Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Feb
9
Tue
Webinar – Changing Course: Understanding the Biden Executive Orders on Racial Equity, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation
Feb 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Course Description

On his first day in office, President Joseph R. Biden made it clear that Federal employees are a priority: He took action to advance racial equity throughout the federal government and strengthen workplace discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. A focus of this Administration early on has been to celebrate the diversity of the Federal workforce and to make it an inclusive place for all employees.

Now, it’s up to you.  Executive Orders 13985 and 13988 denote a sense of urgency, and include agency requirements with timelines to perform necessary compliance actions, some as soon as 60 days – and the clock started ticking on January 20.

In this 60-minute webinar, FELTG President and attorney at law Deborah Hopkins will give a thorough explanation of the two first-day executive orders that call upon agencies to review current policies and procedures, and develop plans to “address unequal barriers to opportunity in agency policies and programs.” This webinar will focus on the following Executive Orders, and will also discuss other applicable actions taken by President Biden:

  • Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
  • Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation

So where do you start? What do the Executive Orders specifically prescribe? And what’s necessary to meet those requirements? Join us on February 9 to get those answers.

Like all FELTG training events, this webinar will be updated to the minute. You can’t afford to miss it.

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (price per webinar, payment required by February 1): $255

Standard Tuition (price per webinar, payment made February 2 or later): $285

Remote working? Teleworker lines may be added to a main site registration for $50 per person, on a space-available basis.

Interested in registering more than 50 attendees? Contact FELTG for information about large group pricing.

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.

Webinar – Changing Course: Understanding the Biden Executive Order on Labor Relations, Performance, Discipline, and Schedule F
Feb 9 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Course Description

When President Biden signed Executive Order 14003, Protecting the Federal Workforce, he revoked President Trump’s Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839 and eradicated the Schedule F classification mandated by Executive Order 13957. It’s been decades since the civil service has seen so much change in just one stroke of a pen.

This far-reaching Executive Order has significant impact on labor relations official time, contract negotiation timelines, topics of bargaining, performance and disciplinary actions for non-union employees, clean record settlements, and more.

You might have questions, such as:

  • What does this mean if your CBAs were already renegotiated?
  • Is progressive discipline going to be mandatory now?
  • Do Performance Demonstration Periods have to be longer than 30 days? Can we call them PIPs again?
  • What happens if your agency already sent Schedule F lists to OPM?
  • What will become of the OPM regulations implementing EO 13839
  • What changes if permissive bargaining is now mandatory?

In this 90-minute webinar presented by FELTG President Deborah Hopkins and FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm, you will get answers to those questions and much more. EO 14003 prescribes several specific actions that agencies must take. So where do you start? Join us on February 9 to get those answers.

Like all FELTG training events, this webinar will be updated to the minute. You can’t afford to miss it.

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins

Ann Boehm

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (price per webinar, payment required by February 1): $295

Standard Tuition (price per webinar, payment made February 2 or later): $325

Remote working? Teleworker lines may be added to a main site registration for $50 per person, on a space-available basis.

Interested in registering more than 50 attendees? Contact FELTG for information about large group pricing.

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.

Feb
10
Wed
Virtual Training Event – UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct
Feb 10 – Feb 11 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

On his first day in office, President Joseph R. Biden told political appointees he will fire them “on the spot” if they are disrespectful to their federal colleagues. The new boss made it clear: Accountability is a priority.  And there is one course that consistently provides the tools for federal supervisors and advisers to confidently and effectively address poor performance and misconduct.

Now, holding political appointees accountable is a lot easier than doing the same to civil servants. But that doesn’t mean it has to be impossible. Over the course of two half-days, FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant identifies misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and provides you with simple step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate and legally defensible actions. The program also incorporates the very latest guidance, including Executive Order 14003 and OPM regulations on performance and conduct.

The start of a new administration is a perfect time to address accountability, break your experienced supervisors of bad habits that hurt workplace morale, and train your new supervisors the right way. Note: This course fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b)).

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.

We hope that you never have to fire an employee. But it’s important that you have the right tools should the need arise.

Registrants for both days will also receive a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Federal Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th Ed., by William Wiley and Deborah Hopkins.

This program runs from 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a 30-minute break from 2:00 – 2:30 eastern

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Who Should Attend

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

Agenda

Wednesday, February 10

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part I: Accountability and supervisory authority; discipline and misconduct theory and practice; the five elements of discipline; off-duty misconduct; penalty defense and due process.

Thursday, February 11

Accountability for Conduct and Performance, Part II: Discipline procedures and appeals; disciplinary documents; defining unacceptable performance; dealing with poor performers; performance-based removal procedures.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $370 per session, $700 for both sessions (register by January 29).
  • Standard Tuition: $400 per session, $730 for both sessions (register January 30 – February 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 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 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 January 29.
  • 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 January 29 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after January 29 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Feb
17
Wed
Virtual Training Event — When Employees are Absent: Sick Leave, FMLA, and Paid Parental Leave
Feb 17 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Managing the uncertainty and increased workload when employees are absent has always been a challenge for federal HR professionals, Employee Relations specialists, and supervisors. Absence doesn’t just occur when an employee is sick. Federal employees enjoy a host of leave-related entitlements, including a large swath of leave tied to family member medical conditions, including sick leave and FMLA. With FMLA, the employee may substitute paid leave, and now with the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, employees have another type of leave to cover birth and placement. It can all seem quite confusing, but FELTG is here to help.

In this two-part virtual training program, FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will provide you with the tools and knowledge to answer the toughest questions on all of these entitlements, and she’ll explain how they overlap. Attendees will learn the necessary steps to ensure that a grievance or adverse action case that arises out of these leave determinations will withstand the scrutiny of the MSPB.

Part 1: Sick Leave                                                                                                                            Wednesday, February 17, 12:30-4:00 PM eastern (30-minute break from 2:00-2:30)                              

Administering sick leave can be complicated, especially the multiple uses for the leave and numerous family members covered.  Proper coverage decisions are critical and acceptable documentation is essential. In this half-day training, Ms. Haga will explain every critical aspect of sick leave from how it is earned and accumulated, to notice requirements and taking action on sick leave issues,  This session will also review regulations regarding offering and ordering medical examinations.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Determine when medical certification is required and what needs to be in it
  • Take action on sick leave abuse
  • Determine deadlines for submitting sick leave documentation and what happens when deadlines are not met
  • Identify the necessary documentation for and limits of family care sick leave
  • And much more!

Part 2: FMLA and Employee Paid Leave Act.                                                                                Wednesday, February 24, 12:30-4:00 PM eastern (30-minute break from 2:00-2:30)                            

The Family & Medical Leave Act adds an additional layer of complexity to illness-related absences. Though it’s more than 25 years old, the FMLA still causes significant confusion for agency professionals. To complicate matters, the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act adds a new layer of regulations and a new type of leave to be substituted. Barbara Haga knows the FMLA inside out, and she will share her knowledge with you from basic requirements to FMLA-related discipline, such as excessive absence, falsified information, and failure to comply with notice requirements. And she’ll discuss the impact of the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the fine points of FMLA coverage, eligibility, and use for family care
  • Identify what FMLA medical certifications should contain
  • Recognize when an employee is eligible to substitute leave under the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by February 2): One Day: $340 – Two Days: $600
  • Standard Tuition (register February 3-24):  One Day: $380 – Two Days: $650
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available February 2. 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.
  • 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 February 2.

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.

Webinar – Sex Discrimination, Gender Identity, and LGBTQ+ Protections: A Priority in the Federal Workplace Under Executive Order 13988
Feb 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

 

Course Description

 

In his first few hours in the Oval Office, President Joseph R. Biden signed the Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.

In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that an individual’s sexual orientation or transgender status is covered under Title VII’s prohibition against sex discrimination. And Biden’s Executive Order makes it clear that enforcing workplace discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity is a priority.

During this 90-minute webinar, Attorney at Law Katherine Atkinson will provide all of the information you need to know to comply with the law and manage this priority. She will review and discuss the latest Supreme Court decisions, define the term and explain the concept of “gender stereotyping” as sex discrimination.

Attendees will learn the details of the Biden Executive Order, as well as:

  • Transgender status and legal protections
  • Actions that have gotten agencies into legal trouble
  • Cases involving LGBTQ status and religion
  • The best practices for agencies to follow

This can be a confusing area of law, so Ms. Atkinson will take breaks during the training to answer your questions. This is an event that you can’t afford to miss.

 

Price

 

Early Bird Tuition (payment required by February 7 ): $270

Standard Tuition (payment made by February 8 or later): $300

Remote working? Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

Interested in registering more than 50 attendees? Contact FELTG for information about large group pricing.

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.

Feb
18
Thu
Webinar – Dealing with Medical Issues Under the ADA: Medical Exams and Inquiries
Feb 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Meghan Droste

Course Description

Dealing with medical issues under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) can be a tricky area of federal sector employment law. Join FELTG instructor and attorney at law Meghan Droste for this 90-minute webinar as she discusses the things to do – and not to do – when dealing with employee medical information.

Ms. Droste will begin by covering the basics about requests for employee medical information, and the appropriate way for agencies to collect it, and store it. Se’ll also discuss medical exams, medical documentation requests for reasonable accommodation, direct threat, and the “regarded as” provision of the ADA.

But that’s not all. She’ll also include details about:

  • Conditional offers of employment
  • Segregation of medical records
  • Confidentiality and disclosure

One mistake in requesting or disclosing medical information can lead to major liability. Be sure to join us for this important event to learn how to protect your agency. You really can’t afford to miss it!

1.5

Price

Early Bird Tuition (payment required by February 8): $270

Standard Tuition (payment made by February 9 or later): $300

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

Feb
23
Tue
Virtual Training Event – A Higher Standard: Disciplining Law Enforcement Officers for Misconduct
Feb 23 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

As rioters stormed the Capitol on January 6, it was the heroic actions of an under-staffed Capitol Police team that likely saved numerous lives, including those of many Members of Congress and their staff. Unfortunately, the lives of two Capitol officers have been lost.

The Federal workforce is full of talented and brave law enforcement personnel across many agencies. Yet, just as there is a small minority of misbehaving and toxic Federal workers, the same applies to Federal LEOs. In fact, a number of Federal LEOs have been suspended and others are being investigated as a result of their actions during the riot. And after reports of police officers being identified among the rioters, the promises to be deeper investigations into the infiltration of Federal and non-Federal officers affiliated with hate and white supremacy groups.

This creates a lot of questions regarding LEO conduct:

  • How do conduct standards for LEOs differ from other employees?
  • Are conduct standards for IG employees the same as other LEOs?
  • What kinds of conduct could cause an LEO to have a security clearance revoked?
  • When should an agency consider an indefinite suspensions and invoking the crime provision?
  • What proof does the agency need to provide if the employee appeals her removal?

Attorney and FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm will highlight the Douglas factors that are of specific importance when disciplining officers, explain the MSPB’s role when a security clearance is revoked, discuss Giglio  issues, and identify the pitfalls that agencies need to avoid when disciplining Federal LEOs. The framework provided will apply to all your agency’s discipline cases whether the conduct involves storming the Capitol, lack of candor, insubordination, and everything in between.

Ms. Boehm spent 26 years as a government attorney, more than half of that time focusing primarily on employment and labor law in federal law enforcement agencies, so she’s just the person to answer any questions you might have – and she’ll do so in this live event.

This is an important topic that can’t be ignored. It is a matter of national security and must be handled appropriately. We hope you’ll join us.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Ann Boehm

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by February 8): $340
  • Standard Tuition (register February 9 or later): $380
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through February 8. 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 8.

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.

Feb
24
Wed
Virtual Training Event — When Employees are Absent: Sick Leave, FMLA, and Paid Parental Leave
Feb 24 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Managing the uncertainty and increased workload when employees are absent has always been a challenge for federal HR professionals, Employee Relations specialists, and supervisors. Absence doesn’t just occur when an employee is sick. Federal employees enjoy a host of leave-related entitlements, including a large swath of leave tied to family member medical conditions, including sick leave and FMLA. With FMLA, the employee may substitute paid leave, and now with the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, employees have another type of leave to cover birth and placement. It can all seem quite confusing, but FELTG is here to help.

In this two-part virtual training program, FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will provide you with the tools and knowledge to answer the toughest questions on all of these entitlements, and she’ll explain how they overlap. Attendees will learn the necessary steps to ensure that a grievance or adverse action case that arises out of these leave determinations will withstand the scrutiny of the MSPB.

Part 1: Sick Leave                                                                                                                            Wednesday, February 17, 12:30-4:00 PM eastern (30-minute break from 2:00-2:30)                              

Administering sick leave can be complicated, especially the multiple uses for the leave and numerous family members covered.  Proper coverage decisions are critical and acceptable documentation is essential. In this half-day training, Ms. Haga will explain every critical aspect of sick leave from how it is earned and accumulated, to notice requirements and taking action on sick leave issues,  This session will also review regulations regarding offering and ordering medical examinations.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Determine when medical certification is required and what needs to be in it
  • Take action on sick leave abuse
  • Determine deadlines for submitting sick leave documentation and what happens when deadlines are not met
  • Identify the necessary documentation for and limits of family care sick leave
  • And much more!

Part 2: FMLA and Employee Paid Leave Act.                                                                                Wednesday, February 24, 12:30-4:00 PM eastern (30-minute break from 2:00-2:30)                            

The Family & Medical Leave Act adds an additional layer of complexity to illness-related absences. Though it’s more than 25 years old, the FMLA still causes significant confusion for agency professionals. To complicate matters, the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act adds a new layer of regulations and a new type of leave to be substituted. Barbara Haga knows the FMLA inside out, and she will share her knowledge with you from basic requirements to FMLA-related discipline, such as excessive absence, falsified information, and failure to comply with notice requirements. And she’ll discuss the impact of the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the fine points of FMLA coverage, eligibility, and use for family care
  • Identify what FMLA medical certifications should contain
  • Recognize when an employee is eligible to substitute leave under the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by February 2): One Day: $340 – Two Days: $600
  • Standard Tuition (register February 3-24):  One Day: $380 – Two Days: $650
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available February 2. 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.
  • 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 February 2.

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.

Virtual Training Event — Successful Hiring: Effective Techniques for Interviewing and Reference Checking
Feb 24 @ 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

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.

This interactive half-day virtual training will prepare managers for conducting legal and successful job interviews. Barbara Haga will share guidance on how to make the most out of interviewing and checking references, from crafting an accurate position description, to asking the right questions, to assessing a candidate’s ability to perform the job.

Topics include:

  • Preparing defensible questions for applicants
  • Using behavior-based questions to get answers about depth of experience and knowledge
  • The requirement to interview all and ask the exact same questions of all candidates – myth or reality?
  • Interview practices that work and things to avoid
  • Reference checking – getting job-related information from current and past supervisors

Whether you’re in HR or are a supervisor who is looking to hire someone, you’ll want to be sure to make plans to join us. Register today!

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by November 22): $340
  • Standard Tuition (register November 23-December 7): $380
  • Rates per registrant.
  • 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. 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.

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.

Feb
25
Thu
Webinar – Why, How and When to Avoid Whistleblower Reprisal
Feb 25 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Bob Woods

Program Description

We’ve been hearing an awful lot about whistleblowers and “leakers” over the last couple of years. If you’re basing your knowledge and actions on the way those high-profile whistleblower cases have worked out, you may find yourself in major trouble. Reprisal against a whistleblower is absolutely illegal, despite what you might think. Over the course of 60 minutes, Attorney and FELTG instructor Bob Woods will share everything you need to know about whistleblower reprisal – the standards, burdens of proof, and actions that constitute reprisal. Plus, he’ll discuss how to defend your agency against the inevitable whistleblower reprisal allegation.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Handle whistleblower disclosures that turn out to be false.
  • Recognize what constitutes whistleblower reprisal, and how to avoid it.
  • Discipline a whistleblower for misconduct unrelated to whistleblowing.

 

Price

Early Bird Tuition (payment required by February 15): $240

Standard Tuition (payment made by February 16 or later): $270

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

Webinar – Changing Course: Understanding the Biden Executive Order on Labor Relations, Performance, Discipline, and Schedule F
Feb 25 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Course Description

When President Biden signed Executive Order 14003, Protecting the Federal Workforce, he revoked President Trump’s Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839 and eradicated the Schedule F classification mandated by Executive Order 13957. It’s been decades since the civil service has seen so much change in just one stroke of a pen.

This far-reaching Executive Order has significant impact on labor relations official time, contract negotiation timelines, topics of bargaining, performance and disciplinary actions for non-union employees, clean record settlements, and more.

You might have questions, such as:

  • What does this mean if your CBAs were already renegotiated?
  • Is progressive discipline going to be mandatory now?
  • Do Performance Demonstration Periods have to be longer than 30 days? Can we call them PIPs again?
  • What happens if your agency already sent Schedule F lists to OPM?
  • What will become of the OPM regulations implementing EO 13839
  • What changes if permissive bargaining is now mandatory?

In this 90-minute webinar presented by FELTG President Deborah Hopkins and FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm, you will get answers to those questions and much more. EO 14003 prescribes several specific actions that agencies must take. So where do you start? Join us on February 9 to get those answers.

Like all FELTG training events, this webinar will be updated to the minute. You can’t afford to miss it.

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins

Ann Boehm

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (price per webinar, payment required by February 15): $295

Standard Tuition (price per webinar, payment made February 16 or later): $325

Remote working? Teleworker lines may be added to a main site registration for $50 per person, on a space-available basis.

Interested in registering more than 50 attendees? Contact FELTG for information about large group pricing.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Event held on Zoom. 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.

Mar
2
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations
Mar 2 – Mar 4 all-day

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.

Mar
4
Thu
Webinar – Addressing Age Discrimination in the Federal Workplace
Mar 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Meghan Droste

Course Description

A reference to dinosaurs, a joke about retirement, or a snide “OK Boomer” – nothing wrong with that if it’s just in fun, right?  Wrong! And if you think those are the only actions that’ll lead to an age discrimination claim, you’re wrong again.

Join Attorney and FELTG Instructor Meghan Droste for a 60-minute discussion on age discrimination in the federal workplace to learn you can and can’t say or do when it relates to an employee’s age. Ms. Droste will cover everything from hiring to promotion, and hostile work environment to performance appraisals, as well as the Supreme Court’s recent decision in the DVA case Babb v. Wilkie and what it means for cases going forward. As the federal workforce ages and older employees continue to be the most susceptible to the coronavirus, this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss.

This is the first of four webinars in the Navigating Challenges in the EEO Process series.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the various theories of age discrimination in the federal workplace.
  • Identify the types of conduct that give rise to age discrimination claims.
  • Know the dos and don’ts when discussing age-related topics in the workplace including retirement, OWBPA, and more.

1

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by February 23)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments by February 24)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

Webinar Series – Navigating Challenges in the EEO Process
Mar 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste

Series Description

Equal Employment Opportunity claims can be a long and often complicated process, and some challenges are a bit more troublesome than others. It’s those topics we are tackling during this four-part webinar series. Why should know the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Babb v. Wilkie? What are steps you can take to avoid an age discrimination claim? What’s the difference between serious health condition and an ADA disability? And what happens if you confuse the two? How do you determine whether a job task is an essential function? How do you define a “prompt and effective” response to a complaint?

We’ll answer these questions and more over the course of four 60-minute webinars, held the first Thursday of the month. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by February 23).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made February 24 or later).
  • Register for all four webinars by February 23 and pay only $910!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

Mar
9
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Mar 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm, Katherine Atkinson, Anthony Marchese

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and will expand upon legal principles to provide attendees with the necessary tools and best practices. Plus, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers from FELTG instructors – in real time.

As an added bonus, this series fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2021 dates:

March 9: The Foundations of Accountability: Performance vs. Misconduct: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the performance appraisal system; defining elements and standards; drafting standards according to legal requirements; creating the performance plan.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: Addressing Special Challenges with Performance: Permutations on performance accountability and the performance warning period; performance standards with multiple sub-components; managing teleworker performance; what do when a poor-performing employee requests reasonable accommodation.

June 1: Providing Performance Feedback That Makes a Difference: Communicating performance expectations; providing ongoing feedback; positive vs. negative framing; why you shouldn’t wait until the mid-year to discuss performance issues.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination.

August 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity.

August 31: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $240 per site, per session (payment required by March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $2,925 for the first 13 webinars or $3,150 for all 14. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $270 per site, per session (payments made March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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.

Mar
10
Wed
Virtual Training Event – EEO Challenges, COVID-19, and a Return to Workplace Normalcy
Mar 10 all-day

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.

Mar
11
Thu
Virtual Training Event – UnCivil Servant: Next Level
Mar 11 all-day

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.

Mar
15
Mon
Virtual Training Event – EEOC Law Week
Mar 15 – Mar 19 all-day

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.

Mar
23
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Mar 23 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm, Katherine Atkinson, Anthony Marchese

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and will expand upon legal principles to provide attendees with the necessary tools and best practices. Plus, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers from FELTG instructors – in real time.

As an added bonus, this series fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2021 dates:

March 9: The Foundations of Accountability: Performance vs. Misconduct: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the performance appraisal system; defining elements and standards; drafting standards according to legal requirements; creating the performance plan.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: Addressing Special Challenges with Performance: Permutations on performance accountability and the performance warning period; performance standards with multiple sub-components; managing teleworker performance; what do when a poor-performing employee requests reasonable accommodation.

June 1: Providing Performance Feedback That Makes a Difference: Communicating performance expectations; providing ongoing feedback; positive vs. negative framing; why you shouldn’t wait until the mid-year to discuss performance issues.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination.

August 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity.

August 31: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $240 per site, per session (payment required by March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $2,925 for the first 13 webinars or $3,150 for all 14. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $270 per site, per session (payments made March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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.

Mar
24
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Strategic Planning for Federal, State, and Local Offices of Inspectors General
Mar 24 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Click here for the Quarterly Internal Scorecard needed for the training.

All Offices of Inspectors General (OIGs) have mandated quality standards and are expected to conduct their operation in the most efficient and effective manner. Each OIG is expected to manage available resources, at the least cost, to “produce the greatest results in terms of public benefit, return on investment, and risk reduction.”

OIGs cannot accomplish this mission if they lack a robust strategic planning process. Because OIGs continually examine their Agency’s internal controls for efficiency and effectiveness, they must also periodically examine their own. Every three to five years, OIGs should conduct a strategic planning process and publish a revised OIG strategic plan. Strategic planning ensures that your OIG resources (budgets, personnel, infrastructure, training, and time) are focused on accomplishing the mission, reducing risk, and maximizing return on investment (ROI) and public benefit.

FELTG Instructor Scott Boehm will kick off this virtual training with a thorough review of the strategic planning process, complete with examples from his federal OIG experience. He will then tailor the process to address the specific requirements of all OIGs.  This include clarifying the methodology, participants and their contributions, pre-session inputs, deliverables and timelines. He will discuss the OIG’s “Values Scan” and then the “Mandate Analysis” that gives the office its statutory or administrative authorities.  He will also show how to formulate the OIG Mission Statement while reviewing the higher-level Agency’s strategic plan.

The training will include a discussion of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis, IG Vision formulation.  Attendees will learn how to formulate the plan of actions and milestones (POA&M) and develop metrics. Attendees will learn:

  • The definitions of questioned costs, unsupported costs, disallowed costs, and funds put to better use
  • New strategies for computing their return on investment for audits, inspections and evaluations
  • “Other Impact” categories that can, and have been, monetized by federal OIGs in the past

And you’ll have multiple opportunities to ask questions – and get answers in real time – as you develop a complete methodology to measure ROI for your OIG. This program runs from 12:30 – 4:30 eastern, with a 30-minute break from 2:15 – 2:45 eastern.

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Scott Boehm

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by March 12): $370
  • Standard Tuition (register March 13-24): $400
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through March 12. 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 March 12.

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.

Mar
25
Thu
Webinar – When Negotiations Reach Impasse: FSIP Under the Biden Administration
Mar 25 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Joseph Schimansky

Course Description

Oftentimes when bargaining, parties simply can’t agree and they reach an impasse. During the previous administration, those impasses resulted in an unprecedented number of decisions in which the Federal Service Impasses Panel imposed terms on the parties.

In this 60-minute webinar, former FSIP Executive Director Joe Schimansky will present the historical timelines for replacing FSIP Members when a new administration takes power, explain the impasse process in light of President Biden’s directive to agencies to renegotiate their CBAs, provide tips on how to avoid impasse, share his views regarding how a Biden FSIP is likely to differ from the previous administration, and discuss the legal issues surrounding the unions’ current challenges to a president’s right to appoint FSIP Members without Senate confirmation.

Attendees will learn:

  • How the Biden Administration’s approach to impasse resolution is likely to differ from the approach of the previous administration
  • The major issues in litigation that may delay the appointment of new FSIP Members
  • How the FSIP determines whether the parties have met the basic requirements for securing its assistance

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (payment required by March 15) : $240
  • Standard Tuition (payment made by March 16 or later): $270

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

Mar
29
Mon
Virtual Training Event – MSPB Law Week
Mar 29 – Apr 2 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

With one stroke of the pen, President Biden’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce revoked President Trump’s Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839 and eradicated the Schedule F classification mandated by Executive Order 13957. This means changes to performance and disciplinary actions, clean record settlements, and more.

Meanwhile, the Federal Circuit, in the precedent-breaking Santos v. NASA, ruled that agencies must have substantial evidence that the employee was performing poorly BEFORE an agency is allowed to put an employee on a performance improvement plan.

As we wait for nominees for the Merit System Protection Board, the civil service world, particularly as it applies to employee relations, continues to change quickly. It’s important to be aware of the laws, regulations, and executive orders that apply to you.

There is one place you can consistently get the best guidance and most up-to-date information you need. MSPB Law Week covers the legal requirements and best practices for disciplinary charges and penalties, plus understanding the law and strategy in handling performance cases and defending against whistleblower reprisal complaints. Join top MSPB practitioners and topic authors, and learn the law, strategies, and techniques from their many years of combined experience.

While the near future of the Merit Systems Protection Board remains uncertain, FELTG’s instructors are staying on top of the situation and will provide attendees with the information they need to know.

The program runs 12:00 – 4:00 pm eastern each day, with a break from 1:45 – 2:15.

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Bob Woods

Daily Agenda

Monday

The Foundations of Accountability; Adverse Actions: Statutory basis including the Civil Service Reform Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, the five elements of every disciplinary case and the burdens of proof, the fundamentals of penalty selection and defense, discipline procedures and appeals.

Tuesday

Disciplinary Charges: Types of charges, parts of a charge, how charges are interpreted, the role of the proposing and deciding officials, capitalizing on the general charge, allowing the inclusion of lesser-included offenses, charging in the alternative, attractive options to difficult charges and common charging mistakes, proving the difficult “intent” charge element, a step by step approach to charge drafting.

Wednesday

Penalties: MSPB and Federal Circuit lead cases in penalty determination, getting “intent” penalties off of “non-intent” charges, proving harsh penalties off of vanilla charges, charging down and proving up, how the maximum penalty is established, penalty mitigation; law enforcement officer discipline.

Thursday

Unacceptable Performance: Performance actions in perspective, drafting a defensible performance standard, documenting and justifying your decision to put an employee on a Performance Demonstrating Period (DPs, formerly known as PIPs), implementing DPs, defeating the DP rollercoaster; the proof needed to take a performance-based action; removing a poor performer in 31 days.

Friday

Defending Against Whistleblower Reprisal Claims and other Affirmative Defenses: Whistleblower claims: protected disclosures and whistleblower reprisal, claims of harmful error, reprisal for union activity, excessive penalty findings.

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 15):

  • 5 days = $1525
  • 4 days = $1245
  • 3 days = $960
  • 2 days = $680
  • 1 day = $395

Standard Tuition (register March 16 – April 2):

  • 5 days = $1600
  • 4 days = $1325
  • 3 days = $1015
  • 2 days = $725
  • 1 day = $445

Seminar registration includes a copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive your copy of the textbook by the training date, please register by March 15 and provide a shipping address in the designated space on the registration form.

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 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.

Apr
1
Thu
Webinar – When the ADA and FMLA Collide
Apr 1 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Course Description

Navigating the FMLA is one of the most complex challenges a federal agency can face unless, of course, it is navigating the ADA at the same time. What’s the difference between a serious health condition and an ADA disability? Does the FMLA limit on leave apply to a reasonable accommodation of leave? This 60-minute webinar will compare and contrast coverage under the FMLA and coverage under the ADA, discuss the tricky role of medical documentation, and review leave under the FMLA and as a reasonable accommodation.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify areas and situations in which the ADA and FMLA intersect
  • Determine whether a condition is covered by the ADA, FMLA, or both.
  • Assess when leave is an appropriate accommodation.

This is the second of four webinars in FELTG’s 2021 Navigating Challenges in the EEO Process series.

EEO Refresher Hours: 1

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per webinar (payment required by February 23)
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payments made by February 24)

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

Webinar Series – Navigating Challenges in the EEO Process
Apr 1 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste

Series Description

Equal Employment Opportunity claims can be a long and often complicated process, and some challenges are a bit more troublesome than others. It’s those topics we are tackling during this four-part webinar series. Why should know the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Babb v. Wilkie? What are steps you can take to avoid an age discrimination claim? What’s the difference between serious health condition and an ADA disability? And what happens if you confuse the two? How do you determine whether a job task is an essential function? How do you define a “prompt and effective” response to a complaint?

We’ll answer these questions and more over the course of four 60-minute webinars, held the first Thursday of the month. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $240 per site, per session (payment made by February 23).
  • Standard Tuition: $270 per site, per session (payment made February 24 or later).
  • Register for all four webinars by February 23 and pay only $910!

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

Apr
6
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Apr 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm, Katherine Atkinson, Anthony Marchese

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and will expand upon legal principles to provide attendees with the necessary tools and best practices. Plus, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers from FELTG instructors – in real time.

As an added bonus, this series fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2021 dates:

March 9: The Foundations of Accountability: Performance vs. Misconduct: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the performance appraisal system; defining elements and standards; drafting standards according to legal requirements; creating the performance plan.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: Addressing Special Challenges with Performance: Permutations on performance accountability and the performance warning period; performance standards with multiple sub-components; managing teleworker performance; what do when a poor-performing employee requests reasonable accommodation.

June 1: Providing Performance Feedback That Makes a Difference: Communicating performance expectations; providing ongoing feedback; positive vs. negative framing; why you shouldn’t wait until the mid-year to discuss performance issues.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination.

August 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity.

August 31: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $240 per site, per session (payment required by March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $2,925 for the first 13 webinars or $3,150 for all 14. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $270 per site, per session (payments made March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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.

Apr
7
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Honoring Diversity: Eliminating Microaggressions and Bias in the Federal Workplace
Apr 7 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Download Individual Registration Form

On his first day in office, President Biden took action to advance racial equity through the federal government and strengthen workplace discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It’s up to each agency now to ensure that it lives up to the President’s direction. Policies and procedures alone will not work. Employees, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, will not feel respected and empowered unless the agency addresses unconscious bias and microaggressions in the workplace.

A microaggression is a comment or action that either intentionally or accidentally targets a marginalized individual or group of people.  If a supervisor or coworker commits a microaggression accidentally, it’s not that big of deal, right? It can’t be bad if the comment was meant as a compliment? No harm, no foul? Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Microaggressions, whether intentional or not, can be very hurtful to the employees who experience them, and such behaviors indicating implicit bias can lead to discrimination. They are warning signs of a potential hostile workplace. And they put a serious dent in employee morale and productivity.

During this two-hour virtual training, FELTG Instructor Meghan Droste, attorney at law, will explain what microaggressions look like it in their various forms — microinsults, microassaults, and microinvalidations. Ms. Droste will share an implicit bias test, explain its impact, and provide examples. She’ll provide a quick review of EEO law so you can determine when bias or microaggression leads to the level of discrimination.

This is important training for supervisors, EEO specialists, HR practitioners, and employees in general.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify acts of microaggression and acts influenced by implicit bias.
  • Recognize and define harassment.
  • Respond appropriately and effectively when you see a microaggression in the workplace.

Instructor

Meghan Droste

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $295 (register by March 23)
  • Standard Tuition: $325 (register March 24-April 7)
  • 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.
  • 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 until March 23.

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.

Apr
8
Thu
Webinar – Biden Executive Orders, OPM Guidance, and an Update on the Status of Civil Service
Apr 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Download Registration Form

Course Description

The Executive Orders President Biden signed early on in his presidency have significantly changed the face of the federal workplace, leading to changes in workplace diversity initiatives, LGBTQ issues, labor relations official time, union contract negotiation timelines, topics of bargaining, performance and disciplinary actions for non-union employees, clean record settlements, and much more.

If you attended one of FELTG’s recent webinars on the Biden Executive Orders, then you know some of this already. But that’s not enough. OPM guidance has been provided, and that guidance could dramatically change many processes and procedures for Executive Orders 13985, 13988, and 14003. Join FELTG for this new and updated-to-the-minute comprehensive training event where President Deborah Hopkins and Instructor Ann Boehm will dive into the language of the EOs, related OPM guidance, and significant legal decisions, and interpret what it means to your day-to-day operations.

The federal workplace remains in a state of flux. The administration has nominated Kiran Ahuja to lead the Office for Personnel Management and made changes in the leadership of the EEOC and FLRA. Can nominees to the MSPB be far behind? Meanwhile, the majority of federal employees continue to work remotely, yet agencies plan for the return of vaccinated employees. Ms. Hopkins and Ms. Boehm will provide you with all of the latest information on federal employment law-related news and thoroughly explain their impact.

If you missed any of the recent FELTG webinars on the Biden Executive Orders, then hurry up and register. You have a lot to catch up on. If you already attended, this session will build on the last one with newer, updated guidance. In this 90-minute webinar, you will get the answers to all of your questions, such as:

  • Does OPM guidance address what to do if your CBAs were already renegotiated?
  • How have workplace protections changed for transgender employees?
  • How long are Performance Demonstration Periods supposed to be?
  • What has become of the OPM regulations implementing EO 13839?
  • Is progressive discipline mandatory now?
  • What changes if permissive bargaining is now mandatory?
  • Are there any restrictions on diversity training?

And you’ll have the opportunity to ask your own questions, and get answers, in real time.

The federal workplace is undergoing a dramatic shift right now, and you can’t afford to miss this training event.

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins

Ann Boehm

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (price per webinar, payment required by March 29): $295

Standard Tuition (price per webinar, payment made March 30 or later) : $325

Remote working? Teleworker lines may be added to a main site registration for $50 per person, on a space-available basis.

Interested in registering more than 50 attendees? Contact FELTG for information about large group pricing.

Cancellation and No-show Policy for Registered Participants: Event held on Webex. 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.

Apr
12
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Absence, Leave Abuse & Medical Issues Week
Apr 12 – Apr 16 all-day

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.
Apr
13
Tue
Webinar – Justifying Your PIP? What the Recent Precedent-Breaking Fed Circuit Decision Means
Apr 13 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins

Bob Woods

Course Description

The Federal Circuit recently overturned 40 years of precedent in its Santos v. NASA decision, ruling that agencies under MSPB jurisdiction must have substantial evidence that the employee was performing poorly BEFORE the agency is allowed to put the employee on a PIP.

So, what kinds of evidence do you need pre-PIP? Can an employee grieve your decision to put him on a PIP? Who has the burden to prove whether a performance plan was discriminatory? And, exactly how much poor performance is needed to show a “continued” pattern of poor performance, as is now required?

In this 60-minute webinar, FELTG President Deborah Hopkins and FELTG Instructor Bob Woods will explain how this case drastically changes the way agencies handle instances of employee poor performance, and what’s required to satisfy the new requirements in Santos. While this is a significant change, good news: it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think and, in fact, may even help you protect the agency against claims of reprisal or discrimination. Ms. Hopkins will walk you through other details in Santos and share some of the pitfalls that could lead to a questioning of whether putting the employee on the performance improvement plan was appropriate.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Assess what constitutes “continued” poor performance.
  • Determine when there is enough evidence to put an employee on a PIP.
  • Document your justification for putting the employee on a PIP.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (payment required by April 2): $285
  • Standard Tuition (payment made by April 3 later): $315

Teleworkers may be added to a main site registration for $50 per teleworker, on a space-available basis.

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.

Apr
20
Tue
Webinar Series – Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions
Apr 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Barbara Haga, Meghan Droste, Ann Boehm, Katherine Atkinson, Anthony Marchese

Course Description

President Biden’s Executive Orders on the Federal Workplace. OPM’s recent guidance. A new focus on diversity and inclusion. A recent decision that broke 40 years of precedent to require agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period. FELTG’s annual webinar training series Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions can help you and your supervisors get up to speed on the changing nature of the federal workplace.

FELTG’s talented team of engaging and experienced instructors will teach 14 60-minute webinars every two weeks from March through the end of August. The webinars are updated to provide a comprehensive curriculum for those who supervisor federal employees.  Supervising Federal Employees: Managing Accountability and Defending Your Actions addresses the most timely and important topics supervisors are facing at the moment. Courses are taught on everything from managing poor performance and disciplining for employee misconduct to providing reasonable accommodation and rooting out leave abuse. Those who attend can rest assured that they are well-prepared to face the new and challenging issues amid complex and changing laws.

There is no other training available that provides the depth and breadth of guidance that federal supervisors need to manage the agency workplace effectively and efficiently.

You can register for one, several, or all of the courses in the series. The webinars will be held every other Tuesday from 1 – 2 p.m. eastern time, and will expand upon legal principles to provide attendees with the necessary tools and best practices. Plus, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get answers from FELTG instructors – in real time.

As an added bonus, this series fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

2021 dates:

March 9: The Foundations of Accountability: Performance vs. Misconduct: The distinction between performance and conduct; an overview on holding employees accountable; setting the stage for discipline and performance actions.

March 23: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part I: The five elements of discipline in the federal government; documentation supervisors need to succeed in a disciplinary action.

April 6: Disciplining Employees for Misconduct, Part II: Disciplinary procedures: reprimand, suspension, termination; appeals process; agency liability.

April 20: Writing Effective Performance Plans: Performance management; understanding the performance appraisal system; defining elements and standards; drafting standards according to legal requirements; creating the performance plan.

May 4: Handling an Unacceptable Performance Case: Performance accountability in a nutshell; recent decision requiring agencies to have substantial evidence before putting an employee on a performance demonstration period; executing a performance demonstration period; proof and evidence standards.

May 18: Addressing Special Challenges with Performance: Permutations on performance accountability and the performance warning period; performance standards with multiple sub-components; managing teleworker performance; what do when a poor-performing employee requests reasonable accommodation.

June 1: Providing Performance Feedback That Makes a Difference: Communicating performance expectations; providing ongoing feedback; positive vs. negative framing; why you shouldn’t wait until the mid-year to discuss performance issues.

June 15: Tackling Leave Issues I: Handling the leave issues most common in the federal government: annual leave, sick leave, leave transfer.

June 29: Tackling Leave Issues II: Handling more complicated leave scenarios: FMLA, LWOP, administrative leave, AWOL. 

July 13: Disability Accommodation in 60 Minutes: Defining a disability; requests for accommodation; the interactive process; accommodations of choice; undue hardship.

July 27: Intentional EEO Discrimination: What supervisors should know about EEO discrimination; discrete acts of discrimination; selection and promotion cases; defending against claims of intentional discrimination.

August 10:  Combating Against Hostile Work Environment Harassment Claims: The elements of a hostile work environment; liability in hostile work environment claims; tangible employment actions; harassment v. bullying; supervisor responsibilities in harassment claims; agency defenses.

August 24: EEO Reprisal: Handle It, Don’t Fear It: How reprisal is different than other EEO claims; what the complainant must show to establish reprisal; how a supervisor can defend against reprisal claims; what to do and what not to do when an employee engages in protected EEO activity.

August 31: Supervising in a Unionized Environment: The right to be bargained with; forming a union; employee and union rights; ULPs.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition:

  • $240 per site, per session (payment required by March 1).
  • Special series discounts available through March 1: $2,925 for the first 13 webinars or $3,150 for all 14. See registration form for details.

Standard Tuition: 

  • $270 per site, per session (payments made March 2 or later).

Working from home? Teleworkers may be added to a primary site registration for $50 each, per session, on a space-available basis.

Have a large group teleworking? Contact FELTG for information on group discounts.

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.

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