As we step into 2026, it’s the perfect time to set your professional development goals—and we’ve got exciting opportunities to help you thrive this year. 

New or Updated Courses for 2026: 

• Spartan Excellence Learning Series on January 27 and 28: Through a sequence of skill-building modules, participants will learn how to define problems, analyze processes, design improvements, and implement sustainable solutions. By integrating Lean methods within the broader Operational Excellence framework, the series helps create lasting practices that enhance efficiency, transparency, and the overall Spartan Experience.   

• Travel Expense Report Processing on March 10: Learn the essentials of submitting accurate travel expense reports at MSU. This session will walk you through the required documentation, Concur tips, policy highlights, and best practices for timely reimbursement. 

• Engaging and Empowering Teams on March 11: Leaders can learn evidence-based strategies to engage and empower employees, understand employees’ perspectives, and reflect on and assess your own supervisory practices. 

• Mental Health First Aid on March 18: This evidence-based training that teaches participants how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis and help someone who may be experiencing one. 

• Five Behaviors: Personal Development on April 16: Based on the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, this course helps individuals become better teammates. This program is for individual contributors. Using activities, videos, and discussion, participants learn the behaviors that will enable them to become better teammates. 

• University Archives: Transferring Permanent and Historical Records on May 13: In part two of the Records Management at MSU training series, you’ll learn how university departments create permanent and historical records that tell the story of their office. 

Upcoming Courses in January or February 

• Vendors in KFS  |  Virtual  |  January 13  |  1 to 2 p.m. 

• Maximizing Your Concur and Travel Skills  |  Virtual  |  January 21  |  10 to 11:30 a.m. 

• Bystander Intervention Training  |  In-person  |  January 22  |  10 to 11 a.m. 

• EBS Financial System: Roles and Onboarding  |  Virtual    |  January 27  |  10 to 11:30 a.m. 

• Crucial Influence  |  Virtual  |  January 27, 28, and 29  |  9 to 11:30 a.m. 

• Introduction to Process Mapping  |  In-person  |  February 4 |  1 to 4 p.m. 

• Getting Things Done  |  Virtual  |  February 10, 11, and 12 |  9 to 11:30 a.m. 

• New Leader Development Series | Starts February 17 |  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

• Certified Human Resources Specialist  |  Virtual  |  Starts February 17 |  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

• KFS Transactional Edocs: Types and Purposes  |  Virtual  |  February 19  |  10 a.m. to Noon 

• Promapp, Interactive Process Creation  |  In-person  |  February 18  |  1 to 4 p.m. 

• Roadmap to Retirement  |  In-person  |  February 19 |  8:30 to Noon OR 1 to 4:30 p.m.  

• The Spartan Experience  |  In-person  |  February 26  |  8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

• Disbursement Voucher Processing  |  Virtual  |  February 26  |  10 to 11:30 a.m. 

You can find all of HR Organization and Professional Development’s courses on the HR website. This is the perfect time to reflect on your goals and plan for the year ahead. What skills do you want to build? What challenges are you ready to tackle? With so many opportunities on the horizon, we’re here to help you make 2026 your most impactful year yet!