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 learning opportunities for 2025:
New events:
- HR Kudos Event
- HR Breakfast Connections
Continuing events:
- HMC Staff Conversations (HSC)
- Monthly Learning Series (LS)
- LinkedIn Learning (LIL)
Please select a category below to view additional information and elevate your learning to new heights!
NEW: HR Kudos Event
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.
Join Us for the Kudos Kick-Off Event!
To celebrate the launch, we invite you to stop by the Kudos Kick-Off Event on September 3, 2025, from 4-5 p.m. in the Platt Green Room. Come enjoy light refreshments, pick up some Kudos Cards, and help us jump-start this new tradition of celebrating everyday excellence across our campus.
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!
NEW: HR Breakfast Connections
The Office of Human Resources is excited to introduce Breakfast Connections, a new monthly 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.
Upcoming session:
- September 11, 2025
- October 9, 2025
- November 3, 2025
- December 12, 2025
Past sessions:
- August 19, 2025
- July 17, 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: September 10, 2025 at 3-4 PM
- Topic: Rooted in Care: How We All Support the Student Experience
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
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:
- October 23, 2025 at 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Public Speaking Workshop presented by Professor Paul Steinberg
- November 7, 2025 at 11-12:00 PM and 1:00 – 2:00 PM: TIAA Retirement Seminar
Past sessions:
- August 5, 2025:
- Topic: Budget Presentation by the Office of Financial Aid and Taco Truck Lunch Immediately Following
- July 23, 2025:
- Topic: Effective Communication Strategies by Dan Hirsch and Food Truck Lunch Immediately Following
- June 25, 2025:
- Topic: 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.
Future sessions:
- September: Maximizing Your Working Day
- October: Using Conflict as Opportunity
- November: Making Better Decisions with Critical Thinking
- December: Building Successful Teams
Past 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
LinkedIn Learning
We’re thrilled to introduce LinkedIn Learning as a pilot program, Harvey Mudd College’s newest e-learning resource, launching April 1, 2025. More than just an online training tool, LinkedIn Learning 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.
We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity through February 17, 2026, and share your insights. While funding will ultimately determine the program’s future, your feedback will play a key role in assessing its effectiveness and identifying improvements should it continue.
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.
Access compliance training here.
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
- Training Content: Please click here to access the training materials.
Performance Management for HMC Staff
- Training Content: Please click here to access the training materials.
Action: Please review the video below and submit the acknowledgement form, accessible by clicking on the button below.
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
- Webinar Link: Please click here to access the recorded training.
- Training Content: Please click here to access the training materials.
Managing and Motivating Your Remote Workers
- Webinar Link: Please click here to access the recorded training.
- Training Content: Please click here to access the training materials.
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 below and submit the acknowledgement form, accessible by clicking on the button below.
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, accessible by clicking on the button below.
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 on the Performance Management Program page.
Performance Management
Action: Please review the video below and submit the acknowledgement form, accessible by clicking on the button below.