Office of Ombuds Services Workshop Descriptions (List)
Workshop Date / Time Location Instructor Seats Left  

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 our voluntary free consultation, education, and coaching services to individuals, leaders and teams. Come learn about our uniquely independent, impartial, informal, and confidential services that are designed to help you, your team, and our academic community innovate and thrive.


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


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)
10/09/2026 (Fri)
11:00am - 11:45am
Virtual - Zoom link will be provided the day before Ombuds Staff - Nellie Haddad 30

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 our voluntary free consultation, education, and coaching services to individuals, leaders and teams. Come learn about our uniquely independent, impartial, informal, and confidential services that are designed to help you, your team, and our academic community innovate and thrive.


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


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)
11/02/2026 (Mon)
2:00pm - 2:45pm
Virtual - Zoom link will be provided the day before Ombuds Staff - Ame Houston 30
Registration for this workshop CLOSES on 9/15/26

Does conflict make you uncomfortable? Do you feel like you want to lash out or would you prefer to avoid the situation altogether?


While many would say yes, destructive conflict behaviors undermine relationships and lead to ineffective solutions. Constructive conflict management, however, can lead to personal and team growth, innovation, and improvement.


Before the session date, participants will complete an online Conflict Dynamics Profile (CDP) self-assessment pre-survey to reflect on their typical behaviors in workplace conflict situations. Then, during the workshop, you will use your CDP Report to explore your most helpful and unhelpful behaviors in conflict as well as your specific "hot buttons" and how to “cool” them. You will leave with a plan and several strategies to enhance your personal ability to navigate conflict.

NOTE: After registration closes on 9/15 registrants will receive emails with information on how to take the online self-assessment pre-survey for free. You will be expected to complete this online survey by 10/6.


Session Zoom link sent to those who complete the pre-survey in a timely manner.
Questions or need accommodations? Email us at
ombudsed@utk.edu.

" data-trigger="hover" data-original-title="Topic Description:">Conflict: Understanding your Conflict Dynamics (CDP Self-Assessment)
10/13/2026 (Tue)
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom link will be sent the day before Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 1
Use this linked form to Register for this workshop - do not click the "Join Waitlist" button below. Registration deadline October 16, 2026.

This 12-hour workshop is next offered Fall 2026 over 4 weeks with ~1.5 hours independent online work each week due before each of the four 90-minute Zoom sessions held October 27 and November 3, 10, 17 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm.

This intensive training provides strategies and builds skills for constructively engaging in difficult conversations —rather than stepping over or around it— in order to turn disagreements into dialogue. 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.

Workshop details:

  • Time Requirements: Over 4 weeks, participants will complete 1-2 hours of asynchronous online activities from Crucial Learning Online (~6 hours) prior to engaging in each of four 90-minute virtual discussion and skills practice sessions (6 total 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. Limited funding support available.

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.

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

" data-trigger="hover" data-original-title="Topic Description:">Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue Intensive Workshop
10/27/2026 (Tue)
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Virtual - Zoom link will be sent along with the prework Ombuds Staff - Dr. Lisa Yamagata Lynch 0
Dignity: Co-creating a Dignity-Conscious Work Environment with Your Team 10/07/2026 (Wed)
10:30am - 12:00pm
Virtual - Zoom link will be sent the day before Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 22
ombudsed@utk.edu.

" data-trigger="hover" data-original-title="Topic Description:">Intro to Healthy Feedback Dialogue
11/09/2026 (Mon)
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Virtual - Zoom link sent day before Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 25
Psych Safety: Co-Creating a Psychologically Safer Workplace with Your Team 11/18/2026 (Wed)
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Virtual - Zoom link will be sent the day before Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 24
ombudsed@utk.edu.

" data-trigger="hover" data-original-title="Topic Description:">Speaking Up: Introduction to More Assertive Communication
10/21/2026 (Wed)
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Virtual - Zoom link will be sent the day before Ombuds Staff - Duren Thompson 22