Training & Development

Copilot for New Users

Jill Haskell, Human Resources

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 experiment using Microsoft Copilot. 

There are no wrong answers as we walk through basic features of Copilot, talk to our AI companions, and begin using AI to help us with simple tasks like writing emails. 

Copilot is used in this session. No prior experience needed.

UUP: Get your EKB, a Free Benefit to Help You Grow

Jill Haskell, Human Resources

Have you been thinking about getting your certificate in Project Management? Want to learn more about AI? Thinking about next steps in your career? Wondering how to improve on areas where you don’t feel as strong? Today’s EKB has it all! 

From Skill Benchmark Assessments to built-in Role Advisors, AI Simulations and AI Assistants to help you build and meet your goals, an EKB license may be the best gift you give yourself this year.

Together we will walk through a live EKB account, explore what EKB has to offer and see if EKB can help you reach your goals for 2026.
 

Microsoft Forms: A Walkthrough to Start You Off

Jill Haskell, Human Resources

Microsoft Forms can be a great resource for collaboration, organization and information gathering. Together we will walk through the basic features, create a test form and view the results. 

This session is intended for those with limited to no experience using Forms. This session will provide participants with data that can be used next week in our Basic Data Analysis with AI session.

Introduction to Continuous Improvement to Inform Improvements in Processes and Practices

Kristen C. Wilcox, Department of Educational Policy and Leadership

Join Dr. Wilcox for a high‑level overview of continuous improvement and how it can help you. Explore core principles, simple strategies and resources to help you grow your change strategy to intentional, impactful cycles of improvement.

No prior experience is needed to attend.

Digital Accessibility at UAlbany

Emily Masters, Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Committee

Faculty and staff will be required to ensure their course materials, emails, documents, social media posts, web content and other digital communications are accessible to users with disabilities starting in April 2026.

Join this session to learn actionable steps you can take now to ensure compliance.

Recreation & Wellness 1: Explore Fitness Opportunities with Classes, Intramural Sports and More

Jillian Mertzlufft and Makayla Ferguson, Recreation & Wellness

Recreation & Wellness has many programs and services to offer. Come learn about all of our areas and how you can access our spaces, programs and services to support your physical health and goals! 

This session will focus on fitness, group exercise, open recreation and intramural sports.  

UUP: Making the Most of IDA

Eli Boonin-Vail, Department of Art & Art History

Join Eli Boonin-Vail to discuss one of UUPs greatest benefits: the Individual Development Award (IDA).

IDAs are designed to support a variety of professional development projects or activities, assisting eligible employees in developing their full professional potential and to prepare for advancement. 

Learn about the process, resources and strategies on how to successfully navigate the award application process. 

Note: This program is for those in UUP represented positions only.

Transforming Professional Development: Updates from the SUNY Center for Professional Development (CPD)

Lisa Raposo, SUNY Center for Professional Development

SUNY CPD is empowering SUNY to thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape. Over the past two years, SUNY CPD has significantly expanded its programs and services.

We will showcase the latest developments and initiatives, including new course offerings, enhanced digital accessibility training and innovative professional development. 

Learn about the Data Literacy Essentials for Higher Education Professionals program, opportunities to enhance AI use and understanding, and the Universal Design for Learning Project.

Additionally, we will highlight CPD's efforts to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Discover how these initiatives are driving academic excellence, student success, and institutional growth across the SUNY system.

Teams: A Walkthrough to Start You Off

Jill Haskell, Human Resources

Teams can be a great resource for collaboration, organization and teamwork. 

Together we will take a walkthrough and learn how to customize Teams, create our own Team and Channels, add some Files, create a Staff Notebook, and use some of the helpful, built-in apps.

Roth 403b's

Kenneth Woods, Fidelity

Join Kenneth Woods, CRPC, of Fidelity for this seminar. 

You will learn about the tax-free benefits of Roth 403b contributions, discuss the new rules and contribution limits for 2026, and get answers to any questions you may have about starting a Roth 403b contribution. 

Make the most of your SUNY benefits by learning from one of our trusted financial fiduciary partners. You do not have to be an account holder with Fidelity to attend.

Graduate & Teaching Assistant HRTS Processing

Eva Alvarez Eró and Pamela Alexander, Human Resources; Benjamin Rekemeyer, Graduate School

In this session, members of Human Resources and the Graduate School will go over the basic steps in submitting HRTS requests for Graduate and Teaching Assistants. 

We will also provide a brief overview of the additional service request process and introduce resources that departments can use as they guide students through obtaining additional service approval.

If you do HRTS processing, you won’t want to miss this training!

Recreation & Wellness 2: Fitness & the New Personal Trainer Program

Jillian Mertzlufft and John Sylak, Recreation & Wellness

Recreation & Wellness has many programs and services to offer. Come learn about all our areas and how you can access our spaces, programs and services. 

This session will focus on the new Personal Training Program at The Well. Bring your questions about how to get started today!

UAlbany as a Health Promoting University: The movement and how to get involved

Kelly Gorman, Health Promotion; Pamela Alexander, Human Resources

UAlbany is proud to be in the first cohort of institutions nationally to have signed the Okanagan Charter, which is our commitment to being a Health Promoting University. Come learn what this means, who we are and where we are at, as well as how you can get involved.

This is about advancing the health of person, place and planet, and it is for us all — students, faculty and staff. We invite you to join the conversation and consider how you'd like to contribute to this exciting work on our campus!
 

Smart Workflows: Boosting Productivity with Microsoft Copilot

Lakia Green, Division of Inclusive Excellence

Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Copilot and transform 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!