Calendar

FELTG Executive Director Deborah Hopkins instructing a class
Aug
1
Thu
Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace: 2024 Edition Webinar Series
Aug 1 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Ricky Rowe

Course Description

There is no reason to fear the reasonable accommodation process. Yet many Federal
supervisors do. They’re not alone. Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators, HR and EEO
professionals, program managers and even attorney/advisors have approached reasonable
accommodation requests with a bit of trepidation.

FELTG’s annual Reasonable Accommodation webinar series returns in 2024 with all-new
updates, laying the important groundwork to make the process of managing requests for
accommodation (for disability, pregnancy, or religion) a positive one – for you, the employee,
and the agency.

For 2024, we offer six 60-minute sessions that will give the proper framework for providing
accommodations for people who are entitled, along with the confidence to do so. And you will have the skills necessary to avoid the pitfalls that lead to unwanted findings of failure to accommodate. FELTG’s experienced instructors will allot time for your reasonable accommodation questions.

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

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Understanding Disability Accommodation (July 18)

Session 2: Navigating the Interactive Process (July 25)

Session 3: Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation (August 1)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation Mistakes: Lessons From an AJ (August 18)

Session 5: The Dos and Don’ts of Reasonable Accommodation for Pregnant Employees (August 15)

Session 6: Providing Religious Accommodations in 2024 (August 22)

Price

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 8):

  • One Webinar: $145
  • Two Webinars: $275
  • Three Webinars: $395
  • Four Webinars: $525
  • Five webinars: $
  • All Access: $
  • Rates per registrant.

Standard Tuition (register July 9 through August 22): 

  • One Webinar: $195
  • Two Webinars: $315
  • Three Webinars: $430
  • Four Webinars: $550
  • Five Webinars: $
  • All Access: $
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through July 8. Contact FELTG.

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.

Webinar Series – Managing the Federal Workplace in 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Supervisors
Aug 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Course Description

Being a Federal supervisor is a demanding job, made even more extracting by constant changes in Federal employment law. FELTG’s annual webinar series Managing the Federal Workplace in 2024: Dos and Don’ts for Supervisors aims to make the job a little less demanding, while providing you guidance and tools to understand the latest changes.

If you’ve attended FELTG’s previous supervisory webinar series, UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, or any of our other flagship courses, these fast-paced and engaging 60-minute sessions, held monthly from 1 – 2 pm ET, will expand upon the legal and foundational principles shared in those sessions with best practices to handle AWOL, improve performance, adopt coaching, accommodate employees with disabilities, and determine whether to invite the union to a meeting.

FELTG’s annual supervisory series will get you up to speed quickly, without wasting any of your time. Just 60 minutes each month. The sessions are taught live by FELTG’s experience instructors AND you’ll have the chance to ask questions and get answers — in real time.

2024 dates and topics:

April 9: Handling AWOL and Failure to Follow Leave Procedures

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? 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.

May 7: How to Use a PIP in 2024

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. 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. 

June 4: Coaching for Individuals and Teams – Tips for Supervisors

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.

July 16: Providing Effective Reasonable Accommodations in 2024

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. This fast-paced webinar will provide you with the most current legal and practical guidance.

August 6: The Union Doesn’t Get to Attend Every Meeting

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 webinar series finale.

Instructors

Deborah HopkinsJoe SchimanskySusan Schneider, Bob Woods

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by March 8):

  • One Webinar: $145
  • Two Webinars: $275
  • Three Webinars: $395
  • Four Webinars: $525
  • All Access: $655
  • Rates per registrant.

Standard Tuition (register March 9-August 6): 

  • One Webinar: $195
  • Two Webinars: $315
  • Three Webinars: $430
  • Four Webinars: $550
  • All Access: $695
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through March 8. Contact FELTG.

 

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
7
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Navigating Complex Hostile Work Environment Harassment Cases
Aug 7 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Course Description

Whether you’re an EEO professional or a supervisor, you’ve probably been to many EEO training classes on hostile work environment harassment – but you haven’t attended anything like this one.  You already know that when harassment rears its ugly head, you can’t ignore it. Sometimes, though, the challenge is knowing when it’s happening, especially when it takes the form of subtle microaggressions that take place in a virtual environment, miles away from a supervisor’s oversight.

In this two-hour virtual training event, Attorney Katherine Atkinson will guide you through an interactive look at the legal framework for hostile environment harassment. She will also unpack a number of complex cases on topics including harassment for LGBTQ+ status, pregnancy, national origin, and more. Attend this training and learn to recognize all the forms of hostile work environment harassment in 2024, and take quick effective action to stop it.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Understand the agency’s responsibilities when allegations of hostile work environment occur.
  • Determine if and when microaggressions rise to the level of a hostile work environment.
  • Identify emerging or increasing types of harassment in 2024.

 

Date and Time

August 7, 2024, 1 – 3 pm ET

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by July 5): $345
  • Standard Tuition (register July 6-August 7): $385
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through July 5. 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 July 5. 

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
8
Thu
Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace: 2024 Edition Webinar Series
Aug 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Ricky Rowe

Course Description

There is no reason to fear the reasonable accommodation process. Yet many Federal
supervisors do. They’re not alone. Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators, HR and EEO
professionals, program managers and even attorney/advisors have approached reasonable
accommodation requests with a bit of trepidation.

FELTG’s annual Reasonable Accommodation webinar series returns in 2024 with all-new
updates, laying the important groundwork to make the process of managing requests for
accommodation (for disability, pregnancy, or religion) a positive one – for you, the employee,
and the agency.

For 2024, we offer six 60-minute sessions that will give the proper framework for providing
accommodations for people who are entitled, along with the confidence to do so. And you will have the skills necessary to avoid the pitfalls that lead to unwanted findings of failure to accommodate. FELTG’s experienced instructors will allot time for your reasonable accommodation questions.

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

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Understanding Disability Accommodation (July 18)

Session 2: Navigating the Interactive Process (July 25)

Session 3: Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation (August 1)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation Mistakes: Lessons From an AJ (August 18)

Session 5: The Dos and Don’ts of Reasonable Accommodation for Pregnant Employees (August 15)

Session 6: Providing Religious Accommodations in 2024 (August 22)

Price

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 8):

  • One Webinar: $145
  • Two Webinars: $275
  • Three Webinars: $395
  • Four Webinars: $525
  • Five webinars: $
  • All Access: $
  • Rates per registrant.

Standard Tuition (register July 9 through August 22): 

  • One Webinar: $195
  • Two Webinars: $315
  • Three Webinars: $430
  • Four Webinars: $550
  • Five Webinars: $
  • All Access: $
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through July 8. Contact FELTG.

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
13
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Hearing Advocacy: Presenting Cases Before the MSPB and EEOC
Aug 13 – Aug 14 all-day

Course Description

Whether you’re representing your agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, there is one ultimate goal: Win the case. There is no other class that will prepare you better for these kinds of hearings. FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson is an experienced litigator. She will walk you through each step of the process from the acknowledgement order through your closing statement, to ensure that you meet that ultimate goal. 

On the first day, Ms. Atkinson will share strategies for developing a theory of the case, and offer guidance for the process including discovery, depositions, and motions practice. The second day will focus on developing the record, plus offer tips on litigation techniques to improve your skills – and make your position stand out. Ms. Atkinson will deliver the content in practical, useful modules that provide the student with the tools needed to effectively practice employment law and represent the client when it matters most.

This two-day special event will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time.

Tuesday, August 13

Developing a Theory: Strategies for developing a theory of the case; requesting and responding to written discovery requests (Interrogatories, Requests for Documents and Requests for Admissions); taking and defending depositions.

Wednesday, August 14

Developing the Record: Pre-hearing submissions; opening statements; direct examination; cross examination; closing statements.

Date and Time

August 13-14, 2024

12:30 pm – 4:30pm ET each day

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $495 per session, $825 for both sessions (register by July 14).
  • Standard Tuition: $595 per session, $925 for both sessions (register July 15 – August 14).
  • 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 its 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.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • If an agency wishes to register 10 or more attendees for the full event, a group discount will be applied if all registrations are received and paid for together. Group discount deadline is July 14.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

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

Aug
14
Wed
Virtual Training Event – The Supervisor’s Guide to Navigating the EEO Process
Aug 14 – Aug 15 all-day

Course Description

Your heart suddenly beats faster, and your blood pressure rises exponentially. It could
be a health issue. Or possibly, you may have heard your name mentioned in connection with “an EEO case.” As the much-repeated saying goes: We fear what we don’t understand. This class aims to lessen the fear by providing you with a full description of the supervisor’s role during each stage of the EEO process.

This engaging and interactive class will explain the critical role you play as supervisor in
EEO counseling, investigator interrogatories, settlement discussions, depositions, and
hearings. Attendee participation in scenario-based discussions and workshops is an
important key for this program. Audio participation is required, but video participation is
optional.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Effectively reply to an interrogatory/affidavit request from an EEO investigator.
  • Identify what to expect in a deposition and/or hearing.
  • Prepare appropriately to be a witness.
  • Recognize your role in each step of the EEO process.

Date and Time

August 14-15, 2024

12:30-4:00 pm ET each day (with 10-minute breaks)

Instructor

Ann Boehm

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $495 per session, $825 for both sessions (register by July 15).
  • Standard Tuition: $595 per session, $925 for both sessions (register July 16-August 15).
  • 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 its 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.
  • 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 July 15.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

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

Aug
15
Thu
Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace: 2024 Edition Webinar Series
Aug 15 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Ricky Rowe

Course Description

There is no reason to fear the reasonable accommodation process. Yet many Federal
supervisors do. They’re not alone. Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators, HR and EEO
professionals, program managers and even attorney/advisors have approached reasonable
accommodation requests with a bit of trepidation.

FELTG’s annual Reasonable Accommodation webinar series returns in 2024 with all-new
updates, laying the important groundwork to make the process of managing requests for
accommodation (for disability, pregnancy, or religion) a positive one – for you, the employee,
and the agency.

For 2024, we offer six 60-minute sessions that will give the proper framework for providing
accommodations for people who are entitled, along with the confidence to do so. And you will have the skills necessary to avoid the pitfalls that lead to unwanted findings of failure to accommodate. FELTG’s experienced instructors will allot time for your reasonable accommodation questions.

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

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Understanding Disability Accommodation (July 18)

Session 2: Navigating the Interactive Process (July 25)

Session 3: Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation (August 1)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation Mistakes: Lessons From an AJ (August 18)

Session 5: The Dos and Don’ts of Reasonable Accommodation for Pregnant Employees (August 15)

Session 6: Providing Religious Accommodations in 2024 (August 22)

Price

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 8):

  • One Webinar: $145
  • Two Webinars: $275
  • Three Webinars: $395
  • Four Webinars: $525
  • Five webinars: $
  • All Access: $
  • Rates per registrant.

Standard Tuition (register July 9 through August 22): 

  • One Webinar: $195
  • Two Webinars: $315
  • Three Webinars: $430
  • Four Webinars: $550
  • Five Webinars: $
  • All Access: $
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through July 8. Contact FELTG.

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
19
Mon
Virtual Training Event – Workplace Investigations Week
Aug 19 – Aug 23 all-day

Course Description

This week of FELTG training focuses on conducting administrative investigations in the Federal workplace with an emphasis on employee misconduct, including workplace harassment. After an overview of the substantive law, participants will learn procedures and best practices for conducting administrative investigations, including understanding what constitutes misconduct, the differences between EEO and non-EEO harassment, planning the investigation, fact finding, collecting evidence, dealing with witnesses, understanding types of questioning, and testifying at hearing. The week concludes with a day focused on writing an investigative report.

Special content will also discuss conducting investigations post-pandemic, including tips for interviewing witnesses virtually, addressing safety concerns during in-person interviewing and evidence gathering, and more.

Note: This class includes breakout discussions and workshops, and attendees are encouraged to participate via audio. Because of the interactive nature of this program attendance is limited, so register early to guarantee your spot.

The program runs 12:30 – 4:30 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break midway.

Daily Agenda

Monday, August 19, 2024

Administrative Investigations: The Substantive Basis: Why investigate; discipline law and elements; understanding charges of misconduct; collecting penalty evidence; law behind other types of administrative investigations; witness rights; union representation.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Harassment Investigations: Investigating allegations of harassment; differentiating between EEO and non-EEO harassment; the latest on LGBTQ+ discrimination; overlapping forms of discrimination.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Conducting the Investigation, Part I: Evidentiary principles; purpose of investigation; preparing for the investigation; role of the investigator; planning the investigation. beginning the interview.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Conducting the Investigation, Part II: Conducting the interview; handling difficult witnesses; assessing credibility/lies/hearing what isn’t said; body language; gathering other evidence; technology and investigations; high profile case considerations; testifying at an administrative hearing; rules for being an effective witness.

Friday, August, 23, 2024

Writing the Investigative Report: Organizing for the report; establishing the chronology; writing for your audience; report writing style; report writing conventions; report organization; sample report.

Date and Time

August 19-23, 2024

12:30 – 4:30 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructors

Ann Boehm, Robert Woods

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

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 July 19):

  • 5 days = $1695
  • 4 days = $1465
  • 3 days = $1095
  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Standard Tuition (register July 20-August 23):

  • 5 days = $1795
  • 4 days = $1565
  • 3 days = $1195
  • 2 days = $925
  • 1 day = $595

 

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.
  • 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 July 19.
Aug
21
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Drawing the Line: Union Representation or Misconduct
Aug 21 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Course Description

Robust. Uninhibited. Wide-open. These are words the U.S. Supreme Court used to describe the type of debate by union officials that is considered “protected activity.” But how robust, uninhibited or wide open? And when? Those are the questions that Ann Boehm will answer during this training.

There are many tales of profanity, shouting, rough speech, and bullying taking place between union reps when performing representational duties — and not just during negotiations. Ms. Boehm will share several cases that highlight robust activity that were considered “protected activity” and provide details of FLRA decisions that illustrate behavior that very clearly crossed the line into misconduct.

Learning takeaways:

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Recognize when a union representative’s behavior is outside the bounds of protected activity.
  • Effectively respond when union officials’ behavior turns threatening.
  • Use the disciplinary framework and Douglas factors to determine appropriate penalty.

Date and Time

Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 1-3 pm ET

Instructor

Ann Boehm

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $345 (payments required by July 22)
  • Standard Tuition: $385 (payments made July 23 – August 21)
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through July 22. 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 attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through July 22.

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
22
Thu
Webinar Series – Reasonable Accommodation in the Federal Workplace: 2024 Edition Webinar Series
Aug 22 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Download Registration Form

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Meghan Droste, Ricky Rowe

Course Description

There is no reason to fear the reasonable accommodation process. Yet many Federal
supervisors do. They’re not alone. Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators, HR and EEO
professionals, program managers and even attorney/advisors have approached reasonable
accommodation requests with a bit of trepidation.

FELTG’s annual Reasonable Accommodation webinar series returns in 2024 with all-new
updates, laying the important groundwork to make the process of managing requests for
accommodation (for disability, pregnancy, or religion) a positive one – for you, the employee,
and the agency.

For 2024, we offer six 60-minute sessions that will give the proper framework for providing
accommodations for people who are entitled, along with the confidence to do so. And you will have the skills necessary to avoid the pitfalls that lead to unwanted findings of failure to accommodate. FELTG’s experienced instructors will allot time for your reasonable accommodation questions.

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

Click on any event for a full description.

 5 (1 per webinar)

Session 1: Understanding Disability Accommodation (July 18)

Session 2: Navigating the Interactive Process (July 25)

Session 3: Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation (August 1)

Session 4: Reasonable Accommodation Mistakes: Lessons From an AJ (August 18)

Session 5: The Dos and Don’ts of Reasonable Accommodation for Pregnant Employees (August 15)

Session 6: Providing Religious Accommodations in 2024 (August 22)

Price

Early Bird Tuition (register by July 8):

  • One Webinar: $145
  • Two Webinars: $275
  • Three Webinars: $395
  • Four Webinars: $525
  • Five webinars: $
  • All Access: $
  • Rates per registrant.

Standard Tuition (register July 9 through August 22): 

  • One Webinar: $195
  • Two Webinars: $315
  • Three Webinars: $430
  • Four Webinars: $550
  • Five Webinars: $
  • All Access: $
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through July 8. Contact FELTG.

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
28
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Nondiscriminatory Hiring in the Federal Workplace: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
Aug 28 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Course Description

The Federal hiring process is a challenging one that requires patience. Those who hurry the hiring process are not only likely to make a mistake in hiring, but they may also end up without sufficient documentation to combat a discrimination complaint, making the allegation difficult to defend against.

And there is NO excuse these days for having any steps in your hiring process that could be discriminatory. Per Executive Order, your agency should have already taken steps to “advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,” and “eliminate, where applicable, barriers to equity, in Federal workforce functions.”

Regardless of where you are in the development of an agency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) plan or whether your agency is even currently hiring, this half-day virtual training provides important guidance that you cannot afford to miss if you want to ensure your hiring practices are nondiscriminatory and align with the Federal merit system principles.

FELTG instructor and attorney at law Katherine Atkinson will explain the types of interview questions that cause problems, and discuss selection panel roles and responsibilities, including ensuring the selecting officials implement best practices to develop and maintain evidence, demonstrating the non-selection was neither discriminatory nor retaliatory.

Attend from wherever you are working — agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 pm eastern, with a 30-minute break midway.

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

Date and Time

Wednesday, August 28, 2024, 1:00 – 4:30 pm ET

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $495 (register by July 26)
  • Standard Tuition: $595 (register July 27-August 28)
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through July 26. 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.
  • What if I want to attend a session but have a schedule conflict?
    • FELTG plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
  • Can I share my access link with co-workers?
    • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
  • Can I register a teleworker?
    • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
  • How do I receive a group rate discount?
    • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available through July 26.

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

Sep
9
Mon
Virtual Training Event – MSPB Law Week
Sep 9 – Sep 13 all-day

Course Description

Change happens in the world of Federal employee relations, and it often comes quickly. Those who succeed continuously sharpen their MSPB skills and refresh their knowledge. Those who don’t fall behind.

Fortunately, FELTG’s MSPB Law Week provides you with an all-encompassing week of training that offers the most effective guidance and up-to-date information available. During this engaging week of training, attendees will learn the legal requirements and best practices for disciplinary charges and penalties, understanding the law and strategy in handling performance cases, defending against whistleblower reprisal complaints, and much more.

Whether you’ve attended MSPB Law Week previously or not, you’ll leave with the foundational knowledge and cutting-edge strategies to deal with the challenges you’ll be facing in 2024. Plus, we’ll incorporate the very latest Board case law to give you an inside look at how this Board views performance and conduct issues. Join top MSPB practitioners and topic authors, and learn the law, strategies, and techniques from their many years of combined experience.

Daily Agenda

Monday, September 9

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, September 10

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, September 11

Defensible 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, September 12

Handling 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, September 13

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.

Date and Time

September 9-13, 2024

12:30 – 4:30 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Bob Woods

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

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 August 9):

  • 5 days = $1740
  • 4 days = $1505
  • 3 days = $1130
  • 2 days = $855
  • 1 day = $525

Standard Tuition (register August 10-September 13):

  • 5 days = $1840
  • 4 days = $1605
  • 3 days = $1230
  • 2 days = $955
  • 1 day = $625

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 August 9 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 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.
  • 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 August 9.

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
16
Mon
Virtual Training Event – EEOC Law Week
Sep 16 – Sep 20 all-day

Course Description

An increase in reasonable accommodation requests based on religion, disability, and pregnancy. Continued focus of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). Way too many harassment complaints.  The usual areas of confusion, such as contractor complaints, mixed cases. FELTG’s EEOC Law Week runs the gamut of EEO issues, providing usable and up-to-date guidance for all practitioners, regardless of experience level.

This in-depth training from FELTG instructors, drawing on years of experience from all sides of the litigation table, provides a fast-paced week of strategies, principles, and authorities relative to the major aspects of the field of discrimination law in the Federal government.

And it provides the required material for EEO counselors and investigators to receive refresher training hours. If you work in EEO at all, this is the class for you.

3.5 per day (Tuesday-Friday)

Monday, September 16

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, September 17

Contractor Complaints; Intentional Discrimination; 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; reprisal analysis and case updates.

Wednesday, September 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.

Thursday, September 19

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 including the SCOTUS decision Bostock v. Clayton County; non-EEO harassment; settling EEO cases.

Friday, September 20

Mixed Cases; Damages & Remedies: Course topics: Understanding the world of mixed cases; 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.

Date and Time

September 16-20, 2024

12:30 – 4:30 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson, Ann Boehm, Robert Woods

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

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 August 16):

  • 5 days = $1695
  • 4 days = $1465
  • 3 days = $1095
  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Standard Tuition (register August 17 – September 20):

  • 5 days = $1795
  • 4 days = $1565
  • 3 days = $1195
  • 2 days = $925
  • 1 day = $595

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.
  • 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 August 16.

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 – FLRA Law Week
Sep 16 – Sep 20 all-day

Course Description

Official time. Bargaining topics. Negotiation timeframes. Meetings. Union responsibilities. Management rights.

And what about the recent Executive Order about expanding labor-management forums?

Anyone who has worked in Federal labor relations for any amount of time knows that it’s an always-changing and ever-challenging field. It’s absolutely necessary to continually update and refresh your knowledge and skills. So why not get that important training from two instructors with a combined 40 years of experience working at the Federal Labor Relations Authority and even more years of experience in the Federal employment law world?

This training will bring you up to speed on where the current law stands, and share best practices on how to effectively navigate it in your day-to-day work, whether you’re a labor attorney, labor relations specialist or union representative.

FLRA Law Week provides attendees with a firm foundation of the historical perspective and precedence of FLRA decisions, as well as a strategy for taking advantage of any new approaches that are coming out of the FLRA.

There’s no other place where you can get in-depth guidance on hot-button LR issues to guide you through this dynamic time. So join us for this class where the entire world of Federal labor relations will be discussed.

Daily Agenda

Monday, September 16

Basic Management and Employee Rights: An overview of the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute; the current status of Executive Orders 13836 and 13837; fundamental employee, union, and management rights; bargaining unit definition; the union organizer’s role; information requests; official time.

Tuesday, September 17

Labor Relations Meetings and Bargaining: More on official time; formal discussions; union representative rights; the collective bargaining process; the three categories of bargaining: mandatory, permissive, and prohibited; introduction to negotiability.

Wednesday, September 18

Unfair Labor Practices and Negotiability: Employee rights vs. Management rights; the anatomy of an Unfair Labor Practice; an overview of the Federal Services Impasse Panel; negotiability appeals.

Thursday, September 19

The Psychology of Bargaining, Plus Grievances and Emerging Issues: Selecting a bargaining strategy; interest based bargaining as compared to hard ball bargaining; grievances; exceptions to arbitration awards.

Friday, September 20

Understanding the FSIP and Arbitration: Panel members, FSIP procedures, recent FSIP developments, the arbitration process overview; binding the arbitrator; how federal government arbitration is different from private sector arbitration and appeals; educating the arbitrator.

Date and Time

September 16 – 20, 2024

12:30 – 4:30 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructors

Ann Boehm, Joe Schimansky

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

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 August 16):

  • 5 days = $1695
  • 4 days = $1465
  • 3 days = $1095
  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Standard Tuition (register August 17- September 20):

  • 5 days = $1795
  • 4 days = $1565
  • 3 days = $1195
  • 2 days = $925
  • 1 day = $595

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.
  • 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. No split registrations.
  • 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 August 16.
Sep
24
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Setting the Bar: Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility for FY 2025
Sep 24 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Course Description

In this half-day training, FELTG Instructor and Attorney at Law Katherine Atkinson will provide the foundation you need to jumpstart your DEIA efforts or take them to the next level. After an overview of civil rights law, Ms. Atkinson will share everything you need to know to foster DEIA at your agency, including:

  • What the EO says about agency obligations to underserved communities
  • What you should know about preventing and correcting harassment and discrimination in the workplace
  • Ensuring adherence to the Merit Systems principles, especially as they apply to the hiring process
  • Why and how some agencies are focusing on the concept of belonging
  • What microaggressions look like
  • How to determine your own implicit biases

Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get answers live.

Learning objectives:

  • Identify the laws, regulations and Executive Orders that require your agency to promote DEIA in the workplace
  • Understand legally problematic selection processes and learn remedies to overcome the imbalance
  • Overcome the tendency to exhibit microaggressions in the workplace

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

Date and Time

Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 1 – 4:30 pm ET

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by August 23): $495
  • Standard Tuition (August 24-September 24): $595
  • Rates per registrant.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available through August 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 August 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.

Oct
1
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Conducting Effective Harassment Investigations
Oct 1 – Oct 3 all-day

Course 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.

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. Learn to conduct investigations virtually, as more are done since the pandemic. 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 1:00 – 4:30 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break midway.



Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (30-minute break midway)
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 into 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, October 2, 2024

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (30-minute break midway)
Presented by Katherine Atkinson, 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 Katherine Atkinson 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, October 3, 2024

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (30-minute break midway)
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 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.


Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition (register by September 1): One Session = $495  |  Two Sessions = $825  |  Full Event = $1095
  • Standard Tuition (register September 2-October 3): One Session = $595  |  Two Sessions = $925  |  Full Event = $1195
  • Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
  • Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through September 1. 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 attendees for the full event. Group discounts are available through September 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.

Oct
30
Wed
Virtual Training Event – Get it Right the First Time: Accepting, Dismissing and Framing EEO Claims
Oct 30 – Oct 31 all-day

Course Description

It could be a timeliness issue, failure to state a claim, or something else. Sometimes your agency has a responsibility to dismiss an EEO complaint. However, you do so at your own risk. A surprisingly large number of agency dismissals are overturned by the EEOC each year – and a remand years after the events in question can equal big problems when it comes to the investigation.

How do you balance the obligation to dismiss faulty complaints without unlawfully stripping someone of their rights to the EEO process and ending up on the wrong side of an EEOC decision in the process?

Join FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson for this two-day look into the core of the complaint process — determining whether to accept or dismiss an EEO claim. Ms. Atkinson will review the lawful reasons for dismissing a claim and how to make that determination. She’ll also take you through the process of spotting and framing claims based on each of the theories of discrimination.

This class will have interactive polling and plenty of opportunities to ask specific questions. And before the training ends, you’ll participate in an exercise to refresh what you’ve learned about acceptance/dismissal.

Attendees will leave with guidance and tools for identifying claims that do not fall under the EEO process, understanding the various components of timeliness in EEO claims, and drafting a legally sufficient acceptance and dismissal document.

Wednesday, October 30

Topics covered: Bases to dismiss claims; claim fragmentation; role of the EEO counselor’s report; legally protected categories under the EEOC’s jurisdiction; spotting and framing intentional discrimination claims; spotting and framing disparate impact claims; spotting and framing hostile work environment claims; spotting and framing reasonable accommodation claims; spotting and framing other ADA/Rehabilitation Act causes of action.

Thursday, October 31

Topics covered: Spotting and framing reprisal claims, including per se retaliation; timeliness principles; contractor EEO complaints.

Date and Time

October 30-31, 2024

1:00 – 4:30pm ET each day

 

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

Most people attend both training days, but you may attend either day independently.

Early Bird Tuition (register by September 30):

  • 2 days = $825
  • 1 day = $495

Standard Tuition (register October 1-31):

  • 2 days = $925
  • 1 day = $595

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.
  • 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 September 30.

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.

Nov
19
Tue
Virtual Training Event – Writing Final Agency Decisions
Nov 19 – Nov 20 all-day

Course Description

Final Agency Decision sounds so, well, “final.” But it most definitely is not. A FAD is appealable, by the complainant, to the EEOC. And many employees have and will continue to take advantage of that opportunity to appeal the agency’s decision. And here’s the thing: The EEOC’s decisions are filled with reversals of the agency’s FAD, finding no discrimination.

How do you avoid such a disappointing decision?

Learn how to write an effective final agency decision. To do that requires a knowing and understanding of discrimination law, as it is uniquely applied to the Federal workplace.

That’s what FELTG Instructor and Attorney at Law Katherine Atkinson will teach you over two half-days of virtual training. Attendees will leave with all they need to know to write an effective FAD, including identifying and avoiding the pitfalls that often lead to the EEOC reversals that plague so many EEO professionals.

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

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Applying Theories of Discrimination: EEO Law Overview; Intentional Discrimination; Disparate Impact; Hostile Work Environment; Reasonable Accommodation; Retaliation; Overlapping Forms of Discrimination.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Writing the Report: Timeliness Issues; Effective Legal Writing: structure and language; FAD Legal Sufficiency; Deconstruction Exercise.

Date and Time

November 19-20, 2024

1-4:30 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break midway)

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

  • Early Bird Tuition: $495 per session, $825 for both sessions (register by October 18).
  • Standard Tuition: $595 per session, $925 for both sessions (register October 19-November 20).
  • 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 will use 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 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 October 18.
  • Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
    • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

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

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