Training & Development

Employee Relations & Organizational Development

UAlbany is committed to life-long learning, and our employees are no exception. Career skills, tuition reimbursement and certificate programs are just some of the options UAlbany provides to help you reach your career goals.

Employee Relations & Organizational Development works with all UAlbany employees to identify training and development needs, and then coordinates with partners to design and deliver training and development opportunities.

Questions or suggestions? Contact Employee Relations & Organizational Development at 518-437-4722, by email at [email protected] or share your suggestions for future opportunities using our Feedback Form.

Upcoming Training & Development Events

Microsoft Copilot & Integrated Software Sessions — Register now!

Check out our Copilot informational and training sessions to help you prepare for the UAlbany Microsoft Copilot Prompt-a-thon! These free sessions are are open to all UAlbany employees and our Research Foundation partners.

All sessions will be held on Zoom, and registration is required.

Date & Time	Session Information	Registration
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026	Facilitated Viewing — Microsoft Copilot: Boosting Productivity with AI Join us for a facilitated viewing of Renata Ruiz’s webinar, Microsoft Copilot: Boosting Productivity with AI, recorded by the SUNY Center for Professional Development on December 8, 2025. This session includes a tour of the Microsoft Copilot tool and examples of how Copilot can be used in other apps, such as Word, Excel and Outlook. After the viewing we will share questions, concerns, and gather projects you would like to do using Copilot to make your workday easier. Note: This is an overview. Copilot is not actually used in this session. We strongly encourage everyone watch this webinar as a first step.	Register for the February 17 Boosting Productivity with AI session.
10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026	Copilot: New Users Walkthrough Have you been avoiding Copilot or just waiting for the right time to try it out? Well, here is your chance! Join Jill Haskell for this low-pressure session introducing you to Microsoft Copilot. We will sign in, explore basic features, talk to our AI companions and do some fun, simple tasks. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session. No prior experience needed. If you've never opened or used the app, this one is for you.	Register for the February 18 New Users Walkthrough session.
Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026	Copilot Chat: Get started with Microsoft Copilot Chat Explore what Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is and how it can be used across Microsoft products, including how to access the prompt library and start writing prompts. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session. Attendees must have the ability to log into Copilot Chat.	Register for the February 19 Copilot Chat session.
2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026	Word: Get started with Microsoft Copilot Chat in Word Explore how Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can improve your Word experience with practical examples and how-tos. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session.	Register for the February 19 Copilot Chat in Word session.
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026	Excel: Get started with Microsoft Copilot Chat in Excel Explore how Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can supercharge your workflow in Excel. Excel is packed with features and Copilot can add even more capabilities, making it easier to get answers, automate tasks and save time. This session will show some basic practical examples and how-tos, so you can use Copilot to work smarter and more efficiently. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session.	Register for the February 20 Copilot Chat in Excel session.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026	Outlook: Get started with Microsoft Copilot Chat in Outlook Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can be a game changer in Outlook. This session will show some basic practical examples and how-tos, so you can use Copilot to work smarter and more efficiently in Outlook. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session.	Register for the February 20 Copilot Chat in Outlook session.
1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2026	Facilitated Viewing — Smart Workflows: Boosting Productivity with Microsoft Copilot Join us for a facilitated viewing of Lakia Greens recorded webinar on unlocking the full potential of Microsoft Copilot and transforming the way you work! This hands-on workshop is designed specifically for University staff who want to streamline common computer-based tasks, reduce repetitive work and boost overall efficiency using the tools they already have. Whether using Copilot alongside familiar tools such as Word or Outlook, or using it on its own, you will learn shortcuts that will enhance your productivity. Take the first step toward a more productive, organized and stress-free workday! Note: Copilot is used in this session. Some experience with Copilot is recommended.	Register for the February 20 Smart Workflows session.
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2026	Copilot Chat: Get started with Microsoft Copilot Chat Explore what Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is and how it can be used across Microsoft products, including how to access the prompt library and start writing prompts. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session. Attendees must have the ability to log into Copilot Chat.	Register for the February 23 Copilot Chat session.
11 a.m. to noon Monday, February 23, 2026	Word: Get started with Microsoft Copilot Chat in Word Explore how Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can improve your Word experience with practical examples and how-tos. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session.	Register for the February 23 Copilot Chat in Word session.
1 to 2 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026	Excel: Get started with Microsoft Copilot Chat in Excel Explore how Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can supercharge your workflow in Excel. Excel is packed with features and Copilot can add even more capabilities, making it easier to get answers, automate tasks and save time. This session will show some basic practical examples and how-tos, so you can use Copilot to work smarter and more efficiently. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session.	Register for the February 23 Copilot Chat in Excel session.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026	Outlook: Get started with Microsoft Copilot Chat in Outlook Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can be a game changer in Outlook. This session will show some basic practical examples and how-tos, so you can use Copilot to work smarter and more efficiently in Outlook. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session.	Register for the February 24 Copilot Chat in Outlook session.
1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026	Copilot Chat: Everyday Tasks Have you been asking, But how can Copilot Chat really help me at work? It's time to find out together! Bring your to-do list, AI curiosity and love of trial and error as we go through a list of common everyday tasks and see how Copilot can help us check items off our lists. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session. Attendees must have the ability to log into Copilot Chat.	Register for the February 24 Everyday Tasks session.
10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026	Copilot Chat: Everyday Tasks Have you been asking, But how can Copilot Chat really help me at work? It's time to find out together! Bring your to-do list, AI curiosity and love of trial and error as we go through a list of common everyday tasks and see how Copilot can help us check items off our lists. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session. Attendees must have the ability to log into Copilot Chat.	Register for the February 25 Everyday Tasks session.
1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026	Copilot: Prompt Writing Basics Let’s practice writing Copilot prompts together in a low-pressure experiment. Using Copilot, we will have fun writing prompts and practice refining or changing the prompts to get the best final products. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session. Attendees must have the ability to log into Copilot Chat.	Register for the February 25 Prompt Writing session.
9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026	Facilitated Viewing — Smart Workflows: Boosting Productivity with Microsoft Copilot Join us for a facilitated viewing of Lakia Greens recorded webinar on unlocking the full potential of Microsoft Copilot and transforming the way you work! This hands-on workshop is designed specifically for University staff who want to streamline common computer-based tasks, reduce repetitive work and boost overall efficiency using the tools they already have. Whether using Copilot alongside familiar tools such as Word or Outlook, or using it on its own, you will learn shortcuts that will enhance your productivity. Take the first step toward a more productive, organized and stress-free workday! Note: Copilot is used in this session. Some experience with Copilot is recommended.	Register for the February 27 Smart Workflows session.
Noon to 1 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026	Copilot Chat: Everyday Tasks Have you been asking, But how can Copilot Chat really help me at work? It's time to find out together! Bring your to-do list, AI curiosity and love of trial and error as we go through a list of common everyday tasks and see how Copilot can help us check items off our lists. Note: Copilot Chat is used in this session. Attendees must have the ability to log into Copilot Chat.	Register for the February 27 Everyday Tasks session.

UAlbany's Microsoft 365 Copilot Prompt-a-thon — Register now!

Crack the code on using effective prompts for solving business challenges across UAlbany! Writing good prompts is the key to unlocking the power and promise of Copilot and for it to understand you better and help you get the most out of it.

The Microsoft 365 Copilot Prompt-a-thonis designed to help UAlbany dive into the art and science of prompting and discover new business scenarios for using Generative AI, all while encouraging peer to peer learning and ensuring lots of fun.

Get ready to ignite your creativity and collaboration skills at UAlbany’s Microsoft 365 Copilot Prompt-a-thon event! Join us at an event brimming with innovation, learning and networking.

Both sessions will be held on Teams, and registration is required.

2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday March 3, 2026 — Register for the March 3 Prompt-a-thon session.
2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday March 9, 2026 — Register for the March 9 Prompt-a-thon session.

Event Highlights

Interactive Sessions: Engage with Microsoft experts in crafting and refining prompts that bring out the best in artificial intelligence (AI).
Hands-on Learning: Discover strategies and tips from Microsoft line-of-business professionals and Copilot subject matter experts (SMEs). Explore use of prompting for various scenarios.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with users across UAlbany.

Why attend?

Empower Innovation: Learn how to harness the full potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot to drive creativity and efficiency.
Expand Your Expertise: Gain insights into the latest trends and techniques in AI prompting.
Shape the Future: Contribute to the evolving landscape of AI interactions and user experiences.

Target Audience

This free event is open to all UAlbany employees and Research Foundation (RF) partners. (Note: A UAlbany email address is required to register.) This event is perfect for Copilot power users, adoption champions and employees eager to transform their business functions.

2026 Supervisor Network for Success — Register now!

The Supervisor Network for Success series is designed for UAlbany employees serving in supervisory roles who are full-time state employees with contractual obligations related to the management of unionized personnel.

Supervisors across all divisions, bargaining units, and experience levels are invited to attend. All sessions will be held on Zoom, and registration is required.

Date & Time	Session Information	Registration
1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026	Navigating Your Path as a New Supervisor Navigating the path to become a successful supervisor isn’t about luck — it takes hard work, intentional effort and a willingness to learn from your successes and failures. Join us for our new pilot Navigating Your Path as we look at the different paths people travel to become supervisors, the challenges people face and share strategies to keep our compass pointed to success. This is a highly participatory training with breakout groups.	Register for the February 17 Navigating Your Path as a New Supervisor session.
10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026	Difficult Conversations Communication is an important part of a supervisor’s role. Learning how to navigate topics such as performance issues, giving constructive feedback, managing conflict and handling sensitive personal matters takes time and practice. Join us to discuss strategies to help you begin to gain confidence in managing difficult conversations while maintaining positive working relationships and promoting employee growth.	Register for the February 19 Difficult Conversations session.
10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026	Difficult Conversations Communication is an important part of a supervisor’s role. Learning how to navigate topics such as performance issues, giving constructive feedback, managing conflict and handling sensitive personal matters takes time and practice. Join us to discuss strategies to help you begin to gain confidence in managing difficult conversations while maintaining positive working relationships and promoting employee growth.	Register for the February 24 Difficult Conversations session.
1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026	Navigating Your Path as a New Supervisor Navigating the path to become a successful supervisor isn’t about luck — it takes hard work, intentional effort and a willingness to learn from your successes and failures. Join us for our new pilot Navigating Your Path as we look at the different paths people travel to become supervisors, the challenges people face and share strategies to keep our compass pointed to success. This is a highly participatory training with breakout groups.	Register for the February 26 Navigating Your Path as a New Supervisor session.
10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026	When Do I Call Employee Relations (ER)? Have you ever asked yourself, When and how should I reach out to Employee Relations (ER)? Let’s talk about situations that warrant ER involvement, such as handling employee conflicts, addressing policy violations, navigating disciplinary actions and other times when ER can be a helpful resource. We will cover some best practices for documenting, communicating, and collaborating with ER to help you feel confident that you are making informed decisions and fostering a positive and compliant workplace environment.	Register for the March 5 When Do I Call Employee Relations (ER)? session.

Professional Development Opportunities

Statewide Learning Management System (SLMS)

The Statewide Learning Management System (SLMS) provides all New York State employees with access to free trainings and resources. Review guides for using the SMLS: SLMS video and SLMS desk aid.

SUNY Center for Professional Development

The SUNY Center for Professional Development (CPD) offers an incredible array of learning opportunities.

As part of UAlbany’s commitment to provide all employees with access to high quality training and development, HR is pleased to share a streamlined UAlbany CPD General Points Procedure to financially support professional development opportunities through SUNY CPD. Using CPD General Points, UAlbany employees can access a wide range of learning experiences—such as webinars, workshops, and certificate programs—that support skill-building, knowledge enhancement, and career growth.

Who is Eligible?

All New York State employees at UAlbany—full-time and part-time—are eligible to apply, provided they meet employment criteria at the time of application, during the activity, and upon completion.

How to Apply?

Once you find a SUNY CPD General Points opportunity you are interested in, complete the UAlbany CPD General Points Application. For full details, please see the attached guidance document. Note: For SUNY CPD Technical Point opportunities, please reach out to Sandy Cowin at [email protected].

Want to Learn More about SUNY CPD?

Here are just a few quick links to get you started:

CPD Program and Events Calendar
SUNY Learning Commons: facilitates cross-campus collaboration and communication and brings together Communities of Practice across the SUNY System.
Program Areas: available for faculty, instructional designers, librarians, student success and support professionals, business operations staff, information technology staff, campus leadership, and others in administrative roles in higher education.
Lumen Circles Fellowships: Learning Communities for Effective Teaching: provides opportunities to connect with other faculty members as you explore effective instructional practices that support student success and apply them in your own teaching.

Additional UAlbany Opportunities

Opportunities for All Employees

Opportunities for Faculty & Staff

Tuition Waiver Programs

Opportunities for Faculty

Additional SUNY & Statewide Opportunities

Union & Bargaining Unit Opportunities

Please review the following state Office of Employee Relations (OER) webpages for detailed information on programs offered by OER in partnership with unions and bargaining units:

For civil service test preparation, please visit CSEA’s Test Preparation/Career Services webpage.

Conference Opportunities

Whether your goal is to attend a conference or present at one, explore some of these great options.

If you have a conference you would like to share, please email [email protected] or complete the Peer Sharing: Conference Opportunities Form with the details.

Additional Events

For additional events, please check out the following :

Annual Compliance Trainings

Compliance, Safety & Other State-Mandated Topics

Upon hire, and annually thereafter, UAlbany’s professional and classified employees are required to complete several online training courses on compliance, safety and other state-mandated topics. Details and deadlines are sent to employees via email each year. To complete the trainings, please sign into Skillsoft Precipio.

Comprehensive Ethics Training Course (CETC)

All University State employees are required to participate in the mandated State Ethics Training.

This training is required of all new hires within 90 days of starting employment [State Ethics Training - Live] and annually thereafter, with format alternating yearly between State Ethics Training - On Demand (an online, on-demand refresher course) and State Ethics Training - Live (a live, instructor-led course).

To access State Ethics Training - On Demand, an online refresher course, sign into Skillsoft Precipio.
If you have been assigned to State Ethics Training - Live, an instructor-led course, register by selecting the date you would like to attend:

February

March

If you have any questions or require assistance, including an accommodation to participate in the live training and/or online trainings, please contact [email protected].