Professional Development

Our goal is to offer the University staff and faculty an opportunity for continual growth.

A speaker presents at the 2024 UM C3 Summit

Invest in your growth

At the University of Mississippi, we are committed to helping you enhance both your professional and personal skills. Our seminars and workshops cover a wide range of topics designed to empower employees at all levels. Whether you're looking to improve your self-management, step into leadership or gain new perspectives, our programs provide practical tools and insights for growth.

Explore the current course schedule below, and register today to take the next step in your development. Be sure to check back often for updated sessions!

Current Course Series

'Welcome Home' New Employee Orientation

Our orientation program offers new employees the chance to connect with University leadership, learn about our rich history, and discover what makes the University special. This program provides an introduction to the University’s mission, vision and culture, with a unique focus on the connection between Ole Miss Athletics and the broader community.

LEAD Series

LEAD: Lead Yourself
This one-day program is designed to help employees enhance their self-management skills, which are essential for improving work performance. It is highly recommended for all non-supervisory employees and focuses on both personal development and professional growth.

Previous topics in this series have included:

  • Time and Energy Management
  • Dealing with Difficult People
  • Accountability and Motivation
  • Effective Communication

LEAD: Lead Your Team
This program is tailored for supervisors and managers to develop the skills needed to effectively lead teams at the University of Mississippi. Whether you're a new manager or seeking to refine your leadership abilities, this course provides the essential tools for supervising with confidence and professionalism.

Previous topics in this series have included:

  • From Worker to Manager
  • Best Practices for Job Searches
  • Behavioral-Based Interviewing
  • Effective Feedback and Performance Partnerships

We are currently updating our LEAD series to bring you fresh and relevant content. This program is for all leaders, not just those new to their roles. Stay tuned for more details!

Upcoming Training Sessions

The Human Resources team provides a variety of training and development opportunities throughout the year. Below, you'll find a calendar of upcoming sessions. Use the registration links to sign up, and don’t forget to check back often, as new sessions are added regularly!
Date Title Registration
25 Feb 25

Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced World-Deer Oaks/AOH – This timely presentation is designed to help individuals gain valuable insight into the emotional and physical problems that can occur when we let our lives get out of balance. The session also covers several practical strategies that employees can use to restore balance and live happier, healthier, and more productive lives.
11:00 - 12:00, Online Training Workshop, Lynn Wilkins

Sign Up
26 Feb 25

'Welcome Home' New Employee Orientation – New employee orientation that provides a unique opportunity to meet leaders and learn more about the University's mission, vision, rich history, the University's "It" factor, and the relationship between Ole Miss Athletics and the University of Mississippi.
8:00 - 1:00, JAC-B Jackson Avenue Center Ballroom B, Joy Kimmons

Sign Up
03 Mar 25

Efficient & Effective Hiring Processes – Learn how to construct effective search committees who will assist you in finding the best person for the job. You will also learn your responsibilities as a search committee member.
2:00 - 3:00, Library 106 D, Kim Criddle

Sign Up
05 Mar 25

Hiring Practices & Behavioral Based Interviewing – Learn how Behavioral Based Interviewing differs from traditional interviews, key traits to assess, and how it can help your committee hire the best candidate for the job.
2:00 - 3:00, Library 106 D, Kim Criddle

Sign Up
25 Mar 25

Four Steps to Maximizing Your Potential-Deer Oaks/AOH – This practical presentation provides a roadmap to help individuals focus on further developing their unique strengths and abilities including: assessing their talents; embracing the full value of them; identifying opportunities to use them in greater ways; and planning for their use in meeting the needs of others.
12:00 - 1:00, Online Training Workshop, Lynn Wilkins

Sign Up

Contact the HR Service Center

If you have a question, need help, or are dealing with an HR problem, the HR Service Center is here for you. Whether it's about benefits, pay, leave, insurance, tuition waivers, or anything else, our team of experienced HR Service Coordinators is ready to get you the answers you need as quickly as possible.

We're Here to Help!