Professional Development Resources

Welcome to HMC’s Professional Development Resources! At HMC, we are committed to fostering a vibrant culture of continuous learning and professional growth. This platform is your central hub for exploring diverse training and learning opportunities designed to support your development. Here, you’ll find information on enriching programs all tailored to help you thrive both personally and professionally. We invite you to explore engaging topics as we learn, innovate, foster and thrive together!

We are pleased to share new and continued learning opportunities for 2026.

New Events

  • NEW: The HR Compass – Chart Your Course Learning Series

Continuing Events

  • Breakfast Connections
  • HMC Staff Conversations (HSC)
  • Kudos Recognition Cards
  • LinkedIn Learning (LIL)
  • Monthly Learning Series (LS)

Please select a category below to view additional information and elevate your learning to new heights!

NEW: The HR Compass – Chart Your Course Learning Series

Human Resources is excited to introduce a new Learning Series The HR Compass – Chart Your Course. This series is intended to empower every staff member to spark innovation, influence outcomes, harness digital tools, build resilience, take accountability, coach for growth and navigate change with clarity and confidence across Harvey Mudd.

This series will offer instructor-led virtual sessions by members of the HR team, focused on practical skills, collaboration and innovation that support our work and the broader College community. These live, virtual sessions are intended to be accessible to all staff. Topic selections reflect staff feedback and areas of interest identified across the College.

Participation is voluntary, and staff are encouraged to attend. Supervisors are encouraged to support participation where possible. Non-exempt staff should obtain supervisor approval prior to attending, as the session takes place during paid work hours.

Why a New Learning Series?

This initiative is part of the Office of Human Resources’ ongoing commitment to providing meaningful, accessible professional development opportunities for all staff. The series is designed to build shared skills, strengthen teams and support continuous learning across the institution.

Inaugural Session:

January 27 – Enable Innovation: Discover trends, explore types of innovation and drivers, and turn bold ideas into practical improvements that move the College forward.

Upcoming Sessions:

  • February 17 – Magnetic Influence: Build trust and presence to align ideas and shape outcomes across the community.
  • March 10 – Digitally Aware: Adopt the right tools, automate wisely and use data to simplify work and solve real problems.
  • April 21 – Leverage Coaching: Use coach‑approach questions and active listening to unlock ideas, develop skills and accelerate performance.

Future Sessions:

  • Building Resilience: Develop habits and networks that help you adapt, recover and thrive through change.
  • Accelerate Accountability: Make clear commitments, track progress and own results so teams deliver reliably and learn from outcomes.
  • Navigating Change: Communicate the why, guide transitions and help teams move through uncertainty with clarity and confidence

Kudos Recognition Cards

We’re excited to launch Kudos Recognition Cards as part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of appreciation and engagement at Harvey Mudd College.

What are Kudos Cards?

Kudos Cards are a simple yet meaningful way for faculty and staff to recognize one another for everyday acts of support, collaboration, innovation, and dedication. Whether someone went above and beyond, made your day easier, or exemplified our community values, a Kudos Card is your opportunity to say, “thank you” and celebrate those contributions.

These cards are designed to:

  • Encourage peer-to-peer recognition
  • Reinforce positive behaviors and shared values
  • Support a culture where appreciation is part of our everyday work

Who Can Give or Receive a Kudos Card?

All faculty and staff are encouraged to give and receive Kudos Cards; any colleague can recognize another, regardless of department or role. It’s a simple way to show appreciation and strengthen our campus community.

Where Can I Find Kudos Cards?

Kudos Cards will soon be available across campus and in the Office of Human Resources in Kingston. Over the next week, you’ll be able to use them to recognize and appreciate your colleagues. Completed cards can be shared directly with coworkers, highlighted in department spotlights, or submitted for inclusion in the Mudd on the Ground newsletter and other future recognitions.

Let’s continue to build a workplace where every contribution is seen, valued, and celebrated, one Kudos at a time!

HR Breakfast Connections

The Office of Human Resources is excited to introduce Breakfast Connections, a new gathering created to offer a welcoming space where employees can connect with HR, share feedback, and engage in open conversation about workplace experiences. Our goal is to create a welcoming and engaging environment that encourages dialogue and helps us better understand the needs and perspectives of our campus community. These sessions will be small enough to support open conversation and large enough to bring in a range of ideas and experiences.

Each gathering will be hosted by Dana Nagengast, along with another member of the HR team. Participation is voluntary, and staff are required to RSVP in advance.

2026 Sessions

  • February 12, 2026
  • April 14, 2026
  • June 2, 2026
  • August 4, 2026

2025 Sessions

  • July 17, 2025
  • August 19, 2025
  • September 11, 2025
  • October 9, 2025
  • November 3, 2025
  • December 12, 2025

HMC Staff Conversations (HSC)

The Office of Human Resources (HR) is thrilled to introduce HMC Staff Conversations (HSC)—our quarterly meeting series designed to provide an open forum for sharing important College updates, gathering feedback, and fostering meaningful staff engagement. We believe regular conversations are essential to a thriving campus community, and these sessions offer a consistent opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and share insights on College initiatives and policies. We invite you to join us, share your insights, and collaborate as we work together to enhance the HMC experience for all.

Upcoming Session

  • Date: February 18, 2026 at 3–4 p.m.
  • Topic: Exploring the HMC Curriculum: From Foundations to Frontiers
  • Presenter: Karl Haushalter, Vice President for Academic Affairs and R. Michael Shanahan Dean of the Faculty

Past Sessions

  • May 28, 2025: HMC Comprehensive Campaign
  • February 18, 2025: HMC’s Ongoing Staff Remote Work Program
  • November 15, 2024: Workplace Violence Prevention Program and the September 25, 2024 Career Fair Protest
  • September 10, 2025: Rooted in Care: How We All Support the Student Experience
  • November 19, 2025: Responsible Use of AI at HMC

HR Lunch and Learn Programs

We are delighted to continue offering voluntary events, proudly sponsored by the Office of Human Resources, aimed at driving success and nurturing meaningful connections within our community. These events provide opportunities to come together as colleagues, foster a stronger sense of unity, and enjoy a refreshing break from our regular work routines. Join us as we strengthen bonds, celebrate our community, and create moments of joy and collaboration beyond the workplace.

Upcoming Session

  • June 10, 2026: Pending
  • July 15, 2026: Pending
  • August 12, 2026: Pending

Past Sessions

  • October 23, 2025: Public Speaking Workshop presented by Professor Paul Steinberg
  • August 5, 2025: Budget Presentation by the Office of Financial Aid and Taco Truck Lunch Immediately Following
  • July 23, 2025: Effective Communication Strategies by Dan Hirsch and Food Truck Lunch Immediately Following
  • June 25, 2025: Automating Healthy Financial Habits with SageView and Taco Truck Lunch Immediately Following

Monthly Learning Series (LS)

Discover a range of engaging, live instructor-led sessions facilitated by Optum, thoughtfully designed to inspire growth and development. Can’t make it to a session? No problem—each one is recorded, allowing you to revisit and learn at your convenience.

2026 Sessions

January: How to Create Passion and Motivation in the Workplace

February: Embracing Happiness

March: Creating Harmony Between Generations

April: How to Create a Healthy Workplace

May: Creating a Respectful Workplace

2025 Sessions

January: How to Understand and Develop Emotional Intelligence

February: Creating Kindness in the Workplace

March: How to Better Manage Stress

April: Self-care: Small Changes for Positive Results

May: Preventing Burnout

September: Maximizing Your Working Day

October: How to Use Conflict as Opportunity for Employees

November: How to Make Better Decisions with Critical Thinking

December: How to Build Successful Teams

LinkedIn Learning

We’re thrilled to provide LinkedIn Learning at Harvey Mudd College’. Launching April 1, 2025, LinkedIn Learning is more than just an online training tool, it is your gateway to thousands of expert-led courses designed to help you grow, succeed, and support your professional development.

What is LinkedIn Learning?

LinkedIn Learning is a top-tier online education platform offering over 21,000 courses, in multiple languages, across a wide range of topics, including:

  • Technical skills – Excel courses, data analysis, and more
  • Business skills – Leadership, project management, communication
  • Soft skills – Time management, emotional intelligence, teamwork and leadership
  • Wellness & personal growth – Work-life balance, mindfulness, productivity

Why Use LinkedIn Learning?

It’s a great way to boost your skills, gain new competencies to excel in your current role, and prepare for future opportunities. You can advance your knowledge by earning industry-recognized certifications and mastering essential tools. With the flexibility to learn anytime and anywhere, you can access courses on desktop or mobile at your own pace. Additionally, LinkedIn Learning offers diverse and inclusive content, with courses available in multiple languages to support all learners.

How to Get Started

Keep an eye out for an activation email from Harvey Mudd College via LinkedIn Learning – don’t miss it! Activating your account is your first step towards unlocking this vast library of knowledge. You’ll have the choice to connect through your personal LinkedIn profile (recommended!) or use your HMC email. Whether you’re on your desktop or mobile device, LinkedIn Learning is always within reach. Once you’re in, start exploring! Take a course that excites you, and see how you can apply your new skills to enhance your professional development goals.

Please see the LinkedIn Learning FAQ for further details.

A Commitment to Your Growth

This initiative, led by the Office of Human Resources, is part of our ongoing commitment to staff development. Managers and staff members can use LinkedIn Learning to build personalized development plans, support performance goals, and foster a culture of continuous learning. 

We Want Your Engagement and Feedback!

We’d love to hear about your experience. If you have questions, reach out to the Office of Human Resources at hr@hmc.edu. Need help logging in? The IT Help Desk is here for you at helpdesk@hmc.edu.

Compliance Training

Stay informed and compliant with our mandatory training programs through Vector Solutions. These courses are essential for maintaining a safe and inclusive workplace.

Workplace Violence: Awareness and Prevention compliance training

Team Training Resources

The Claremont Colleges Employee Assistance Program, Optum, provides free training for staff members and supervisors, both for individuals and teams.  For team training, you must submit requests 30 days in advance and a minimum of 10 participants is recommended. A catalog of available training is available.

To request training, complete and submit the following request form.

For further assistance with planning and scheduling training, you may contact the Customer Training Department, email customertraining@optum.com, or call 1.866.876.2785 ext. 0 for direct assistance.

Performance Management

To support staff and supervisors collaborate effectively throughout HMC’s performance management cycle, the following training programs are offered.

Performance Management for HMC Supervisors

Performance Management for HMC Staff

Action: Please review the video above and submit the acknowledgement form

Remote Work Training

To assist staff and supervisors effectively partner together in a hybrid working environment, the following training programs are strongly recommended for all participants.

Best Practices for Hybrid Working

Managing and Motivating Your Remote Workers

Meal and Rest Breaks

As a condition of participating in the HMC Staff Pilot Remote Work program, all supervisors and non-exempt staff must complete the following Meal and Rest Break training.

Action: Please review the video above and submit the acknowledgement form

Required Annual Training for Dining Services and Facilities and Maintenance Staff

All staff in Dining Services and F&M are required to review and complete the annual training topics listed below. The policies in the videos below can be found in the Staff Handbook.

Conflict of Interest

Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation

HMC Policies

Meal and Rest Breaks

Action: Please review the videos and submit the acknowledgement form

Required Annual Training for Supervisors of Dining Services and Facilities and Maintenance Staff

In addition to the above training course, all Dining Services and F&M Supervisors are required to complete this additional training program.

The policy in the video below can be found at Performance Management Program.

Performance Management

Action: Please review the video above and submit the acknowledgement form