We're excited to announce that the College of Continuing and Professional Studies is expanding its popular free webinar program, bringing you even more opportunities for career-boosting insights. Each webinar offers a fresh, engaging look at topics vital for today's professionals—from effective communication and leadership strategies to promoting workplace wellbeing—and wraps up with a Q&A. Our presentations are crafted and led by University of Minnesota instructors, all of whom bring decades of on-the-ground experience and expertise directly to you.

This expanded series reflects the University of Minnesota's deep-rooted commitment to excellence and our "Maroon and Gold" standard of quality in education. We believe that continuous learning shouldn't be a luxury, but an accessible pathway to advancing your career and personal growth. By offering these free, expert-led sessions monthly, we aim to provide timely and relevant guidance that helps you stay ahead in a constantly evolving professional landscape. Join us each month to connect with leading minds and gain practical knowledge you can apply right away.

University of Minnesota employees can receive 200 wellness points by viewing a CCAPS professional development webinar. The form to collect wellness points will be included in an email to webinar registrants after the webinar.

Turning Data into Actionable Insights

Presented by Dr. Gina Debogovich
Wednesday, August 12 | noon–1 p.m.

Data is everywhere, but useful insight is harder to find.

Many professionals have access to dashboards, spreadsheets, reports and AI tools, yet still struggle to turn information into clear recommendations. The challenge is no longer just collecting data. It is knowing which questions to ask, which metrics matter, how to interpret patterns responsibly and how to communicate findings in a way that supports better decisions.

This webinar introduces the practical skills learners will build through the University of Minnesota’s Data Analytics Certificate. The session will explore how business intelligence reporting and decision-support analytics can help professionals move beyond static reports toward clearer, more actionable insights. Participants will also consider how generative AI is changing the analytics workflow, including how it can support brainstorming, data quality checks, KPI development, dashboard storytelling and executive communication when used responsibly.

Through this session, participants will learn to:

  • recognize the difference between having data and using data to support decisions.
  • identify the kinds of business questions that can be supported through reporting, dashboards and applied analytics.
  • describe how KPIs, data visualization and executive summaries can help translate analysis into action.
  • consider responsible ways generative AI can support but not replace human judgment in analytics work.

Dr. Gina Debogovich is a digital strategist, analytics leader and educator with experience leading social, digital and data-informed decision-making initiatives for major organizations including Amazon, Best Buy, AT&T and UnitedHealth Group. Her work has included executive reporting, dashboard development, KPI strategy, marketing and social media analytics, AI adoption and translating complex data into practical insights for business leaders.

Build Emotionally Intelligent Teams

Presented by Karin Goettsch
Tuesday, Sept. 15 | noon–1 p.m.

Emotionally intelligent teams don't happen by chance. Supervisors create the conditions that allow emotionally intelligent behaviors to become the norm. Through their self-awareness and everyday interactions, supervisors influence how team members communicate, navigate challenges and support one another's success. Creating a positive team culture means balancing empathy with accountability while helping employees remain engaged, adaptable and productive. 

In this webinar, we'll:

  • recognize how a supervisor's self-awareness and actions influence team culture and performance.
  • describe the key habits and norms that characterize emotionally intelligent teams.
  • explore practical strategies supervisors can use to strengthen trust, communication and resilience within their teams.

Karin Goettsch, PhD, PCC, CPTD designs strategic talent and organizational development solutions for leaders, teams and individuals. She consults and coaches on leadership development, high-performing global virtual teams, cultural and emotional intelligence and communication capabilities.

From Individual Contributor to Impactful Leader

Presented by Carolien Moors
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | noon–1 p.m.

Being great at your job is often what earns you a leadership opportunity. However, the skills that make you a strong individual contributor are rarely the same skills that make you an effective leader.

In this practical webinar, you'll learn how to navigate one of the most critical career transitions: moving from doing the work yourself to achieving results through others. We’ll explore the mindset shifts, communication habits and leadership behaviors that help emerging leaders build credibility, delegate effectively and increase their influence. Whether you are preparing for a promotion or newly stepped into a leadership role, you'll leave with actionable strategies to lead with greater confidence and clarity.

In this session, we’ll discuss::

  • shifting from task ownership to people leadership.
  • transitioning from reactive doing to strategic thinking.
  • building trust and credibility with your team.
  • delegating effectively without micromanaging.
  • navigating the dynamics of leading former peers.

Carolien Moors, M.Psych., M.Ed., is an international organizational consultant, coach and speaker with over 30 years of experience helping leaders, teams and individuals across Europe and the US navigate change with candor and accountability. By blending psychology and business insights, she supports diverse industries and nonprofits to drive meaningful growth and collaboration. 

Explore the U's Portfolio of Professional Development Programs

Browse the University's wide variety of courses and certificate programs to help you level up your career and get noticed. 

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We can help you choose which professional development programs are the best fit to meet your career goals. We are here to answer your questions regarding specific programs, courses, or other career topics you have on your mind.  

Don’t hesitate to send us an email. We're here for YOU!

University Employee Wellbeing Points

CCAPS's Free Webinar Series is partnering with the University's Employee Wellbeing Program. For each free webinar attended, you may earn 200 points towards your goal.

How many points will I receive after attending a webinar?

1 hour webinar = 200 points

Are there limits on the number of CCAPS professional development webinars I can listen to in order to receive Wellbeing points?

No. You can now receive points for attending unlimited webinars per program year.

How do I request my Wellbeing points?

CCAPS will also provide a link to the request form at the end of each webinar. A link to the request form should also appear in the YouTube description of past webinars.

When will OHR process my Wellbeing points request?

Point requests will be submitted on the 1st Tuesday of the month following the webinars. If you have any questions or are not seeing your Wellbeing points reflected, please contact [email protected].

How do I check my current points rewards status?

You can check your current status by visiting the Wellbeing Program page, or you can email [email protected].

Can I obtain Wellbeing points for listening to past webinars?

Yes. You can obtain points for listening to past webinars. You can access our past webinars by visiting CCAPS's Professional Development Webinar Archive. You will need to submit a separate request for each webinar you listen to, the wellbeing form can be found in the webinar description on our YouTube channel.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the Wellbeing Program?

Visit the Wellbeing Program website or email your questions to [email protected].