Training and development
Technical/Personnel Administrator (PA)
The following courses are part of the Technical/Personnel PA (PA Certification) training track. Each course includes a description and most include a link to the current registration schedule where you can see if it’s currently being offered.
In the event that a course also contributes to other training tracks, this information is denoted next to each course name as follows:
- Technical/Timekeeping [TT]
- Employee Career Development [ECD]
- Supervisor/Manager Development [SMD]
- Technical/Personnel Administrator [TPA]
If you can't find the training you need, contact VCU Training and Development at: traindev@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0179. You may also visit the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) for more training options.
View courses from another training track.
Banner Basic Navigation [TT] Provides an introduction to the Banner system. New users learn how to navigate through the application; understand the different types of forms used in Banner, and the parts of each form; perform queries for information; and customize Banner to best reflect their needs and preferences.
PA Access Orientation The new PA will schedule a one-on-one meeting with his/her HR Services team for an overview of PA roles and responsibilities, HR policies and guidelines, and HR systems including Banner, HireRight, eJobs, SAS and ImageNow. HR systems access will be granted after successful completion of the required quiz.
PAC001: Hiring at VCU [SMD] HR content experts will lead an overview of the hiring process at VCU, including how to use eJobs, setting the hiring range, recruitment and advertising, screening and ranking, the interviewing process, checking references, compliance with EEO guidelines and regulations, and more. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC002: Workforce Planning [SMD] This session includes an overview of workforce planning at VCU including the critical PA role in the process. Emphasis is placed on succession planning and personal development. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC003: Compensation Tools [SMD] To improve your department’s recruitment and retention, this session provides an overview of recognition and reward through the use of compensation policies, pay practices, and resources for classified (and hourly) employees. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC004: Benefits Overview Course content includes an overview of the various benefits offered to VCU faculty and staff including health care basics, how to save for retirement, investment strategies, Work/Life resources, and CommonHealth programs. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAA005: Personnel Actions Case Studies This class focuses on the application of skills to correctly complete the PAF and select the action code; participants also receive tips on PAF processing. Through case studies and roundtable discussions, participants and HR facilitators examine issues and share information for helping ensure future success in these areas. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC005: Understanding and Avoiding the Grievance Procedure [ECD SMD] An Employee Relations specialist will lead a discussion on the various aspects of the State Employee Grievance Procedure, with emphasis on the supervisor’s role. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAA006: Leave Policies and Applications [TT SMD] An overview of VCU, state, and federal policies regarding employee’s leave including Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP), Traditional Leave Plan, Worker’s Compensation, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave Share, and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This course is designed to help PAs understand and enforce these policies within their departments. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC006: Employee's Role in the Performance Appraisal Process [ECD] This session is designed to help the employee prepare for his/her performance appraisal, respond to feedback, and develop a performance plan. Course content also includes an overview of appeal options. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAA007: Preparing for the New Employee [SMD] HR staff outline the processes in preparing for a new employee’s arrival, including decentralized hiring, new-hire paperwork, Express Hire, and background checks. The session will include an overview of information employees receive in New Employee Orientation (NEO) and available resources. We will explore these “big picture” components so participants can see how all the many employee pieces fit together on the road to becoming a member of the VCU community. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC007: Standards of Conduct [SMD] Course content includes an overview of the State Standards of Conduct policy, including acceptable behavior in the workplace and the progressive disciplinary process agencies utilize to address unacceptable behavior, conduct, and related employment problems in the workplace, or outside the workplace when conduct impacts an employee’s ability to do his/her job and/or influences the agency’s overall effectiveness. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC008: Policy Updates and Changes This course provides periodic overviews of new and updated policies, procedures, and systems. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC009: Conflict Resolution [ECD SMD] After a brief overview of the causes and types of conflict, participants use information contained in their Conflict Dynamics Profile (CDP) ® to examine how they typically respond before, during, and after conflict. Also included are the types of behaviors (or the "hot buttons") that provoke responses. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC010: Consulting Skills for PAs [SMD] The PA will learn ways to act as a consultant to faculty and staff within the department while strengthening his/her role as a liaison to Human Resources. Course content includes negotiating skills and how to balance competing interests between the department and HR. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC011: Threat Assessment and Violence Prevention [ECD SMD] Can workplace violence be prevented? What is the difference between threatening and disruptive behavior? What is your role in preventing and reporting an incident? What is VCU Alert? What other resources are available to faculty and staff? Participants will learn the answers to these and other questions in this session, which is designed to help foster a safe university environment. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC012: How to Get Things Done When You're Not the Boss [ECD] How do you make things happen when you are not in charge? How can you effectively juggle multiple priorities when someone else is setting them? How do you interact effectively with a supervisor who has a different style of work then yours? The key is building a partnership with your manager that will help make you both successful. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC013: Managing Personal and Professional Change [TT ECD SMD] Change is a part of life and a natural occurrence in any successful organization. Participants will examine the stages of transition and learn ways to successfully manage personal and professional change. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC015: ARMICS and Ethics at VCU [TT ECD SMD] To improve your department’s records retention (as it pertains to PAs), security of computers, data and confidential information, and overall compliance through the use of ARMICS and the VCU Code of Ethics. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
PAC021: Customer Compass [TT ECD] Positive interactions with students, visitors, faculty, and staff are critical to the continued success and growth of VCU. Participants examine behaviors necessary for successful encounters in person and over the telephone as well as the appropriate use of email. Also included are strategies for dealing with unhappy customers. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
Alcohol and Drug Awareness [ECD SMD] An overview of VCU’s Alcohol and Drug Policy 
plus how to recognize impairment, alternative strategies for coping with stress, and employee and supervisor responsibilities.
Behavioral Interviewing [SMD] Participants examine ways to use behavior as an indicator for selecting the best job candidate. The session covers selection criteria, use of competencies for screening, and tips for before, during, and after the interview.
Can We Talk: Effective Communication Skills [ECD SMD] Course content focuses on identifying and recognizing different communication styles, effective listening skills, assertive communication and conflict resolution through communication.
Career Planning and Development [ECD SMD] HR experts will be on hand to help participants explore ways to grow and develop in their jobs. Course content includes researching a career path, setting career goals, developing leadership skills, effective mentoring, skill development, and finding a work/life balance.
Computer and Software Programs
Sponsored by VCU Technology Services [TT ECD]: www.ts.vcu.edu/
Sponsored by the VCU Center for Teaching Excellence [TT ECD]: www.vcu.edu/cte/
Conducting the Performance Appraisal [SMD] This session is designed for supervisors and focuses on preparing for the performance appraisal meeting, delivering the performance feedback, and following up after the meeting.View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
Facilitation Skills [ECD SMD] Whether making a presentation to five people or giving a speech in front of 200, many people fear speaking before a group or audience. Participants will explore ways to strengthen their presentation skills in a fun and relaxed environment.
HR Partners [TT] This periodic training series provides PAs with important HR news and information, including policy and procedural updates. View to see if it's currently offered on the registration schedule.
Sexual Harassment Prevention (EEO Office) [TT ECD SMD] This on-line training is sponsored by VCU's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Services. For more information, visit training.newmedialearning.com/psh/vcu/.
Stress Management [ECD SMD] Participants will identify the causes of stress, explore the physical and behavioral impacts of stress, and develop positive skills for coping with it.
Tapping the Gap: The Cross-Generational Workforce [ECD SMD] One of VCU’s strengths lies in its diversity. But with a variety of talents and ideas come challenges in communication, work styles, and more. Participants will explore several distinct generations and examine ways to successfully work with and supervise different individuals in an age-diverse workplace.
Teambuilding [ECD SMD] Like families, even the best teams experience challenges from time to time. Participants will examine the characteristics of successful teams as well as ways to be an effective an valued member of the team.
VCU Mosaic: Diversity at VCU [ECD SMD] Age, class, race, ethnicity, gender, and more: characteristics that can build a stronger, more cohesive workforce. Participants will explore ways in which diversity impacts working relationships with an emphasis on exploring various "‘isms," stereotypes, and the impact of diversity on communication.
Women’s Work: Supervisory Skills for Women [ECD SMD] Managing the work of others is difficult enough. Female managers often face issues not experienced by their male counterparts. Participants will explore general strategies for managing and supervising staff as well as other issues female managers often face including gender, race, and other demographic considerations.
