Develop your career and skills with October classes and workshops
September 21, 2026 •
October’s classes offer practical ways to strengthen everyday skills, from giving feedback and managing projects to using Excel, Smartsheet and Box more effectively. Managers can also find training focused on coaching, compensation, workplace conversations and leading through change.
All listings reflect Pacific Time. Unless noted otherwise, classes are held virtually via Zoom. Select each class name to register through the UC Learning Center.
Communication and change management
Change Essentials
Oct. 8, Oct. 14 and Oct. 22, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (Three sessions)
This three-part workshop is designed for employees who are leading a change effort or expect to lead one. Participants will learn practical strategies for building commitment, engaging stakeholders and supporting lasting change. Attendance is required for all three sessions.
Difficult Conversations
Friday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Explore strategies for navigating difficult conversations in your personal and professional life. Through interactive activities and role-playing, you’ll practice core principles for successfully managing disagreements.
Effective Leadership in Turbulent Times: Psychological Tools for Navigating Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA)
Thursday, Oct. 22, 1–2 p.m.
Learn practical, psychology-based strategies for staying steady during uncertainty, supporting your team, reducing stress and avoiding common leadership pitfalls in volatile environments.
Software and project management
Excel Power Pivot
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (Session one of two)
Learn data modeling and business intelligence fundamentals using Excel. Topics include data modeling, relationships, DAX calculations, measures and key performance indicators (KPIs) and PivotTables from data models. Attendance is required for both sessions: Oct. 7 and Oct. 9.
Smartsheet Essentials: Project Planning Made Easy
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Learn the core skills needed to manage projects effectively using Smartsheet. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to set up and manage projects using features such as Gantt charts, task assignments and resource allocation.
Box Advanced
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1–2 p.m.
Learn how to securely store sensitive data in Box, send data to Box by email or URL, set up folder alerts and use Box groups to manage department collaborations.
Excel Intermediate/Advanced
Oct. 21 and Oct. 28, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (Two sessions)
Build advanced Excel skills for analysis and reporting. Topics include advanced formulas and functions, conditional formatting, data validation, PivotTables and PivotCharts, forecasting tools, dashboards and slicers. Attendance is required for both sessions.
Creating Accessible Documents Part 1: Word
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1–2:30 p.m.
Learn the principles of digital accessibility, how to create accessible Microsoft Office documents and how to export them to PDF. This course is the first in the series and is a prerequisite for Creating Accessible Documents Part 2: PDF.
For people managers
Manager and Employee Conversations Part 1: Feedback & Coaching
Thursday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Learn how to structure employee conversations using the GROW framework — a practical model for guiding collaborative, coaching-focused discussions during one-on-ones and check-ins. This course is part one of a required two-part series for managers.
ME@UCOP: Managing in the Modern Workplace
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Oakland: Broadway — B 7001
This full-day course will cover strategies for managing remote and hybrid teams, supporting people development and fostering community and belonging. This course is part of Manager Essentials at UCOP and is required for people who have moved into a management or supervisory position at UCOP since 2020. Experienced managers are also welcome.
Managing Represented Employees
Thursday, Oct. 15, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Learn the fundamentals of labor relations, including contract awareness, roles and responsibilities and appropriate communication practices for managing represented employees.
ME@UCOP: Compensation
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Learn about UCOP compensation policies and procedures, including promotion and equity, salary range offers, hiring and bargaining units, career tracks, Job Builder by JDX and position descriptions. This course is part of Manager Essentials at UCOP.
For questions or assistance with registration, contact the Learning and Development team at ucopld@ucop.edu.
Tags: classes and workshops, October classes
