UTK Workshop Registration

Office of Ombuds Services Workshop Descriptions (List)
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The Office of Ombuds Services helps to empower graduate students, staff, and faculty to navigate challenges related to their experiences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In this interactive session, participants will be introduced to a range of free services from the Office of Ombuds Services, our perspectives on conflict as a tool for innovation, and our key approaches to navigating challenging situations.

No challenge too small or too big - we are here to help!

This presentation will also include scenarios of typical challenges brought to the Ombuds, the standards & ethics we follow, and how to access our consultation, mediation, and educational services. 15 minutes reserved for Q&A in this session.

Session Zoom link sent to those registered the day before.
Questions or need accommodations? Email us at ombudsed@utk.edu.

" data-trigger="hover" data-original-title="Topic Description:">0 - Getting Unstuck: Intro to Ombuds' Services (all times eastern) 		12/03/2025 (Wed)
10:00am - 11:30am		 Virtual - Session Zoom link sent to those registered the day before. Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 20

The Office of Ombuds Services helps to empower graduate students, staff, and faculty to navigate challenges related to their experiences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In this interactive session, participants will be introduced to a range of free services from the Office of Ombuds Services, our perspectives on conflict as a tool for innovation, and our key approaches to navigating challenging situations.

No challenge too small or too big - we are here to help!

This presentation will also include scenarios of typical challenges brought to the Ombuds, the standards & ethics we follow, and how to access our consultation, mediation, and educational services. 15 minutes reserved for Q&A in this session.

Session Zoom link sent to those registered the day before.
Questions or need accommodations? Email us at ombudsed@utk.edu.

" data-trigger="hover" data-original-title="Topic Description:">0 - Getting Unstuck: Intro to Ombuds' Services (all times eastern) 		01/13/2026 (Tue)
1:30pm - 2:30pm		 Virtual - Session Zoom link sent to those registered the day before. Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 30
Ombuds Workshop or Outreach Session Request form.

" data-trigger="hover" data-original-title="Topic Description:">Feedback #2: Giving Feedback Well - Creating Safe Dialogue (all times eastern) 		11/07/2025 (Fri)
11:00am - 12:30pm		 Zoom - Link sent to registrants on day before Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 19
Intro to Feedback: Holding Constructive Performance Dialogue 12/10/2025 (Wed)
9:30am - 12:00am		 Virtual - Session Zoom link sent to those registered the day before. Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 29
Ombuds Workshop or Outreach Session Request form.

Struggling with how to effectively assert your needs, opinions, and boundaries?
Worried you'll sound rude? Or may not be firm or clear enough?
Don’t know how to say “this is not OK with me” or feel guilty when you do?

During this virtual session we will:

  • Explore a continuum of communication styles
  • Discuss the benefits of assertive communication
  • Examine common barriers to communicating assertively
  • Share specific verbal and non-verbal strategies for communicating clearly, respectfully, and assertively
Our goal is to empower you to honestly communicate what you think, feel, and want in a way that honors dignity and contributes to psychological safety.

We will use breakout rooms for discussion and practice; access to microphone and camera recommended. Attendance via phone not recommended.

Session Zoom link sent to those registered the day before.
Questions or need accommodations? Email us at ombudsed@utk.edu.

" data-trigger="hover" data-original-title="Topic Description:">Speaking Up: Communicating More Assertively - EW series (all times eastern) 		12/02/2025 (Tue)
12:30pm - 2:00pm		 Zoom - Link sent to registrants on day before Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 24
Use this linked form to Register for this workshop - do not click the Join Waitlist button below. Registration deadline Nov 5, 2025.

This 12-hour workshop is next offered Nov/Dec 2025, over 4 weeks with ~1.5 hours independent online work each week before weekly Zoom sessions for 90 minutes each

A Crucial Conversation is a discussion between two or more people where the stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong. When conversations turn crucial, people tend to follow one of two ineffective paths: they either speak directly and abrasively to get the results they want but harm relationships, or they remain silent with the hope of preserving relationships only to sacrifice results. This intensive training builds skills for constructively engaging in conflict —rather than stepping over or around it— turning disagreement into dialogue.

Workshop details:

  • Held online over 4 weeks, participants will complete 1-2 hours of asynchronous online activities from Crucial Learning (~6 hours) prior to engaging in each of four 1.5-hour virtual discussion and skills practice sessions (6 hours via Zoom) for 12 total PD hours. More about CCMD training content.
  • Materials Cost: $270 online materials access fee per person. Consult with your unit/department/college for funding – this is typically paid via internal transfer through Campus Shared Services. Funding support available.

For next session, ALL virtual workshop activities take place on Mondays, Nov 10, 17 & Dec 1 & 8 from 11am-12:30pm Eastern. Plan to complete 1 hour of independent pre-work before the first scheduled Zoom session.

You must register for this training using the SEPARATE SPECIAL registration form (linked above and here):
Use this linked form to Register for this workshop - do not click the Join Waitlist button below.

" data-trigger="hover" data-original-title="Topic Description:">Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue 		11/10/2025 (Mon)
11:00am - 12:30pm		 Zoom - Link sent to registrants after registration Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 0
Ombuds Workshop or Outreach Session Request form.

Do you find receiving workplace feedback a challenging experience?
Are you comfortable requesting and holding feedback dialogues?
What strategies do you use to advocate for your career goals and needs?
If receiving feedback is unpleasant, frustrating, or simply missing in your workplace experiences, you are not alone!

Join us for a 90-minute virtual session where we will discuss the receiver’s role in fostering constructive feedback experiences. During this session you will:

  • Examine your current reactions and responses in different types of feedback situations.
  • Learn strategies for engaging in constructive feedback dialogue to strengthen relationships, improve performance, and foster personal growth.
  • Make a plan to advocate for your professional goals as part of feedback dialogue.
Topics include: fostering a growth mindset, managing emotions, setting SMART goals, and planning for regular feedback dialogue. This interactive workshop includes self-reflection, breakout discussion, and action planning activities.

For virtual sessions, we will use breakout rooms for discussion and practice; access to microphone and camera recommended. Attendance via phone not recommended for virtual sessions.

Questions or need accommodations? Email us at ombudsed@utk.edu.

" data-trigger="hover" data-original-title="Topic Description:">Feedback: Receiving Feedback Well: Crafting Constructive Responses (all times Eastern) 		01/09/2026 (Fri)
11:00am - 12:30pm		 Virtual - Session Zoom link sent to those registered the day before. Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 29