Professional Development Workshops

Getting Things Done®

We are excited to bring Getting Things Done® (GTD®) to the campus community. GTD is a research-backed methodology for stress-free productivity — a practical system for capturing, clarifying, and acting on the steady stream of inputs, commitments, and ideas that compete for our attention each day. Rather than another time-management tactic, GTD is a self-management approach that helps participants cut through the noise, focus on what matters most, and free up mental energy for creative, meaningful work.

Participants will learn how:

  • The CORE methodology — Capture, Clarify, Organize, Reflect, Engage — can reduce stress and increase productivity at work and at home
  • To systematically collect and direct all the inputs competing for their attention, rather than keeping tasks and to-dos in their heads
  • To clarify what each input means and identify the very next action needed to move commitments toward completion
  • To organize next actions by context so the right work is easy to find at the right time
  • To conduct a weekly review to keep their system current and connect short-term tasks to longer-term goals
  • To say no with integrity and narrow focus to higher-priority work
  • To apply GTD skills individually and across teams, with ongoing resources and prompts to reinforce the habits

Upcoming Workshops Dates – Register Here

Notes: Participant should be available for both dates in the series. Cost for this Program is $450.

  • August 4 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and August 11 (9 -11 a.m.)
  • September 14 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and September 21 (1:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
  • October 6 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) and October 13 (9 – 11 a.m.)
  • November 5 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) and November 13 (1 – 3:30 p.m.)

Building Resilience

Learn about what resilience means and how to build your resiliency within the workplace.  Learn strategies that will help you tap into your values and your support system, and identify ways that will help you move forward.

Led by Pam Gavenda, Associate Director, Organizational Development and Training, this program will be held online.  A link will be sent to those who register a few days before the session.

Register for Building Resilience – Tuesday, August 18 (9:30 – 11 a.m.) – Online


Remitted Tuition Benefit Information Session

This information session is designed to provide an overview of the Remitted Tuition Benefit Program at Syracuse University. Please visit the Human Resources Remitted Tuition Benefit webpage and the Remitted Tuition Benefit Policy for details regarding eligibility.

Experts from Human Resources, University College, the Bursar’s office, Payroll, and Financial Aid will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Whether you are new to the University or have been here for a while, it’s never too late to take advantage of this wonderful benefit. All benefit-eligible employees and retirees are encouraged to attend.

Next offering : Wednesday, October 21, 2026 (1 – 2 p.m.) via Zoom

Please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 with any questions regarding this benefit. 


Introduction to Emotional Intelligence (EI)

What is emotional intelligence and are there ways to develop emotional intelligence? This session will introduce the components of emotional intelligence, including related competencies and strategies for developing emotional intelligence. Gain an understanding of self-management and self-awareness. Learn critical skills for your personal and professional goals.

Led by Pam Gavenda, this program will be held online.  Information and a meeting request will be sent a few days prior to the session.

Next session: TBD


Performance Partnership (PP) for Staff

For those new to the Syracuse University Performance Partnership process, this staff session is designed to ensure the process, including both form completion and the subsequent meeting between supervisor and staff member, is productive and effective. The workshop will provide an overview of the staff member’s role in the Performance Partnership process highlighting the tool and resources available, including creating SMART goals that will help advance the initiatives of the department and University.

Next session: TBD