Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Nov
2
Tue
Webinar — Barking Up the Wrong Tree? Service and Therapy Animals in the Workspace
Nov 2 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Ricky Rowe, Deborah Hopkins

Course Description

Pet ownership increased and animal shelters emptied during COVID-enforced lockdowns in 2020. Undoubtedly, remote workers have enjoyed the therapeutic benefits that come with owning a pet. But does that make their new furry friends therapy or emotional support animals? And can no-longer-remote employees bring their new four-legged friends to the workplace? In most cases, the answer is an easy no. But if it’s a reasonable accommodation request, the answer isn’t quite as definitive.

The EEOC’s stance that an emotional support animal may be a required reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual with a disability, even if it is not a trained service dog, fails to provide an easy answer.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Determine the difference between a service animal and a therapy animal.
  • Recognize when an emotional support animal would be a reasonable accommodation
  • Effectively navigate the interactive process.

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $270 per site, per webinar (payment required by September 27)
  • Standard Tuition: $295 per site, per webinar (payments made September 28 or later)

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.

Sep
26
Tue
Advanced Employee Relations – Washington, DC
Sep 26 – Sep 28 all-day

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Let’s face it: being a federal sector Employee Relations Specialist is a tough job. It’s great to know the basics, but the basics don’t always help you when you’re facing those really challenging situations. That’s when you realize that there is much more to learn.

FELTG is presenting Advanced Employee Relations, a three-day seminar that gives you the kind of interactive foundational-based training necessary to handle the most challenging and complicated situations.

Held in Washington, DC, you’ll receive in-depth training on topics including leave, performance, misconduct, disability accommodation and medical issues that affect Federal employees, and more. Plus, hands-on workshops will allow you to leave with the tools you’ll need to succeed. And it will all be taught by FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga.

Great training. Great instructor. Great location. Register now.

The class will run from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm each day.

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday, September 26

Leave and Attendance: Administering leave, with particular emphasis on sick leave, LWOP,
and FMLA. Detailed review of sick leave provisions including authorized purposes for use of sick leave, limitations on use of sick leave for family care and bereavement, eligibility to use leave for care, notice requirements, acceptable documentation. Management actions to control use of leave and abuse of sick leave. Detailed review of FMLA provisions including eligibility to
invoke FMLA, entitlement, coverage of family members, administration and notice
requirements. Acceptable medical documentation under FMLA, definition of serious health
condition. Substitution of paid leave, including a review of the requirements for administering
Paid Parental Leave. Discipline tied to FMLA. LWOP – when LWOP is mandatory, limits on
granting LWOP, employee status while on extended LWOP. Other topics – issues related to
annual leave and leave transfer, other leave entitlements.

Wednesday, September 27

Performance Management: Managing performance from system establishment to conducting
annual appraisals to taking actions linked to performance.  Requirements for
performance plans, including design of agency systems, rating schemes, and procedures for
conducting appraisals. Linkage between appraisal and other personnel management decisions, including reduction-in-force and within-grade increases. Writing effective and measurable performance criteria that will withstand third-party review, including a workshop where participants will do an in-depth review of performance plans. Requirements for successful performance-based actions – from drafting a PIP notice that will withstand scrutiny (including post-Santos issues) to conducting a bona fide PIP.

Thursday, September 28

Misconduct and Other Related Issues: Implementation of a successful disciplinary program – delegation of authority, role of advisors, warnings and cautions, use of administrative leave. Nexus. Dealing with comparators in determining a penalty. Adjudication of claimed involuntary resignations and retirements. Ordering and offering offering medical examinations. Specific disciplinary situations: handling situations when an employee is unable to perform including excessive leave, separation disability; conduct unbecoming; misuse and technology-related misconduct; failure to meet conditions of employment.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by September 1):

  • 3 days = $1795
  • 2 days = $1335
  • 1 day = $745

Standard Tuition (register September 2 or later):

  • 3 days = $1995
  • 2 days = $1535
  • 1 day = $945

Metro, Parking, Directions

Metro: The International Student House (1825 R Street NW) is located in convenient proximity to the Red Line. Exit Metro at the Dupont Circle station and proceed to the Q Street/North exit. Head north (you will come off the escalator facing north; if you use the elevator take a left after exiting) on Connecticut Avenue to R Street NW (approximately one block). Turn right onto R Street NW. Cross 19th Street NW and the International Student House will be on the left side of the street approximately halfway down the block. If you reach the Bikeshare dock, you’ve gone too far. Approximate walk time: 7-10 minutes.

Parking: Street parking is metered and is limited to two hours, unless you have a Washington, DC, Zone 2 parking pass. The closest parking garage is at 11 Dupont Circle, approximately two blocks from the International Student House (1825 R Street NW). Approximate walk time: 5 -7 minutes.

From the Lyle Hotel: After exiting the Lyle Hotel, turn left. At the first intersection, R Street NW, turn right. Proceed approximately one block. The International Student House (1825 R Street NW) will be on your right, just past the Bikeshare dock. Approximate walk time: 4-6 minutes.

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
9
Tue
Webinar — Handling AWOL and Failure to Follow Leave Procedures
Apr 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Course Description

It’s one of the situations most managers would most like to avoid — an employee who doesn’t show up for work. As agencies order some employees to return to the physical workplace, the chances an employee will not show up and not provide notice has increased. Is the best way to discipline the employee to charge him with AWOL?  What if he comes up with a reasonable explanation for his absence?  Can you deny a leave request when an employee was AWOL? Part of the Managing the Federal Workplace in 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Supervisors webinar series, this class will give you all of the tools and knowledge you need to successfully and confidently respond when employees fail to follow leave procedures.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Hold employees accountable when they don’t show up for work.
  • Properly use an AWOL charge.
  • Expand knowledge of leave procedures.

Date and Time

April 9, 2024; 1 – 2 pm ET

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by March 8): $145
  • Standard Tuition (register March 9 or later): $195
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through March 8. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast 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.
  • 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 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.

May
7
Tue
Webinar — How to Use a PIP in 2024
May 7 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Course Description

Federal supervisors have a useful tool to deal with underperforming employees – the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Yet, supervisors have consistently struggled with getting PIPs right. And then came the decision in Santos v. NASA, which requires agencies to have substantial evidence of poor performance BEFORE the implementing the PIP. Part of the Managing the Federal Workplace in 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Supervisors webinar series, this class will detail the ins and outs of this requirement and share clear guidance and the effective, time-tested FELTG approach to handling unacceptable performance in 2024. 

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Gather the information needed prior the PIP process.
  • Discern the difference between substantial and other types of evidence.
  • Confidently handle unacceptable performance through the use of PIPs.

Date and Time

May 7, 2024; 1 – 2 pm ET

Instructor

Robert Woods

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by March 8): $145
  • Standard Tuition (register March 9 or later): $195
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through March 8. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast 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.
  • 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 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.

May
23
Thu
Webinar — Barking Up the Wrong Tree? Service and Emotional Support Animals in the Workspace
May 23 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Course Description

Undoubtedly, remote workers have enjoyed the therapeutic benefits that come with owning a pet. But does that make their new furry friends therapy or emotional support animals? And can no-longer-remote employees bring their new four-legged (or sometimes two-legged, or no-legged) friends to the workplace? In most cases, the answer is an easy no. But if it’s a reasonable accommodation request, the answer isn’t quite as definitive. The EEOC’s stance that an emotional support animal may be a required reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual with a disability, even if it is not a trained service dog, fails to provide an easy answer.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Determine the difference between a service animal and a therapy animal
  • Recognize when an emotional support animal would be a reasonable accommodation
  • Effectively navigate the interactive process

Date and Time

May 23, 2024; 1 – 2 pm ET

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by April 23): $145
  • Standard Tuition (register April 24 or later): $195
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through April 23. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast 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.
  • 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 April 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.

Jun
4
Tue
Webinar — Coaching for Individuals and Teams – Tips for Supervisors
Jun 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Course Description

Working with a skilled coach can transform individuals and teams. When coaching an individual supervisor, the coach creates a safe and confidential space to clarify issues. A client learns to maximize strengths and minimize self-sabotage, and to improve communication (up, down, and across the organization). When working with a team, the coach employs observation, discussion and assessments to understand and minimize unproductive conflict and maximize the talents and perspectives of team members. During this hour-long class, participants will learn what to expect when working with a coach, the complementary roles of a facilitator, consultant, and coach, and examples of positive outcomes for individuals and teams. This training is part of the Managing the Federal Workplace in 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Supervisors webinar series.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Maximize the unique talents of individuals in your agency
  • Create a safe space for problem solving in the workplace
  • Minimize conflict among team members

Date and Time

June 4, 2024; 1 – 2 pm ET

Instructor

Susan Schneider

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by March 8): $145
  • Standard Tuition (register March 9 or later): $195
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through March 8. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast 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.
  • 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 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.

Jul
11
Thu
Webinar — Dealing with “Other” Harassment: It’s Not Always About EEO
Jul 11 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Course Description

Not everyone has the same definition of “harassment.” While most professionals recognize harassment that violates Title VII, some employees consider it harassment when supervisors provide critical performance feedback or assign work.  And, in between, there are threatening, intimidating, and disturbing acts that are unrelated to protected classes, but nonetheless may be non-EEO harassment and must be addressed as misconduct. This program will not only identify the lines that separate these different levels of harassment both perceived and real, but also explain how and when to address harassment as misconduct.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Differentiate between non-EEO harassment, EEO harassment, and actions that don’t qualify as harassment
  • Use the appropriate disciplinary framework for handling harassment
  • Recognize agency obligations for addressing harassing employee behavior

Date and Time

July 11, 2024; 1 – 2 pm ET

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by June 11): $145
  • Standard Tuition (register June 12 or later): $195
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through June 11. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast 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.
  • 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 June 11. 

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.

Jul
16
Tue
Webinar — Providing Effective Reasonable Accommodations in 2024
Jul 16 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Course Description

The reasonable accommodation process has always been challenging and full of surprises. The past year alone has seen the introduction of a new reasonable accommodation requirement for pregnant employees and the Supreme Court’s decision changing the undue hardship definition for religious accommodations. Part of the Managing the Federal Workplace in 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Supervisors webinar series, this fast-paced webinar will provide you with the most current legal and practical guidance.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Stay up to date on changing requirements in the reasonable accommodation process.
  • Broaden knowledge of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and how it relates to the Federal workplace.
  • Decipher the new guidelines for employees who request an accommodation for religious purposes.

Date and Time

July 16, 2024; 1 – 2 pm ET

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by March 8): $145
  • Standard Tuition (register March 9 or later): $195
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through March 8. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast 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.
  • 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 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.

Aug
6
Tue
Webinar — The Union Doesn’t Get to Attend Every Meeting
Aug 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Course Description

Why do unions have the right to attend formal discussions? Why did Congress use the word “formal?” What does “formal” mean? What if the employee doesn’t want the union to attend the meeting? Is it better to just invite the union to every meeting? You have questions, questions, and more questions – and we have the answers in this finale of the Managing the Federal Workplace in 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Supervisors webinar series.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Better understand what makes a meeting “formal.”
  • Decide when a union needs to be invited to a meeting.
  • Determine what types of meetings the union does not have the right to attend.

Date and Time

August 6, 2024; 1 – 2 pm ET

Instructor

Joseph Schimansky

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by March 8): $145
  • Standard Tuition (register March 9 or later): $195
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through March 8. Contact FELTG.

 

Event FAQs

  • Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
    • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast 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.
  • 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 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.

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