic scenarios.
• Learning from Experience: Learn from peers through a peer coaching activity based on real ethical dilemmas participants are facing.

Workshop 3

• Values and Culture: Anchoring values into the organization’s culture: steps to embed values into policies, processes, and internal communication.
• High Stakes Decisions: Practice making organizational-level values-based decisions.
  • Debrief: What happens when values are breached?

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

Making public sector work better®.