Calendar

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The Board is back and now is the right time to sharpen your MSPB skills and refresh your knowledge.

And in the five years since MSPB last had a quorum, the civil service world, particularly as it applies to employee relations, has not stood still. Change happened, sometimes quickly. It’s important to be aware of the laws, regulations, and executive orders that apply to you .

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

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

Instructors

Deborah Hopkins, Ann Boehm, Bob Woods

Daily Agenda

Monday

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

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

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

Thursday

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

Friday

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

Pricing

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

An increase in reasonable accommodations requests based on religion and disability.  Pandemic-related civil rights crises. Increased discussion of diversity and inclusion. Way too many harassment complaints. Talk of changes to the EEO process. If you’ve thought about registering for FELTG’s EEOC Law Week in the past, now is the time to act on it. This weeklong virtual training is updated for 2022, including the latest on COVID-related challenges and workplace harassment.

This in-depth training overs the gamut of EEO issues, and provides usable guidance for all practitioners, regardless of experience level. FELTG’s expert speakers, drawing on years of experience from all sides of the litigation table, deliver a fast-paced week of strategies, principles, and authorities relative to the major aspects of the field of discrimination law in the federal government.

And it provides the required material for EEO counselors and investigators to receive refresher training hours

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

3.5 per day.

Download Individual Registration Form

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; EEO counselors and investigators; reasonable accommodation coordinators; federal supervisors and managers who have complicated EEO issues in the workplace; Labor and Employee Relations specialists; union representatives.

Instructors

TBD

Daily Agenda

Monday, September 19

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 20

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

Wednesday, September 21

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 22

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 23

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.

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 September 5):

• 5 days = $1495
• 4 days = $1225
• 3 days = $935
• 2 days = $700
• 1 day = $370

Standard Tuition (register September 6-23):

• 5 days = $1575
• 4 days = $1305
• 3 days = $995
• 2 days = $730
• 1 day = $400

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 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.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Federal employees have historically enjoyed a wide variety of leave-related benefits. Those benefits have only increased in recent years, most recently in the form of paid parental leave. It’s no wonder that leave, which is not always an entitlement, has become such a complex and seemingly burdensome issue, especially when they intersect with other laws. And then there are also the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you’re an HR professional, employee relations practitioner, EEO specialist, supervisor, or agency counsel, you have undoubtedly faced a leave-related challenge. FELTG’s Absence, Leave Abuse & Medical Issues Week will give you the critical foundation you need to address the most complex areas of federal employment law, including the recent challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

The program runs 12:30 – 4:30 each day (all times eastern), with a break midway through. Participants will receive program materials via email the week before the training.

Download Individual Registration Form

Who Should Attend

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

Instructors

Barbara Haga, Deborah Hopkins, Katherine Atkinson, Bob Woods

Daily Agenda:

Monday, September 26

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

Tuesday, September 27

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

Wednesday, September 28

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

Thursday, September 29

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

Friday, September 30

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

Pricing

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

Early Bird Tuition (register by September 9):

• 5 days = $1495
• 4 days = $1225
• 3 days = $935
• 2 days = $700
• 1 day = $370

Standard Tuition (register September 10-30):

• 5 days = $1575
• 4 days = $1305
• 3 days = $995
• 2 days = $730
• 1 day = $400

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 9.

Download Individual Registration Form

Event Description

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

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

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

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

You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for all three. This program runs from 1:00 – 4:30 eastern each day, with a 30-minute break from  2:30 – 3:00 eastern.

Download Individual Registration Form

Tuesday, October 4

Session 1: Investigating Harassment: Misconduct Principles

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (break from 2:30 – 3:00)

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

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

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

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

Wednesday, October 5

Session 2: Understanding Harassment and Planning the Investigation

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (break from 2:30 – 3:00)

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 6

Session 3: Conducting the Investigation and Writing the Report

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm eastern (break from 2:30 – 3:00)

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

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

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

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

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by September 19): One Session = $370  |  Two Sessions = $700  |  Full Event = $935
• Standard Tuition (register September 20-October 6): One Session = $400  |  Two Sessions = $730  |  Full Event = $995
• Rates per registrant. No split registrations permitted.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts are available through September 19. Contact FELTG.
• REGISTER NOW.

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 19.

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Are you looking for a convenient and engaging way to pick up your mandatory annual refresher training? Are you looking for useful, timely, and up-to-date guidance where you can ask your questions, and get answers in real time?

FELTG’s two-day virtual training event provides an opportunity for EEO Counselors and Investigators to pick up their 8 hours of mandatory annual refresher training. Attend both days and earn all 8 hours, while receiving instruction on important EEO topics, such as: EEO timelines, best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses, trends in reasonable accommodation, the very latest on sexual orientation and gender discrimination, what happens when disabilities and FMLA overlap, the latest on Post-COVID EEO challenges, and more.

Attendees will also receive a certificate of attendance verifying they’ve met the annual training requirement. We hope to see you there.

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Wednesday, October 12, 12:30-4:30 pm eastern

Bob Woods

We kick things off with an in-depth presentation on the foundational issues that EEO professionals need to know – everything from theories of discrimination to the complaints procedure process. We will share guidance to help you sharpen your practical skills, especially when it comes to interviewing witnesses. Attendees will learn various methods of communication, the difference between interviews and interrogation, types of questions, and techniques for interviewing difficult witnesses.

EEO Refreshers Hours: 4

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Avoid the common mistakes made in the counseling process.
• Identify the appropriate bases for dismissing a complaint.
• Prepare and conduct effective witness interviews.

Thursday, October 13,12:30-4:30 pm eastern

Katherine Atkinson

In recent years, the Supreme Court and the EEOC have issued dozens of significant decisions that impact how you approach your job. Meanwhile, agencies are seeing new examples of hostile work environment and national origin and religious discrimination. This session will cover those topics, as well as the changing nature of reprisal discrimination, protections for LGBTQ employees, and the increase in reasonable accommodation requests (both disability-related and religious). Many of these trends are directly related to the pandemic.  Attorney at Law Katherine Atkinson will look at the latest trends in EEO and you’ll leave the session with the confidence to successfully handle them all.

EEO Refreshers Hours: 4

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Address challenging reasonable accommodations, such as requests for permanent telework and new supervisor.
• Explain the 2021 Executive Orders on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accommodation.
• Recognize incidents of hostile work environment and reprisal.

Price

• Early Bird Tuition: $370 per session, $700 for both sessions (register by September 27).
• Standard Tuition: $400 per session, $730 for both sessions (register September 28-October 13).
• 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 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 September 27.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

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

Download Individual Registration Form

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 runs from 1:00 – 4:30 eastern each day, 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.

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Agenda

Tuesday, October 18

Applying Theories of Discrimination: EEO Law Overview; Intentional Discrimination; Disparate Impact; Hostile Work Environment; Reasonable Accommodation; Retaliation; overlapping forms of discrimination.

Wednesday, October 19

Writing the Report: Timeliness Issues; Effective Legal Writing: structure and language; FAD Legal Sufficiency; deconstruction exercise.

Price

• Early Bird Tuition: $355 per session, $690 for both sessions (register by October 3).
• Standard Tuition: $395 per session, $750 for both sessions (register October 4-19).
• 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 3.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

Employee relations professionals: FELTG’s three-day Advanced ER virtual training event gives you the kind of interactive foundational-based, training necessary to handle the most challenging and complicated situations.

Attendees will  receive in-depth training on topics including leave, performance, misconduct, and more. Have an employee who is absent so often she is unable to perform her job? Wondering how Paid Parental Leave works with FMLA? When is the last time you looked at critical elements? FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will give you the tools you need to handle any employee relations issue that comes your way, as well as guidance on ensuring that some of those challenges never arise.

The program runs 9:30 – 4:30 ET each day and is approved for 18 HRCI general recertification credits.

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Daily Agenda:

Tuesday, November 1

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 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, November 2

Performance Management: Managing performance from system establishment to conducting annual appraisals to taking actions linked to performance. GEAR initiative and other efforts focused on modifying Federal performance management system. 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 to conducting a bona fide PIP to ensuring that due process is met in effecting an action on unacceptable performance.

Thursday, November 3

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. Involuntary actions – resignations and retirements. Ordering and Offering medical examinations. Specific disciplinary situations: handling situations when an employee is unable to perform including excessive leave, disability retirement, separation disability; conduct unbecoming; misuse and technology-related misconduct; failure to meet conditions of employment.

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by October 17):

• 3 days = $1370
• 2 days = $970
• 1 day = $530

Standard Tuition (register October 18 or later):

• 3 days = $1470
• 2 days = $1070
• 1 day = $630

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to have the best chance to receive materials by the training date, please register by October 17 and provide a shipping address, and your materials will be sent via USPS Priority Mail. Registrations received after October will also receive printed materials, which will be shipped Priority Mail when registration is received; they may not arrive in time for the training.

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 October 17, 2022.

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant empowers federal supervisors and advisers to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising in the federal workplace. We hope that you never have to fire an employee. But it’s important that you have the tools to effectively address poor performance and misconduct, should the need arise.

Over the course of two half-days, UnCivil Servant identifies misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and provides you with simple step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate and legally defensible actions. The program also covers the very latest with Executive Order 13839, plus OPM regulations on performance and conduct.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working – agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. Note: This course fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

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

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Who Should Attend

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

Agenda

Wednesday, February 8

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

Thursday, February 9

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

Price

• Early Bird Tuition: $425 per session, $755 for both sessions (register by January 24).
• Standard Tuition: $525 per session, $855 for both sessions (register January 25-February 9).
• 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 January 24.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Seminar registration includes a PDF copy of the program materials, plus a hard copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive the textbook by the training date, please register by January 24 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after January 24 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Description

The MSPB has a lot of work to do after a five-year absence of a quorum. FELTG’s quarterly review of Board cases is back, helping you keep up as the MSBP continues to chip away at hundreds of Petitions for Review, several of which involve important federal workplace issues.

FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will discuss the newest and most critical decisions coming out of MSPB and explain what those decisions mean for you and your agency.

Date and Time

Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 1:00 – 3:00 pm eastern.

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

• Early Bird Tuition: $320 (payment required by January 31)
• Standard Tuition: $350 (payments made February 1 or later)
• Rates per registrant.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available until January 31. 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 also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available until January 31.

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.

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, February 22 – Session 1

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, February 23 – Session 2

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

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 February 8):

• 2 days = $725
• 1 day = $395

Standard Tuition (register February 9 and after):

• 2 days = $825
• 1 day = $495

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 February 8.

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

Download Individual Registration Form

Course Description

An increase in reasonable accommodations requests based on religion and disability.  Pandemic-related civil rights crises. Increased discussion of diversity and inclusion. Way too many harassment complaints. Talk of changes to the EEO process. If you’ve thought about registering for FELTG’s EEOC Law Week in the past, now is the time to act on it. This weeklong virtual training is updated for 2023, including the latest on COVID-related challenges and workplace harassment.

This in-depth training overs the gamut of EEO issues, and provides usable guidance for all practitioners, regardless of experience level. FELTG’s expert speakers, drawing on years of experience from all sides of the litigation table, deliver a fast-paced week of strategies, principles, and authorities relative to the major aspects of the field of discrimination law in the federal government.

And it provides the required material for EEO counselors and investigators to receive refresher training hours.

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

3.5 per day.

Download Individual Registration Form

Who Should Attend

Attorneys; EEO managers and directors; EEO specialists; EEO counselors and investigators; reasonable accommodation coordinators; federal supervisors and managers who have complicated EEO issues in the workplace; Labor and Employee Relations specialists; union representatives.

Instructors

TBD

Daily Agenda

Monday, March 13

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

Tuesday, March 14

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

Wednesday, March 15

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, March 16

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, March 17

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.

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 February 27):

• 5 days = $1595
• 4 days = $1365
• 3 days = $995
• 2 days = $725
• 1 day = $395

Standard Tuition (register February 28-March 17):

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

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 February 27.

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.

Event Description

They just don’t get it. Some people think of the Federal workplace as a slow, monolithic bureaucracy. They don’t see the the abrupt changes in priorities that accompany every change in presidential administrations. They don’t understand how decisions by the Merit Systems Protection Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Federal Labor Relations Authority, Federal Circuit, or even the Supreme Court can upend years (even decades sometimes) of policies and procedures. And we haven’t even touched on Office of Personnel Management regulations. They don’t see the challenges of ensuring the workplace is accountable, striving to make the workplace look more like America, and resolving disputes that could the end up costing those same taxpayers.

There are people in all sectors of work that have an easy job. But if you’re an HR professional, attorney, supervisor, or an EEO or ER/LR specialist, you’re not one of those people.

We’ve got you. We understand the impact of changing times, rules, and laws.

This year’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law provides the guidance to succeed in the dynamic (yes, dynamic) Federal Workplace. Learn from those you may see in the trenches, like former FELTG Instructor and current EEOC Administrative Judge Meghan Droste and arbitrator Joseph Schimansky. We’ll guide you through the ever-changing law, whether it’s justifying a PIP or recognizing the new face of reprisal. We’ll give you the path for moving forward, whether it’s overcoming bias or getting more use out of the probationary period.

With 11 unique sessions over four days, FELTG’s Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law offers an opportunity to receive guidance with a fresh perspective. And many sessions offer opportunities to pick up CLE or EEO refresher credits.

Emerging Issues in Federal Employment Law provides benefits you just can’t get from online virtual training providers. You can register for any of the sessions individually, or you can register for the whole program.  Also, the training is presented LIVE by FELTG’s experienced and respected instructors, who will answer your questions, so you get answers in real time. Don’t put off getting the important training you need.

Download Individual Registration Form

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

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Lessons Learned

Session 1

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

Avoiding Pitfalls: Advice from an EEOC AJ

Presented by Meghan Droste, Administrative Judge, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Course description: Be prepared. Be on time. Be civil. These are pretty basic expectations. Yet, they’re often forgotten once parties enter the EEO process. And once in the process, the potential pitfalls only increase. EEOC Administrative Judge Meghan Droste will discuss the common mistakes agencies make, from missing important deadlines to missing the mark in pleadings, whether it’s failing to provide citations to the record or exceeding page limits, or another reason. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear an EEOC AJ point out the specific perils you need to avoid to achieve success in the EEO process. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Session 2

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

13 Months In: Tristan Leavitt Shares Important Lessons from the MSPB

Presented by Tristan Leavitt, former MSPB Member/President Empower Oversight; and Deborah J. Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course Description: The Merit Systems Protection Board went through a tumultuous period recently. No one has had a bigger role during that time period than Tristan Leavitt. Leavitt served as a Board Member from 2022-2023 as part of the first quorum in over 5 years. Before that he served as General Counsel, and was the acting agency head after remaining Member Mark Robbins’ term expired in 2019.  FELTG President Deborah J. Hopkins will talk with Leavitt about how he steered the Board through the long period with no members, and will discuss important takeaways on topics including the Board’s view on post-Santos performance cases, the pendulum swing on comparator employees over the past decade-plus, important lessons on whistleblower protections, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Leavitt’s unique perspective. Ensure you’re prepared for the next time you have business with the agency.  Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 

Session 3

3:00 – 4:15 pm ET 

What I’ve Learned: Advice from an Arbitrator

Presented by Joseph Schimansky, Former Executive Director/Federal Service Impasses Panel,  FELTG Instructor

Course Description: The Federal Service Impasses Panel’s former Executive Director now spends his time, when not teaching for FELTG, arbitrating federal Labor Relations disputes. Joe Schimansky will share his guidance and advice on topics such as educating the arbitrator about your case, how the arbitrators view the Douglas factors in discipline cases, the rules in handling requests for attorney’s fees, navigating loser pays provisions, and the role of past practices when interpreting contract provisions.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

The Ever-Changing Law

Session 4

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

The How, Why, and When of Justifying a PIP

Presented by Robert Woods, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

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, even before the recent decision in Santos v. NASA, which requires agencies to have substantial evidence of poor performance BEFORE the implementing the PIP. FELTG Instructor Bob Woods will detail the ins and outs of this new requirement and share clear guidance and the effective, time-tested FELTG approach to handling unacceptable performance. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 5

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

The Many Faces of Reprisal

Presented by Katherine Atkinson, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: Did you know that the most common discrimination finding in Federal sector cases is reprisal, also known as retaliation? Why does it continue to be the most common finding and why does it show up in nearly half of all EEO complaints? Because it’s ubiquitous. Reprisal rears its ugly head in numerous situations – and those scenarios continue to change over time. FELTG Instructor Katie Atkinson will provide a thorough review of the various forms of EEO reprisal and share important guidance on how to keep it from happening at your agency, with a special focus on “per se reprisal.” Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 1.25

Session 6

3:00 – 4:15 pm ET

MSPB and EEOC Case Law Update

Presented by Deborah Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course description: The MSPB is back and delivering decisions, the FLRA and EEOC continue to issue important decisions, the Federal Circuit has been hopping, and OPM regularly updates its guidance. A District Court in Texas recently put a hold on major Federal workplace mandates, and a Federal Appeals court has recently struck down FLRA policy decisions. It’s a lot to keep up with. That’s why you need to join FELTG for this fast-paced review of the most surprising, significant, and groundbreaking developments in Federal employment law. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Moving Forward

Session 7

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

Overcoming Bias: The Power to Make Visible the Invisible

Presented by Dr. J. Bruce Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Small World Solutions

Course description: Unconscious bias is natural, prevalent, and human, according to Bruce Stewart. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. In some cases, unconscious bias can lead people, teams, and organizations to be less creative, inclusive, and effective as they could be. This 75-minute training will provide strategies and structures for individuals, teams, and organizations to overcome the negative impact of the human condition known as unconscious bias. 1.25

Session 8

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

Up in Smoke? Changing Laws, Marijuana, and the Federal Workplace

Presented by Deborah Hopkins, Attorney at Law, FELTG President

Course description:This presentation coincides with 4/20 celebrations across the country, as marijuana dispensaries offer big sales and individuals partake in the drug, many of them doing so legally. Following President Biden’s pardon for people convicted of simple possession of marijuana, and the growing legalization movement, we received a lot of questions regarding Federal employees and their use, whether recreationally, medicinally, or “accidentally” – of marijuana.  FELTG President Deborah Hopkins will review the laws that apply to Federal employees, discuss relevant MSPB cases, and share the most effective approach to managing and/or disciplining employees when their drug usage seeps into the workplace. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 

Session 9

3:00 – 4:15 pm ET

Everything You Want to Know About Probationary Periods 

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

Course description: On the surface, probationary periods seem rather simple. An employee is given a year to prove they are a good fit for the job. But, as many agencies are now realizing, there can be challenges. What if, due to the employee’s shifting job responsibilities or leave, you are unable to make an appropriate determination at the end of the period? Must you notify employees when their probationary periods are coming to an end? Can you discipline or PIP someone during a probationary period? When re-instating or competitively hiring an employee, is a new probationary period required? FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm will lead a discussion on all you need to know. Earn 1.25 CLE credits. 

Friday April 21, 2023

Labor Relations Spotlight

Session 10

10:30 – 11:45 am ET

The Union Doesn’t Get to Attend Every Meeting

Presented by Ann Boehm, Attorney at Law, FELTG Instructor

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 FELTG Instructor Ann Boehm has all the answers. Earn 1.25 CLE credits.

Session 11

1:00 – 2:15 pm ET

FLRA Case Law Update

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

Course description: During this 75-minute session, Joe Schimansky will bring you up to speed on everything FLRA, from significant decisions in the areas of negotiability, arbitration, unfair labor practices, and representation to the impact that the lack of a third member has had on the Authority.

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

• Early Bird Tuition (register by April 3):
  • One Session = $165
  • One Day (Three Sessions) = $425
  • Labor Relations Day = $295
  • April 18-20 All Access  = $1245
  • April 18-21 All Access with Labor Relations = $1495
• Standard Tuition (register April 4-21)
  • One Session = $195
  • One Day (Three Sessions) = $525
  • Labor Relations Day = $355
  • April 18-20 All Access = $1565
  • April 18-21 All Access with Labor Relations = $1895
• Rates per registrant and may not be used for groups under any circumstances. No split registrations.

Event FAQs

• Can I attend Virtual Training from my government computer?
  • FELTG uses Zoom to broadcast 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.
• How do I claim CLE or EEO refresher credits?
  • This program has been submitted (and we anticipate this program will be approved) for Virginia CLE credits. Members of other state bars must submit for CLE credit on their own, and may use the materials provided by FELTG in submissions. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended, and will designate how many EEO refresher hours were earned.
• Can I get HRCI credits for attending this class?
  • Each session is approved for 1.25 hours of HRCI general recertification credit. The HRCI course numbers will be available upon the conclusion of the training.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals for the full event. Group discounts are available through April 3.

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.

Course Description

Employee relations professionals: FELTG’s three-day Advanced ER virtual training event gives you the kind of interactive foundational-based, training necessary to handle the most challenging and complicated situations.

Attendees will  receive in-depth training on topics including leave, performance, misconduct, and more. Have an employee who is absent so often she is unable to perform her job? Wondering how Paid Parental Leave works with FMLA? When is the last time you looked at critical elements? FELTG Senior Instructor Barbara Haga will give you the tools you need to handle any employee relations issue that comes your way, as well as guidance on ensuring that some of those challenges never arise.

This training is approved for 18 HRCI general recertification credits.

Tuesday, May 9

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 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, May 10

Performance Management: Managing performance from system establishment to conducting annual appraisals to taking actions linked to performance. GEAR initiative and other efforts focused on modifying Federal performance management system. 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 to conducting a bona fide PIP to ensuring that due process is met in effecting an action on unacceptable performance.

Thursday, May 11

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. Involuntary actions – resignations and retirements. Ordering and Offering medical examinations. Specific disciplinary situations: handling situations when an employee is unable to perform including excessive leave, disability retirement, separation disability; conduct unbecoming; misuse and technology-related misconduct; failure to meet conditions of employment.

Date and Time

May 9-11, 2023

9:30 am – 4:30 pm ET each day

Instructor

Barbara Haga

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

Early Bird Tuition (register by April 24):

• 3 days = $1425
• 2 days = $995
• 1 day = $530

Standard Tuition (register April 25 or later):

• 3 days = $1525
• 2 days = $1095
• 1 day = $630

Seminar registration includes a printed copy of the materials. In order to have the best chance to receive materials by the training date, please register by April 24 and provide a shipping address, and your materials will be sent via USPS Priority Mail. Registrations received after April 24 will also receive printed materials, which will be shipped Priority Mail when registration is received; they may not arrive in time for the training.

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 April 24, 2023.

Course Description

FELTG’s flagship course UnCivil Servant empowers federal supervisors and advisers to confidently handle the challenges that come with supervising in the federal workplace. We hope that you never have to fire an employee. But it’s important that you have the tools to effectively address poor performance and misconduct, should the need arise.

Over the course of two half-days, UnCivil Servant identifies misconceptions about performance and misconduct-based actions and provides you with simple step-by-step guidance for taking swift, appropriate and legally defensible actions. The program also covers the very latest with Executive Order 14003, plus OPM regulations on performance and conduct.

Join FELTG for this special event, from wherever you are working – agency office or home. The program will be presented live, and you’ll have time to ask questions and get answers in real time. Note: This course fulfills OPM’s mandatory training requirements for new supervisors found at 5 CFR 412.202(b).

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

Agenda

Wednesday, May 24

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

Thursday, May 25

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

Date and Time

May 24-25, 2023

12:30 pm – 4:00 pm ET each day (with a 30-minute break)

Instructor

Deborah J. Hopkins

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

• Early Bird Tuition: $425 per session, $755 for both sessions (register by May 8).
• Standard Tuition: $525 per session, $855 for both sessions (register May 9-25).
• 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 May 8.
• Can I earn CLE credits for this class?
  • CLE applications are the responsibility of each attendee; FELTG does not apply for the credits on behalf of attendees.  If you are seeking CLE credit, attendees may use the materials provided by FELTG in submission to your state bar. Attendees may also request a certificate of completion which will contain the number of training hours attended.

Seminar registration includes a PDF copy of the program materials, plus a hard copy of the textbook UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct, 5th ed., by Wiley and Hopkins. In order to receive the textbook by the training date, please register by May 8 and provide a shipping address. Registrations received after May 8 will also receive a textbook, but materials are not guaranteed to arrive by the training date.

Course Description

Are you looking for a convenient and engaging way to pick up your mandatory annual refresher training? Are you looking for useful, timely, and up-to-date guidance where you can ask your questions, and get answers in real time?

FELTG’s two-day virtual training event provides an opportunity for EEO Counselors and Investigators to pick up their 8 hours of mandatory annual refresher training. Attend both days and earn all 8 hours, while receiving instruction on important EEO topics, such as: EEO timelines, best practices for interviewing complainants and witnesses, trends in reasonable accommodation, the very latest on sexual orientation and gender discrimination, what happens when disabilities and FMLA overlap, and much more.

Attendees will also receive a certificate of attendance verifying they’ve met the annual training requirement. We hope to see you there.

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

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

We kick things off with an in-depth presentation on the foundational issues that EEO professionals need to know – everything from theories of discrimination to the complaints procedure process. We will share guidance to help you sharpen your practical skills, especially when it comes to interviewing witnesses. Attendees will learn various methods of communication, the difference between interviews and interrogation, types of questions, and techniques for interviewing difficult witnesses.

EEO Refreshers Hours: 4

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Avoid the common mistakes made in the counseling process.
• Identify the appropriate bases for dismissing a complaint.
• Prepare and conduct effective witness interviews.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

In recent years, the Supreme Court and the EEOC have issued dozens of significant decisions that impact how you approach your job. Meanwhile, agencies are seeing new examples of hostile work environment and national origin and religious discrimination. This session will cover those topics, as well as the changing nature of reprisal discrimination, protections for LGBTQ employees, and the increase in reasonable accommodation requests (both disability-related and religious). Many of these trends are directly related to the pandemic.  Attorney at Law Katherine Atkinson will look at the latest trends in EEO, and you’ll leave the session with the confidence to successfully handle them all.

EEO Refreshers Hours: 4

Learning takeaways

Attendees will learn how to:

• Address challenging reasonable accommodations, such as requests for permanent telework and new supervisors.
• Ensure protections for LGBTQ employees.
• Recognize incidents of hostile work environment and reprisal.

Date and Time

June 21-22, 2023

12:30-4:30 pm ET each day

Instructors

Katherine Atkinson, Ricky Rowe

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Price

• Early Bird Tuition: $395 per session, $725 for both sessions (register by June 6).
• Standard Tuition: $495 per session, $825 for both sessions (register June 7-22).
• 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 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 June 6.
• 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.

Course Description

A supervisor sees his employee going into an investigation interview and says, “Just don’t play the race card.” An employee, who was provided new software as a reasonable accommodation, tells you weeks later that her computer has “been glitchy” since the new software was added.

When EEO challenges arise, they rarely show up as run-of-the-mill simple scenarios you’ve worked through in a training class. Are you an EEO professional, attorney or advisor eager to learn how to more effectively manage the unexpected EEO issues? Are you looking for guidance to answer challenging questions, such as: Can an agency be held liable for retaliation in a disciplinary action if the deciding official was unaware of the employee’s prior protected activity? Or when does misuse of an employee’s pronoun constitute sex-based harassment or discrimination?

FELTG’s two-day Advanced EEO virtual training event is an in-depth, highly interactive training that will give you the necessary tools and practical guidance to manage these challenging situations and questions. There will be some basic review of foundational principles followed by breakout workshops where attendees will work through scenarios, building not just knowledge, but a process for effectively responding in all EEO situations, regardless of how perplexing they may be.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Advanced Reasonable Accommodations Issues: Ineffective accommodations; check-ins with employees after granting an accommodation; how to spot reasonable accommodation requests; ensuring your agency is equipped to handle religious accommodations; the difference between religious and disability accommodations; and much more.

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Advanced Hostile Work Environment, Sex Discrimination, and Reprisal Issues:  Gender identity and sexual orientation after Bostock; recognizing microaggressions and other harassment related to gender identity; how microaggressions can show discriminatory motive; what is per se retaliation, what to do when you see it; and much more.

This program meets the President’s mandate to provide training on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the Federal workplace. Attend both days to earn your EEO counselor & investigator refresher hours.

Date and Time

July 12-13, 2023

12:30 – 4:30 pm ET each day

Instructor

Katherine Atkinson

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

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

Early Bird Tuition (register by June 28):

• 2 days = $725
• 1 day = $395

Standard Tuition (register June 29 and after):

• 2 days = $825
• 1 day = $495

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 June 28.

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.

Course Description

The “new quorum” at the MSPB is no longer new.  In fact, since our last Back on Board session, member Tristan Levitt has left and President Biden has nominated Special Counsel Henry Kerner to replace him.

In the meantime, the current Board members continue to chip away at a massive stack of Petitions for Review. If you fail to pay attention, you could miss important decisions on federal workplace issues.

At FELTG, we’re reading every single new case. To ensure you don’t miss anything, join FELTG President Deborah Hopkins for our another edition of Back on Board: Keeping Up With the New MSPB, where she will discuss the newest and most critical decisions coming out of MSPB and explain what those decisions mean for you and your agency.

Date and Time

Thursday, July 20, 2023, 1:00 – 3:00 pm eastern.

Instructor

Deborah Hopkins

Registration

Download Individual Registration Form

Pricing

• Early Bird Tuition: $320 (payment required by July 5)
• Standard Tuition: $350 (payments made July 6 or later)
• Rates per registrant.
• Want to register a group? Group discounts for 10 or more attendees are available until July 5. 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 also plans to offer this live event periodically, so check our calendar for upcoming dates.
• Can I share my access link with co-workers?
  • No. Registration for this event is per individual, and access links may not be shared. Each link may only be used by one person.
• Can I register a teleworker?
  • This event is individual registration, so the cost is the same whether the person is teleworking or in an agency facility.
• How do I receive a group rate discount?
  • Group rates are available for agencies registering 10 or more individuals. Group discounts are available until 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.