Valdosta State University > Continuing Education > Professional Development

professional development

For more information, click on a class title below or scroll down the page. Links to classes will become live as detailed information becomes available.

Certification Preparation
      Preparation For Professional Human Resource Certification
      Serving Safe Food With ServSafe

Maintaining Licensure
        Budget Management Concepts for Nurse Managers
      Court Reporters Fall 2008 Workshop
      State of Georgia approved "PLU" courses for teacher re-certification
      Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE)

Business and Management
      TeamRICH: Building a Better Employee Culture
      ServiceRICH: Making Your Customer Service Top Class
      Retention Strategies for Managers
      Leading and Developing Others
      How to Run Effective Meetings

Speaking the Language
       Beginning Conversational Sign Language
        Conversational Sign Language - Level II

and for those on the go
Online classes

Preparation For Professional Human Resource Certification

Developed to give experienced human resource professionals new tools for successful performance on the job, this 9-week course helps prepare participants for the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) national examination (PHR/SPHR). This course provides an overview of key areas in human resource management as it is defined by the human resource profession. It is officially sanctioned by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as study material for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification examinations administered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Candidates taking the examination should register with SHRM/HRCI. The instructors will explain the application process in the first class session.

The NEW course design will feature the updated 2008 SHRM Learning System, and participants will have the opportunity to experience practical application from the field as leaders in the human resource profession serve as guest speakers to share their professional insight. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a certificate of completion documenting 3.6 Continuing Education Units applicable to maintaining Human Resource Certification.

The course modules provide in-depth coverage of key areas in human resource management:

Module One: Strategic Management
Module Two: Workforce Planning and Employment
Module Three: Human Resource Development
Module Four: Total Rewards
Module Five: Employee and Labor Relations
Module Six: Risk Management

Let this new course design help you to advance your career!

Registration fee includes all course texts and CD-ROM. Gain additional test-taking experience with the CD-ROM Learning Software featuring: pre-and post-tests, module specific tests, links to module content, e-flashcards, and almost 1000 different sample questions!

Materials include SHRM Learning System print modules, online learning software or CD ROM, access to the online Resource Center, handouts, and 36 hours of classroom instruction.

To allow time to order your course materials, please register by September 1.

Orientation: Tuesday, September 16 from 6PM – 7PM.
Orientation is free and mandatory for all students registered for the course. The instructor will distribute books and materials, introduce course highlights and answer questions about the program.

Need a refresher?
VSU Continuing Education is pleased to offer an audit option for those who are planning to take the HRCI exam for the first time, or to retest, and would like an opportunity for review. To qualify, you must have taken the SHRM Learning System course within the last year and have your own current SHRM Learning System materials. (Please note: Other restrictions may apply.) You may sit in on as many of the sessions as you choose. The cost is $125 and does not include materials. Contact us at 229-245-6484 for more information.

Meet the Instructor...
Ronnie Cooper received his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management in 1994 and has 11 years of exempt level experience in human resource management. He is the Human Resource Generalist and Employee Relations Specialist for SAFT America, Inc., Valdosta, Georgia. Ronnie is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and is a Senior Human Resource Professional (SPHR).

      Dates:9 Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 23 – November 20
      Time:6PM – 8PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructors: Ronnie Cooper, SPHR
      Fee: $879 (includes materials); after September 1 - $925

Call (229) 245-6484 to receive a detailed brochure.

	This program is offered in collaboration with:
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Serving Safe Food With ServSafe

One Day Certification Course

Do you know how to reduce critical risk factors for food-borne illness in your food service establishment? You owe it to your customers to be able to answer ‘Yes’! With ServSafe training you can bring back to work the tools that will enable you and your employees to serve safe food to your most valuable assets-your customers!

ServSafe is the industry standard for food safety education and provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive training available. The ServSafe Essentials 5th Edition is based on the 2007 Supplement to the 2005 FDA Food Code and the new job task analysis. The information you’ll learn reflects the most current science, knowledge, skills, and abilities managers must know to serve safe food and prevent foodborne illness.

You’ll discover tips on how to share what you’ve learned with your employees. You’ll be provided with tools to help you keep track of your local and state food safety requirements. You’ll read true food safety stories that will help you connect concepts and information with the real world. Key concepts that will be covered are origins of food contamination, the flow of food, cleanliness and sanitation, pest management, and ongoing employee training. The class will conclude with the administration of the certification exam.

The most effective training is action-oriented! Take action now by learning how to transfer good food safety practices to all your employees! (.55 CEU)

Please Note: Registrations must be received by OCTOBER 1 to guarantee materials will be available.
Sign up early to avoid late fees due to shipping costs.

Test Only Option is available for October 21 from 3PM-5:30PM. Cost is $99 for test materials only and $129 for textbook and test materials. Call Sue Bailey at 229-245-6484 or email subailey@valdosta.edu for more information.

ServSafe Essentials 5th Edition course books and exams available in English, Spanish and Chinese. ServSafe Essentials 4th Edition course books and exams available in Korean.

      Dates: Tuesday, October 21
      Time: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructor: Sue Bailey
      Fee: $179 (textbook and exam included); after October 1 - $199
                  Test Only Option: $99 for test materials only and $129 for textbook and test (MUST register by October 1 for this                                           (MUST register by October 1 for this option)

ServeSafe - Exam Only Option

This option is for individuals who are seeking a proctor only, are retaking the ServSafe exam, or are non-English speakers who are doing self-study in their preferred language. During this session, the instructor/proctor will answer questions, explain test-taking rules and procedures and administer the exam. Participants will have a maximum of two hours to complete the exam. For more information, contact Sue Bailey by phone at 229-245-6484, or by email at subailey@valdosta.edu.

Please note: Deadline for Exam Only registrations is NOVEMBER 19.
Sign up early to avoid late fees due to shipping costs.

      Dates: Tuesday, December 9
      Time: 8:30AM – 12PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructors: Sue Bailey
      Fee1:$129 (includes textbook & test materials); after November 19 - $159
      Fee2: $99 (includes test materials only); after November 19 - $129

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Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE)

Attention, attorneys! Did you know that you can earn your CLE credits without leaving Valdosta? The Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Georgia offers live webcasts on Fridays during which the participants may call in with questions. Replays of the webcasts are generally available the following Thursdays. Programs are scheduled from November through March, with a program for new attorneys in the spring.

Walk-in Registrations Welcome

Spring 2008 Statewide Satellite Downlink Schedule
Date	Title	Seminar #
	FY09 Program schedule available by October 2008

     Dates: Note schedule above
     Time: Check in 8:30 AM, Welcome 8:55, Various ending times
     Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
    Instructors: ICLE
     Fee: Varies, go to www.iclega.org for more information

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Check the ICLE web site at www.iclega.org, or call 1-800-422-0893 for a complete schedule of programs and registration information

Real Estate 101 – Basic Real Estate Investing

Before you take the plunge into investing in rental property, get the answers to all your questions from someone who’s made all the mistakes and survived. Enjoy the benefit of Mike Hill’s thirty years of experience in real estate and learn the ins and outs of purchasing and managing rental houses. In this two-session seminar, Mike will cover the basics of rental property investing, types of houses, leases, and more. (.5 CEU)

      Dates: 2 Tuesdays, September 16 & 23
      Time: 6 PM – 8:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructors: Mike Hill
      Fee:$49; after September 11 - $59

Special Price: Take Real Estate 101 & 102 for $65.

Real Estate 102 – Advanced Investing Techniques

Now you're a landlord. You know how to borrow money effectively, develop tenant screening procedures, develop the ideal tenant/owner relationship, and handle maintenance. But are you making money? In this seminar, learn how to use a financial calculator to determine how much you are making and how fast. Discover how to sell without paying taxes and use advanced deal structure to leverage one house into several without undue risk. Find out what to buy if you are investing for cash flow or untaxed appreciation. Join us and learn how to avoid some of the pitfalls from people who have learned the hard way. (.25 CEU)

      Dates: Fall 2008 dates TBA
      Time: TBA
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructors: TBA
      Fee:TBA

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Special Price: Take Real Estate 101 & 102 for $65.

TeamRICH: Building a Better Employee Culture

Are you spending too much time working IN your business instead of ON your business? Do you want to increase productivity and profitability? Discover how to transform your staff into a championship team that is as excited as you are to achieve your business goals. You’ll learn the 6 keys to a winning team, how to build a supportive and productive business culture, how to develop effective communication among your staff, manage internal conflict, and more. Let certified business coach Michael Jetter of ActionCOACH, the world’s #1 business coaching firm, help you take your business to the next level!

Workshop includes DiSC Personal Insights Profile, a $30 value.

      Dates: Wednesday, October 22
      Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructors: Michael Jetter
      Fee:$99; after October 17 - $109

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ServiceRICH: Making Your Customer Service Top Class

Do you know who your best sales people are? Your customers! Learn how to tap into one of the most powerful advertising techniques around: word of mouth. Discover how to identify your best customers. Find out why you need to go beyond customer satisfaction. Learn about the most effective way to generate referrals and how to keep your customers coming back for more. If you want to grow your business, you need to focus on keeping your customers for life. Let certified business coach Michael Jetter of ActionCOACH, the world’s #1 business coaching firm, show you how!

      Dates: Tuesday, October 14
      Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructors: Michael Jetter
      Fee:$69; after October 9 - $79

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Court Reporters Fall 2008 Workshop

Information and technology change almost daily. The field of court reporting requires that practitioners continually gain knowledge and improve their skills in a wide range of subject areas related to the field throughout their careers.

This workshop is approved for 5 hours of continuing education credit through the Court Reporters Training Council of Georgia by the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education (ICJE). Session topics: Forensic psychology, Identity theft and Internet fraud, E-discovery.

Sign-in and refreshments will begin at 8:15 AM. Pre-registration is requested. The first presentation will begin at 8:45 AM. (.5 CEU)

      Dates: Saturday, October 11
      Time: 8:45 AM - 2:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
      Instructors: Rob Ryan, Carolyn Glock, David Waselieski
      Fee: $99 (includes lunch); after October 3 - $109

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Retention Strategies for Managers

Retention strategists and researchers report that “55% of U.S. workers think often of quitting or actually plan to quit within a year.” Employees leave an organization for a variety of reasons. Often these factors are controllable. Find out what you can do to keep your top performing employees. Learn how to determine the cost of turnover and identify what your employees truly want. Discover how to create a retention mindset within your department, enhance your communication techniques, and increase your effectiveness with your employees. (.3 CEU)

      Dates: Wednesday, November 12
      Time: 9AM – 12 PM
      Location: University Center
      Instructors: Tim Yorkey
      Fee:$59; after November 6 - $69

Offered in conjunction with VSU Employee & Organizational Development.
This course is open to current VSU Faculty & Staff at no charge.

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Leading and Developing Others

In this 4-day workshop, you’ll be introduced to leadership skills and techniques that will help you develop the individuals who work for you. Learn about the continuous performance management process and discover techniques for coaching and mentoring your employees. Learn how to use decision-making tools for effective leadership and how to apply problem-solving techniques. (1.2 CEUs)

      Dates: Monday – Thursday, October 6-9
      Time: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
      Location: University Center
      Instructors: David Schmidt and Tim Yorkey
      Fee:$129; after September 30 - $139

Offered in conjunction with VSU Employee & Organizational Development.
This course is open to current VSU Faculty & Staff at no charge.

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How to Run Effective Meetings

Have your meetings become a counter-productive “fact” of organizational life? Learn how to hold streamlined and cost-effective meetings that are a productive centerpiece of a new, team-based organization. In this workshop, you’ll learn proper meeting preparation, selection of participants, and how to set the right tone. Discover how to examine your role as “chair” to determine your contribution to the productivity of your meetings. Identify “meeting robbers”, individuals that hurt the productivity of the group, and explore strategies for stopping them. Understand the roles and responsibilities of participants and the meeting leader for keeping meetings on track. Learn how to create or follow an agenda that focuses energy on the task at hand. (.2 CEU)

      Dates: Thursday, October 30
      Time: 2PM – 4PM
      Location: University Center
      Instructors: Tim Yorkey
      Fee:$39; after October 27 - $49

Offered in conjunction with VSU Employee & Organizational Development.
This course is open to current VSU Faculty & Staff at no charge.

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ServeSafe - Exam Only Option