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There is one action you can take that, when done effectively, could have a major impact on your team’s morale and productivity. This action is something that you should be doing on a regular basis, yet it’s often overlooked amid your busy schedule. What’s this transformative action? It’s giving your employees honest, and ongoing, feedback.

During this half-day interactive virtual training experience, FELTG Instructor Anthony Marchese, Ph.D., will equip participants with the necessary tools to nurture a culture of candor that will lead to healthy and actionable feedback. You’ll learn best practices for motivating and recognizing employees, and neuroscience-based strategies for maximizing performance even when leading employees in a virtual environment. Dr. Marchese will also expose feedback myths and share the ineffective practices that you need to avoid.

Don’t let anxiety, frustration, or confusion prevent you from having honest performance-related discussions with your employees. Providing feedback effectively is a skill that can — and should — be developed. Fix performance problems before they begin. Make your agency a more efficient place to work.

This interactive session will include breakout groups, giving participants a chance to interact with each other.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Communicate performance expectations.
• Supervise effectively in a virtual environment.
• Differentiate between positive and negative framing.
• Identify behavioral styles, including your own, to provide feedback that is better understood and more useful.

Also, you will have numerous  opportunities to ask questions about the unique problems you’re facing during these unprecedented times. This program runs from 12:30 – 4:00 eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern.

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Anthony Marchese

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by January 22): $325
• Standard Tuition (register January 23 – February 3): $365
• Rates per registrant.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through January 22. Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through October 15.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

Investigating harassment in your Federal agency can be an intimidating assignment, one that is rife with innuendo, conflicting accounts, and raw emotions. Ensuring that your investigation is legally compliant and protects employees, while helping the agency minimize liability, is a taxing task. It’s even more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic when most investigations must be done virtually.

Together, these three instructor-led live training sessions will provide a solid basis for a successful and effective approach to conducting legally-sufficient harassment investigations that stand up upon third-party review. Peruse MSPB and EEOC cases and you’ll find that poorly conducted investigations are far more common than they should be, and the cost of these investigations to agencies are bigger than you’d expect.

Understand the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment. Learn the best techniques to conduct an investigation – whether onsite or virtually. Write a report that covers all the crucial information. And much more.

This open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute program Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Plus, this program fulfills the requirements for 8-hour annual EEO investigator refresher training.

You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for all three. This program runs from 12:30 – 4:00 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern. Participants will receive program materials via email on Monday, October 5.

Download Individual Registration Form

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30)

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: An effective harassment investigation begins with a solid foundation of misconduct law in the federal workplace. Attorney and FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will explain the principles that underpin a successful investigation of federal employee misconduct, whether it’s on-duty or off-duty. Attendees will learn the five elements of discipline and understand how they relate to the misconduct investigation process. Plus, they’ll learn about evidence standards and burdens of proof in misconduct cases, how Douglas factors play in to an investigation, the importance of nexus, what to do when a witness won’t cooperate, and much more.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the relationship between the foundations of federal accountability and misconduct investigations.
• Identify and collect relevant penalty evidence during the investigation.
• Recognize the mistakes that derail effective misconduct and harassment investigations.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern (break from 2:00 – 2:30)

Presented by Meghan Droste, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: What is the scope of the investigation? Who should you interview? What documents are you going to need? Preparing your investigative plan is a critical step in developing a legally sufficient investigation. Attorney Meghan Droste will explain the proper role of the investigator and how you can avoid the pitfalls of an insufficient investigation with the proper preparation and knowledge. Plus, she’ll answer important questions about representation: Does the witness have the right to a representative? Does the union have a right to attend the interview – even if the witness doesn’t want the union there? What rights does agency management have in the process?

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Discern the difference between EEO and non-EEO harassment, and the impact that has on the investigations’ legal sufficiency.
• Identify witness rights and management rights.
• Recognize the three basic characteristics of evidence in a harassment investigation.

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT (break from 2:00 – 2:30)

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Attorney Katherine Atkinson will share legal principles and proven guidance to navigate this most critical and challenging part of harassment investigations: conducting the interviews and gathering relevant evidence. Attendees will leave the session with techniques for questioning, tools for reading body language, suggestions on how to handle difficult personality types, and tips for writing the fact-finding report (FFR) and report of investigation (ROI). Ms. Atkinson will also share how technology is changing the investigation process, including a very timely discussion of conducting virtual interviews.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify the similarities and differences in conducting onsite and virtual interviews.
• Apply logic and judgment to evaluate conflicting statements.
• Write a fulsome report on the findings from the harassment investigation.

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by February 19): One Session = $340  |  Two Sessions = $650  |  Full Event = $900
• Standard Tuition (register February 20 – March 4: One Session = $390  |  Two Sessions = $695  |  Full Event = $950
• Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through February 19. Contact FELTG.
• REGISTER NOW.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Webex to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more attendees for the full event. Group discounts are only available through February 19.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Individual Registration Form

More Americans are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations each day. But while the vaccine is helping eradicate the virus, it hasn’t put an end to pandemic-related EEO challenges. If anything, the increased availability of the COVID vaccines has created some new and even more difficult EEO quandaries.

Attorney Katherine Atkinson helped FELTG customers navigate these uncharted waters in 2020, and now she returns with more answers and the latest available guidance, including how to respond to employees who won’t take the vaccine due to disability, or religious reasons.

No doubt about it. The federal workplace was turned upside down in 2020 as more than a million employees suddenly became full-time teleworkers. While employees vanished from the physical workplace, EEO problems did not.  Meanwhile, EEO issues rose for health care providers, security officers, law enforcement officials, and other essential workers. These EEO problems have gotten more challenging — and many of the situations arising have no legal precedent.

Ms. Atkinson will explain how applying the basic EEO framework can answer the aforementioned and other puzzling EEO questions you may suddenly face. Because Ms. Atkinson will use a legal analysis to address these challenges, the answers and guidance you receive during this virtual training will be useful long after the coronavirus is gone.

Topics covered will include answers to these questions:

• Can you require that an employee take the vaccine before returning to the workplace?
• What if an employee refuses to take the vaccine, but is also not in a position that can be done remotely?
• If a supervisor treats an employee like she has COVID-19, could that employee have a “regarded as” claim under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act?
• How would you handle an employee’s claim that he’s being harassed because he is at high risk for COVID-19, or has recovered from the virus?
• Can you direct someone with asthma to telework when she prefers to work in the office?
• Does asking the pre-vaccination screening questions create a violation of Title II of the Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act?

Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about the unique problems you’re facing during these unprecedented times.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to determine:

• Whether an employee with COVID-19 or pre-existing respiratory sensitivities should receive a reasonable accommodation.
• How OPM’s telework flexibilities impact the federal workplace.
• When and how to take action against pandemic-related harassment and discrimination.

This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:30 – 3:00 eastern.

3

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by February 24): $340
• Standard Tuition (register February 25 or later): $380
• Rates per registrant.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through February 24. Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Webex to broadcast this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
  • FELTG plans to record this session, and will make the recording available for purchase after the conclusion of the event.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through February 24.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Registration Form

Course Description

For more than 20 years, FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct has empowered thousands of federal supervisors to confidently and effectively address poor performance and misconduct. Now it’s time to take those learned skills to a new level. UnCivil Servant: Next Level provides the opportunity for you to test your knowledge and apply it to several challenging scenarios, based on real-life events federal supervisors are likely to encounter.

Poor performance and misconduct lowers morale and holds your agency back from meeting its mission, so you should never fail to hold an employee accountable. Fail to handle it correctly, and you’ll end up in legal hot water. But if you choose to ignore it, your current situation is going to get worse. A lot worse.

This interactive, workshop-based training tackles the intersection of performance and conduct issues with other areas of the law including pending discrimination complaints, allegations of reprisal or hostile work environment, and disability accommodation requests. Plus, it addresses what to do if you’re a supervisor with new or different expectations than your predecessor.

Attendees will leave this training with step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate, and legally defensible actions in even the most challenging of circumstances.

Course Topics: Supervisory authority; employee rights; understanding when a performance or conduct action is appropriate; holding whistleblowers accountable; properly handling reasonable accommodation claims; effectively dealing with probationer issues; a supervisor’s responsibility in hostile work environment claims.

Requirements:

Prerequisite: It is strongly recommended participants have attended either UnCivil Servant, Developing & Defending Discipline, or MSPB Law Week in advance of this class.

Technology: This class will be held in Zoom and is group-workshop focused, so participation is a must. Participants must have access to internet or telephone audio, to participate in breakout group discussions. Webcams use is welcome but not required.

Time: Class will be held from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM eastern, with a break from 12:30-1:30.

Class size: This class size is strictly limited to 18 participants, so register early to guarantee your spot.

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Who Should Attend

Federal supervisors and managers; attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO specialists; union representatives.

Price

• Early Bird Tuition: $625 per attendee (register by February 24).
• Standard Tuition: $675 per attendee (February 25-March 11).
• Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
• Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
  • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is February 25.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Seminar registration includes a PDF copy of the program materials, plus a hard copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive the textbook by the training date, please register by February 25 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after April 19 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

If you’re looking for training that covers the gamut of EEO issues, and provides usable guidance for all practitioners, regardless of experience level, this is it: FELTG’s EEOC Law Week. FELTG’s expert speakers, drawing on years of experience from all sides of the litigation table, deliver a fast-paced week of strategies, principles, and authorities relative to the major aspects of the field of discrimination law in the federal government. This course is updated for 2021, including the latest on EEOC’s COVID-19 guidance and workplace harassment. In addition, this in-depth training provides the required material for EEO counselors and investigators to receive certification hours.

The program runs 9:30 am – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a break from 12:00 – 1:00, and is pre-approved for 29 CLE credits in Virginia. It is also approved for 28 HRCI general recertification credits.

5.5 per day.

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; EEO counselors and investigators; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; federal supervisors and managers who have complicated EEO issues in the workplace; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; union representatives.

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Bob Woods, Don Names

Daily Agenda

Monday, March 15

Basic EEOC: Nuts & Bolts: Course topics: Statutory authority and jurisdiction of EEOC; an overview of the theories of discrimination; overview of the EEO process; amended and consolidated complaints; timeliness issues in the wake of the Supreme Court decisions in Morgan and Ledbetter.

Tuesday, March 16

Contractor Complaints; Intentional Discrimination and Reprisal Cases: Course topics: The agency’s role and obligations when a contractor files an EEO complaint; intentional discrimination analysis and cases; selection and promotion cases; a focus on national origin and religious discrimination cases; reprisal analysis and case updates.

Wednesday, March 17 

Current Trends in EEO Law: A Focus on Harassment: Course topics: The very latest on what’s happening in EEO; hostile environment harassment; gender stereotyping; same-sex harassment; recent court decisions on sexual orientation and transgender discrimination; non-EEO harassment; settling EEO cases.

Thursday, March 18

Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities: Course topics: The Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, defining individual with a disability, understanding major life activities and substantial limitations; identifying essential job functions; the legal requirements for the interactive process; types of reasonable accommodation; the latest on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and relevant regulations.

Friday, March 19

Mixed Cases; Damages & Remedies: Course topics: Understanding the world of mixed cases with special presenter Don Names; overview of equitable remedies: back pay, front pay, reinstatement; non-pecuniary and pecuniary damages; past and future damages; damages offsets; the duty to mitigate damages; collateral sources and pre-existing conditions; multiple causations of harm; the eggshell complainant; plus a bonus segment on age discrimination claims in the wake of Babb v. Wilkie.

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by March 1):

• 5 days = $2190
• 4 days = $1795
• 3 days = $1385
• 2 days = $980
• 1 day = $540

Standard Tuition (register March 2-19):

• 5 days = $2290
• 4 days = $1895
• 3 days = $1485
• 2 days = $1080
• 1 day = $640

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to receive materials by the training date, please register by March 1 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after July 27 will also receive printed materials, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through March 1.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Registration Form

Course Description

Federal employees enjoy a wide variety of leave-related benefits. However, many of us would never use the words “enjoy” and “leave” so closely together. Whether you’re an HR professional, employee relations practitioner, EEO specialist, supervisor, or agency counsel, you have undoubtedly faced a leave-related challenge. FELTG’s Absence, Leave Abuse & Medical Issues Week will give you the critical foundation you need to address the most complex areas of federal employment law, including the recent challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our speakers will discuss sick leave, annual leave, leave without pay, absence without leave, and FMLA. Then they will tackle the most current, relevant topics, such as disciplining employees for leave abuse, dealing with medical issues and unacceptable performance, leave and reasonable accommodation, medical documentation, medical exams, and more.

If you attend, you’re going to learn an awful lot about “leave” and you’re going to “enjoy” the training.

The program runs 12:00 – 4:00 each day, with a break from 1:45-2:15 (all times eastern). Participants will receive program materials via email the week before the training.

Download Registration Form

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; Labor and Employee Relations Specialists; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators; federal supervisors and managers; union representatives.

Instructors

Barbara Haga, Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste 

Daily Agenda:

Monday, April 12

Leave Use Overview: Course topics: Emergency Paid Sick Leave, Sick Leave: eligibility, notification requirements, medical certification, dealing with abuse, Additional Leave Entitlements, Administrative Leave.

Tuesday, April 13

FMLA Law and Policy: Course topics: FMLA:  eligibility, notification requirements, definition of serious health condition, medical certification, intermittent use, and Paid Family Leave.

Wednesday, April 14

Leave-Related Discipline & Medical Removals: Course topics: The five elements of discipline; leave-related misconduct; documentation necessary to discipline an employee for leave-related misconduct and leave abuse; AWOL charges; excessive absence removals; medical inability to perform removals.

Thursday, April 15 

Reasonable Accommodation: Entitlements and Processes: Course topics: The ADA Amendments Act; the Rehabilitation Act; the reasonable accommodation process; the “regarded as” provision of the ADA; telework and leave as reasonable accommodation; flexible work schedules and alternative work locations; religious accommodation.

Friday, April 16

Medical Documentation, Medical Requests and Record Confidentiality: Course topics: How the ADAAA and GINA impact the collection of medical information; pre- and post-employment medical exams and inquiries; conditional employment offers; medical documentation requests; direct threat; conflicting regulations and contra court decisions.

Pricing

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Early Bird Tuition (register by March 29):

• 5 days = $1475
• 4 days = $1195
• 3 days = $910
• 2 days = $630
• 1 day = $345

Standard Tuition (register March 30 – April 16):

• 5 days = $1550
• 4 days = $1285
• 3 days = $975
• 2 days = $685
• 1 day = $395

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through March 29.

Download Registration Form

Event Description

A brand-new administration with starkly different priorities than the previous White House occupants. A massive effort to return to pre-pandemic normalcy in the workplace. New case law eventually emerging from EEOC, FLRA, and, possibly, MSPB. This year in the federal employment law world is bound to be one of change and challenge. Over four days, the FELTG Virtual Training Institute’s second annual Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law event will focus on complying with laws, regulations, and Executive Orders under a new administration.

This event offers 15 live instructor-led sessions, aimed at providing you with the latest legal and practical guidance to meet the current situation. Renew your efforts to hold employees accountable for roller-coaster performance. Identify the mistakes holding you back from taking misconduct actions that withstand third-party scrutiny. Take steps to prevent and correct harassment. Find out how to address contractors’ EEO complaints. Review your responsibilities for handling the new complexities of leave, reasonable accommodation requests involving animals, and preventing and correcting workplace harassment. Learn strategies for managing teleworkers. Get the latest on case law and all other developments at the EEOC, FLRA, and MSPB. Review the EEO lessons learned – and still being learned – from COVID-19.  And much much more. Don’t put off getting the important training you need. The open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law program provides benefits you won’t get from other online conference providers. You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for the whole program. You receive opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Earn CLE credits and EEO refresher training credits. Four days. Fifteen sessions. Ten instructors. We’d love to have you join us.

Download Registration Form

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

MSPB Day

Session 1

9:30 – 10:45 am EDT

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a New Board

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: Once again, we have a glimmer of hope that a new Board will be nominated and voted into place at the MSPB. What does this mean for federal HR professionals? What does this mean for all those agencies and employees whose cases have been piling up unread at the Board? How will Executive Order 14003 and OPM regulations fit into the picture? How is the Board impacted by the decisions the Federal Circuit has been making in its absence of a quorum? FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will give an overview of what we can expect in the upcoming months from a new MSPB, the challenges awaiting the incoming members, and where the Board might stand on critical issues like performance and conduct accountability under the Biden Administration. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 2

11:15 am  – 12:30 pm EDT

What Do You Do With the Douglas Factors?

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: You likely know those 12 factors identified in the landmark 1981 MSPB decision that birthed their name. But do you know how to use them to determine the appropriate penalty? Attorney Ann Boehm will share case law highlighting how agencies correctly use the Douglas factors and, more importantly, how they were misapplied. She will answer all your Douglas questions, such as: Do the factors go in the proposal or the decision? What do OPM’s new regs say about the Douglas factors? In light of the Accountability Act, does the VA still have to do Douglas factors? Attendees will leave this session with the knowledge to avoid the too-common Douglas mistakes. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 3

1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT 

The Roller Coaster Employee: Managing Up-and-Down Performance

Presented by Robert Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: You’ve undoubtedly seen it several times, and it’s always frustrating. An employee is put on a performance demonstration period (DP, PIP, ODAP – or whatever your agency calls it) and does well enough to stay in his position. But when the DP ends, his performance dips again. As employees return en masse and attempt to re-adjust to the physical workplace, it’s highly likely that you’ll see some drops in performance  – whether they employees are on a DP or not. Attorney Bob Woods will explain how to effectively and efficiently handle wide swings in performance. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 4

3:15 pm – 4:30 pm EDT

When Employees Go Insubordinate: Don’t Mess With the Wrong Elements

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President; and Marcus Hill, former Senior Executive Advisor/Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, FELTG Instructor

Course Description: If you’ve ever been a supervisor or advised one, then you’ve most likely dealt with an employee who did not do what he was asked, or, possibly, did the exact opposite. That may sound like a good definition of insubordination for Webster’s Dictionary, but it’s not going to work for the MSPB.  Charges of workplace misconduct have specific legal definitions, which include elements. And to prove a charge, you need to prove all of its elements. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will walk you through the elements of insubordination and the factors that determine how to best deal with employees who disobey, or refuse to follow, management orders. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

EEOC Day

Session 5

9:30 am – 10:45 am EDT

Preventing and Correcting Hostile Work Environment Harassment

Presented by Meghan Droste, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Not all hostile work environment cases involve sexual harassment. However, as attorney Meghan Droste will show you, a large majority do. And yet, hostile environment harassment is often alleged based on all of the protected categories –  sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or reprisal. Ms. Droste will define the “nature of the conduct,” as well as the “unwelcome” and the “sufficiently severe or pervasive” requirements. She’ll also discuss agency and supervisor liability, share successful prevention techniques, and the provisions of Executive Order 13985 and 13988 that apply to Federal agencies. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Session 6

11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT

Barking Up the Wrong Tree? Service and Therapy Animals in the Workspace

Presented by Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President; and Ricky Rowe, Former National EEO Manager/Veterans Affairs, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Pet ownership increased and animal shelters emptied during COVID-enforced lockdowns in 2020. Undoubtedly, remote workers have enjoyed the therapeutic benefits that come with owning a pet. But does that make their new furry friends therapy or emotional support animals? And can no-longer-remote employees bring their new four-legged friends to the workplace? In most cases, the answer is an easy no. But if it’s a reasonable accommodation request, the answer isn’t quite as definitive. The EEOC’s stance that an emotional support animal may be a required reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual with a disability, even if it is not a trained service dog, fails to provide an easy answer. FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will explain the difference between a service animal and a therapy animal, and provide guidance on how to determine if an emotional support animal would be a reasonable accommodation for an individual with a disability. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Session 7

1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT

What to Do When Contractors File EEO Complaints

Presented by Robert Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: A federal contractor may file a formal EEO complaint if the agency is determined to be a “joint employer.” How do you determine if you are a joint employer? That determination begins with the case Ma v. HHS. Attorney Bob Woods will walk you through how to apply the Ma factors to your situation. He’ll also explain the roles and responsibilities of agency personnel when contractors start the EEO process, as well as defenses to the “joint employer” allegation. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Session 8

3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT

COVID-19 and EEO: What We’ve Learned and What We Still Need to Know

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law FELTG Instructor

Course description: The pandemic turned the federal workplace upside down, creating numerous unique situations for supervisors and EEO professionals. Increased vaccinations have eased the burden somewhat, but many EEO challenges remain. Attorney Katherine Atkinson will walk you through some of these remaining challenges, and share the EEO lessons learned from  that past year. Attendees will leave with a basic EEO framework that can be used to address COVID-related issues as well as other challenges long after the virus is eradicated. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Emerging Trends Day

Session 9

9:30 – 10:45 am EDT

Leave for the Federal Employee in 2021

Presented by Barbara Haga, President/Federal HR Services, FELTG Senior Instructor

Course description: Rules about leave and attendance have always been complicated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the complexities grew. FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will give an overview of leave entitlements with a focus on new Paid Parental Leave (PPL), and recent modifications to FMLA, use of COVID-related weather and safety leave and sick leave. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 10

11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT

The Telework Tango: Communication and Feedback for a Remote Workplace

Presented by Anthony Marchese, PhD., Consultant/Author/Trainer, FELTG Instructor

Course description: One of the biggest surprises of the pandemic was how well many Federal employees transitioned to 100% telework. It was so successful that many employees and agencies expect telework opportunities to expand in a post-pandemic world. Anthony Marchese will explain how to tweak and improve your management and communication skills for a remote staff, with specific guidance on providing employee feedback and setting expectations in a virtual world.

Session 11

1:30 – 2:30 pm EDT

Addressing Microaggressions and Bias in the Federal Workplace

Presented by Meghan Droste, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Microaggressions, whether intentional or not, can be very hurtful to the employees who experience them. Microaggressions and implicit bias can lead to discrimination. FELTG Instructor Meghan Droste, attorney at law, will explain what microaggressions look like it in their various forms, and provide a quick review of EEO law, so you can determine when bias or microaggression might rise to the level of discrimination. Attend the session, learn how to comply with Executive Orders 13985 and 13988, and you’ll be well on your way to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Session 12

3:15 – 4:30 pm EDT

Legal Update: Recent Developments in Federal Employment Law, Part I (MSPB, EEOC, Federal Circuit)

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: In federal employment law, things can change quickly. FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm will review the most recent and relevant cases, regulations, studies and reports from OPM, the EEOC, the courts, OSC, and (hopefully) the MSPB. Attendees will leave with knowledge of recent developments and with an in-depth analysis of the current employment law climate and its impact on the federal workplace. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Friday, April 30, 2021

FLRA Day

Session 13

9:30 am – 10:45 pm EDT

Legal Update: Recent Developments in Federal Employment Law, Part II (FLRA, FSIP)

Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/FSIP, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Over the past year, the Federal Labor Relations Authority has released several precedent-altering decisions. The Federal Service Impasses Panel has issued several noteworthy decisions, but a new panel is on its way. Join FELTG Instructor Joseph Schimansky, the former Executive Director of the Federal Service Impasses Panel, as he reviews the cases and explains what it all means for federal counsel, HR professionals, and labor relations practitioners. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 14

11:15 am – 12:30 pm EDT

Labor-Management Partnerships: What if They Are Back in Vogue?

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: With a change in Administration often comes a new approach to labor management relations. And with a Democrat in the White House, we’re likely to soon see a push for a more collaborative method. Will it be like the Clinton-era partnerships? Or more like a Obama-era forums? FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm will explain what the new approach will likely look like, and how you and your agency can best prepare. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 15

1:30 – 2:45 pm EDT

Impact and Implementation Bargaining in the Federal Workplace

Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/FSIP, FELTG Instructor

Course description: When an agency makes a change, it may trigger an obligation to negotiate. In late 2020, however, the Federal Labor Relations Authority released three precedent-breaking decisions that pushed the reset button on bargaining with unions. The Authority’s decision in U.S. Department of Education, in particular, seriously diluted that management obligation to negotiate. FELTG Instructor Joe Schimansky will explain the standard for triggering a duty to bargain over impact and implementation. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by April 13): One Session = $130 (April 27-29) | One SessIon = $135 (April 30)  |                                      April 27-29 All Access = $1400 |  April 27-30 All Access with Labor Relations = $1725
• Standard Tuition (register April 14-30): One Session = $160 | One SessIon = $165 (April 30)  |                                                            April 27-29 All Access = $1500 |  April 27-30 All Access with Labor Relations = $1825
• Rates per registrant.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Webex to broadcast its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• How do I claim CLE or EEO refresher credits?
  • This program has been submitted (and we anticipate this program will be approved) for Virginia CLE credits. Members of other state bars must submit for CLE credit on their own, and may use the materials provided by FELTG in submissions. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended, and will designate how many EEO refresher hours were earned.
• Can I get HRCI credits for attending this class?
  • Each session is approved for 1.25 hours of HRCI general recertification credit. The HRCI course numbers will be available upon the conclusion of the training.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through April 13.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Hey counselors and investigators! This two-day virtual training event provides an opportunity for you to pick up your mandatory annual refresher training with useful, timely, and engaging guidance. By attending both days of this virtual training, you’ll be able to earn all eight of your refresher hours and receive critical guidance on important EEO topics, such as: EEO timelines, best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses, trends in reasonable accommodation, the very latest on sexual orientation and gender discrimination, what happens when disabilities and FMLA overlap, the latest on COVID-19 EEO issues, and more. Plus, you’ll get the chance to ask questions of the resident authorities who collectively have seen just about everything in the world of EEO. Attendees will also receive a certificate of attendance verifying they’ve met the annual training requirement. We hope to see you there.

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Download Individual Registration Form

Tuesday, May 25, 12:00-4:00 pm eastern (break 1:45-2:15)

Katherine Atkinson

FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson, attorney at law, kicks things off with an in-depth presentation on the foundational issues that EEO professionals need to know – everything from jurisdiction and pre-complaint counseling considerations, to best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses. Ms. Atkinson will share guidance to help you sharpen your practical skills, especially when it comes to interviewing witnesses. Attendees will learn various methods of communication, the difference between interviews and interrogation, types of questions, and techniques, and she’ll provide her top 10 interviewing tips.

EEO Refreshers Hours: 4

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Understand timeliness issues like tolling and estoppel.
• Identify the appropriate bases for dismissing a complaint.
• Prepare and conduct effective witness interviews.

Wednesday, May 26,12:00-4:00 pm eastern (break 1:45-2:15)

Meghan Droste

In the past couple of years, the Supreme Court and the EEOC have issued dozens of significant decisions that impact how you approach your job. FELTG Instructor and Attorney at Law Meghan Droste will look at the latest trends in reasonable accommodation; sexual orientation and gender discrimination; discrimination based on race, color, religion and national origin; and more.

EEO Refreshers Hours: 4

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Address challenging reasonable accommodations, such as requests for new supervisor.
• Explain the latest Supreme Court decision and Executive Order guidance on LGBTQ+ rights
• Understand recent EEOC litigation involving religious discrimination.

Price

• Early Bird Tuition: $370 per session, $700 for both sessions (register by May 11).
• Standard Tuition: $400 per session, $730 for both sessions (register May 12-26).
• Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
• Want to register a group? Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses WebEx for its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow WebEx access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
  • FELTG plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is May 11.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Individual Registration Form

There is one action you can take that, when done effectively, could have a major impact on your team’s morale and productivity. This action is something that you should be doing on a regular basis, yet it’s often overlooked amid your busy schedule. What’s this transformative action? It’s giving your employees honest, and ongoing, feedback.

During this half-day interactive virtual training experience, FELTG Instructor Anthony Marchese, Ph.D., will equip participants with the necessary tools to nurture a culture of candor that will lead to healthy and actionable feedback. You’ll learn best practices for motivating and recognizing employees, and neuroscience-based strategies for maximizing performance even when leading employees in a virtual environment. Dr. Marchese will also expose feedback myths and share the ineffective practices that you need to avoid.

Don’t let anxiety, frustration, or confusion prevent you from having honest performance-related discussions with your employees. Providing feedback effectively is a skill that can — and should — be developed. Fix performance problems before they begin. Make your agency a more efficient place to work.

This interactive session will include breakout groups, giving participants a chance to interact with each other.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

• Communicate performance expectations.
• Supervise effectively in a virtual environment.
• Differentiate between positive and negative framing.
• Identify behavioral styles, including your own, to provide feedback that is better understood and more useful.

Also, you will have numerous  opportunities to ask questions about the unique problems you’re facing during these unprecedented times. This program runs from 12:30 – 4:00 eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Anthony Marchese

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by May 13): $340
• Standard Tuition (register May 14-27): $380
• Rates per registrant.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through May 13. Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom for this Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Zoom access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
  • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through May 13.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Individual Registration Form

The federal hiring process requires patience. If you’ve finally been granted approval to fill a position, you may be tempted to get someone hired as quickly as possible. But, wait just a moment.  Take the time to do it correctly. Those who hurry the hiring process are not only likely to make a mistake in hiring, but they may also end up without sufficient documentation to combat a discrimination complaint, making the allegation difficult to defend against. And after a flurry of Executive Orders early in his term, President Biden has made it clear that diversity and inclusion are priorities in the federal workplace.

At some point in your career, you’ve likely had a case where an employee alleges that she was not selected or promoted because of something other than job qualifications – race, sex, age, disability, or another protected class. These cases may be common, but that they’re not routine. If not handled correctly, they can impact your hiring processes and damage morale.

FELTG instructor and attorney at law Meghan Droste will explain how to ensure your hiring practices are nondiscriminatory and align with merit system principles. Ms. Droste will cover the kinds of interview questions that cause problems, and will discuss selection panel roles and responsibilities, including ensuring the selecting officials implement best practices to develop and maintain evidence demonstrating the non-selection was neither discriminatory nor retaliatory.

Nondiscriminatory hiring practices are not only the law, they are an effective way to ensure that you have the most diverse and inclusive workforce necessary to meet your agency’s mission. With renewed focus by the current administration on diversity and inclusion, this course is a must, especially if you plan to hire this year.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working — agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern.

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace.

Instructor

Meghan Droste

Price

• Early Bird Tuition: $340 (register by May 26)
• Standard Tuition: $380 (register May 27-June 9)
• Rates per registrant.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available Contact FELTG.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Webex for this Virtual Training Institute event. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device. You may also attend the training event as an audio training, by dialing in over the phone and following along with the materials independently.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.
• What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
  • FELTG also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available May 26.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Welcome to the post-pandemic workplace. We’ve focused our weeklong Managing Federal Employee Accountability program and made it even more timely and useful, specific to challenges your agencies are facing in 2021. If you’re a federal supervisor, an adviser in L/ER or legal, or a union representative, you can’t afford to miss this program.

This week of half-day programs covers a range of topics including:

• Employee accountability for conduct and performance
• Managing leave abuse
• Handling EEO challenges related to COVID-19
• Complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin
• Handling Telework requests as employees return to the office

On the fifth and final day of training, attendees will apply all they’ve learned from the previous four days to handle these challenges in remote work environments.

This open enrollment FELTG Virtual Training Institute program offers opportunities to ask questions of FELTG’s experienced instructors, and get answers in real time. Registrants can attend the full week, or select which days they’d like to attend.

This program runs from 12:30 – 4:00 PM ET each day, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 PM ET.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm

Daily Agenda:

Monday, July 26

Understanding Misconduct: Disciplinary Charges and Penalties:

• Legal foundations of disciplinary actions
• The five elements of discipline
• Drafting defensible charges and penalties under a new MSPB

Tuesday, July 27

Maximizing Accountability in Performance:

• The legislative and regulatory background
• Environment, system requirements, elements and standards
• Understanding the difference between conduct and performance feedback
• Writing effective performance plans, MSPB case law on performance plans
• Within-grade increases
• Performance demonstration periods, taking action on unacceptable performance

Wednesday, July 28

Handling Employee Leave Issues:

• General principles regarding leave
• Approval/disapproval of annual leave
• New provisions for Emergency Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 in 2021
• Accrual of sick leave, eligibility to use sick leave, uses of leave for family care, notification requirements
• Sick leave documentation requirements, discretion in approving sick leave and sick leave abuse, employee eligibility to use FMLA
• Requesting FMLA leave, medical certification requirements, substitution of paid leave, Paid Parental Leave
• Other leave types – LWOP, Disabled Veteran Leave, Leave Transfer, and AWOL.

Thursday, July 29

EEO and COVID-19 in the Federal Workplace:

• Determining whether an employee with COVID-19 or pre-existing respiratory sensitivities should receive a reasonable accommodation
• Taking action against pandemic-related harassment and discrimination
• Discrimination based on race, color, or national origin

Friday, July 30

The 2021 Telework Challenge:

• Holding teleworkers and other remote workers accountable for performance and conduct
• Special telework performance and conduct challenges
• OPM’s telework flexibilities; telework as reasonable accommodation
• Agency options when employees refuse to report to the physical workplace

Price

Most people attend the full training week, but you may opt out of any days you don’t plan to attend.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Webex for its Virtual Training Institute events. Many government computers and systems allow Webex access. If for some reason your firewall will not allow access, you’re welcome to use your personal email address to register, and to attend the sessions from your personal device.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is July 9.
• Can I earn CLE credits or EEO refresher training for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG goes not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended. Attendees may also request a certificate for EEO refresher hours upon completion of this program.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Cancellations made after the cancel date on the registration form will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. Pre-paid training using the “Pay Now” option will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses. No-shows will not be refunded or given credit toward future courses.