Professional Development   

Course includes skill training for certification in adult and child CPR and AED.

Course includes skill training for certification in adult and child CPR and AED.

Conflict management is a vital skill for all Managers and Supervisors. Recognizing that navigating conflict can be challenging, this training offers fundamental techniques for engaging with difficult individuals, addressing conflict in a way that reduces defensiveness, and maintaining professional control during tense situations.

In today's dynamic and unpredictable world, the ability to adapt is no longer just a desirable trait—it's essential for navigating challenges and flourishing in the face of change. Adaptability empowers individuals to remain resilient and succeed, even when circumstances are difficult.This crucial skill is shaped by a variety of elements, including personal characteristics, external influences, and the capacity for learning and making necessary adjustments.

In this course, we will delve into practical methods for overcoming the six common obstacles that hinder adaptability. We will also explore effective strategies for embracing change, gaining clarity amidst uncertainty, concentrating on aspects within our influence, and cultivating the vital qualities of grit and resilience.

Developing Personal Assertiveness is a course that teaches people tools to develop more assertiveness to help improve relationships, confront difficult situations, and handle conflict without becoming aggressive. In this course, we cover specific assertiveness tools such as demonstrating assertive speech, using negative inquiry, If/When statements, DESC technique, and disagreeing without becoming disagreeable.

Hear what others are saying about the course:

"This class gave me a new perspective on how to be assertive. I learned techniques to take my communication habits and make them more productive. The class booklet is kept on my office desk so I can review it often to keep the tools fresh in my mind. Kathleen is a knowledgeable instructor and makes it easy to have open conversation in the classroom." 

                                                                               -  Jenny Helming-Rasche

                                                                                 Helming Bros Inc

Employees are often promoted into management roles with little training in human resources, yet managing people is a primary responsibility on which their success depends. If managers do not understand employment laws and concepts such as ADAAA, FCRA, implied contract, BFOQ, protected class, FLSA, or discrimination, they may be unintentionally placing their employers at risk. In this course, managers will learn about federal and state employment laws as well as the importance of implementing effective HR practices from employee hiring through separation. Special emphasis will be given to the importance of maintaining a harassment-free, discrimination free workplace.

"The class was very informative and helpful to know the local regulations for employees I supervise.  It was wonderful to have conversations with other supervising employees."

Kathleen M. Elliott
Isaiah 1:17 Project

Fortifying Fostering Families Program Manager

The LSAT is the required entrance exam for most U.S. law schools. LSAT scores are perhaps the single most important factor considered by admissions committees in assessing applicants. In some cases, strong LSAT scores can make the difference in acceptance into highly ranked schools or in garnering thousands in competitive scholarships.

This three-week course covers the format and structure of the LSAT, teaches test-taking strategies and trains students in logical reasoning and analysis—the skills required for success on the exam.

The LSAT is comprised of four sections measuring three intellectual skills: logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing ability. Weeks one and two of the course focus on logical reasoning, while week three focuses on reading comprehension.

Class each day consists of a mixture of lecture and work on practice questions. Typically, a short period of instruction is followed by the completion of a problem set. Subsequently, the questions are reviewed and discussed along with strategies for the successful approach of various types of questions. On Fridays, we review the course material taught so far, and students participate in workshops focusing on professional development or preparing for the law school application process.

Students will take a practice LSAT exam on the first and last days of the course to measure progress.

Using well-recognized and accepted assessment center methodology, assessors observe and evaluate participants during a series of work simulations where participants encounter challenges and tasks common to supervisory and management positions. The outcome is a comprehensive report outlining the participant's strengths, developmental needs and training recommendations. The assessment is valuable for aspiring or current supervisors and managers from all industries. Fee includes refreshments and lunch. This course addresses the following soft skills: leadership, written and oral communication, problem solving, decision making, interpersonal relationship skills, sensitivity, planning, organizing and prioritizing abilities. 

Registration fees are refundable in full up to one week before the course date.  No refunds will be made for cancelations less than one week before the course date.  Substitutions are permitted up to 24 hours prior to the course start time. No refunds will be made for no-shows.

“The Leadership Skills assessment is a great way to evaluate your progress in leadership skills development.  The mix of activities cover a full range of situations encountered in leadership roles and were both exciting and challenging.  I found the staff and moderators to be extremely welcoming, knowledgeable, and skilled in recognizing strengths and areas for growth.”

Brandon Lucas
Systems Administrator
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline 

"I thought the Leadership Skills Assessment course was going to be just another generic workshop; some basic tools that I could take back to work with me. It was much more than that. The Leadership Skills Assessment allowed me to understand the elements of leadership better and where I fit into those elements. It was both challenging and educational as I participated in the different scenarios and engaging activities with the other participants and the USI staff. The USI staff were genuine and supportive. This course allowed me to better understand my strengths as a leader and how those strengths can benefit not only myself but my colleagues at work. It also highlights the areas in which I can better grow and develop my leadership characteristics. The course is real, and the feedback is valuable. And its only 1 day! In such a short amount of time you can learn so much."  

James Nance, MS, CSP
EHS Specialist
BWX Technologies, Inc.

Using well-recognized and accepted assessment center methodology, assessors observe and evaluate participants during a series of work simulations where participants encounter challenges and tasks common to supervisory and management positions. The outcome is a comprehensive report outlining the participant's strengths, developmental needs and training recommendations. The assessment is valuable for aspiring or current supervisors and managers from all industries. Fee includes refreshments and lunch. This course addresses the following soft skills: leadership, written and oral communication, problem solving, decision making, interpersonal relationship skills, sensitivity, planning, organizing and prioritizing abilities. 

Registration fees are refundable in full up to one week before the course date.  No refunds will be made for cancelations less than one week before the course date.  Substitutions are permitted up to 24 hours prior to the course start time. No refunds will be made for no-shows.

“The Leadership Skills assessment is a great way to evaluate your progress in leadership skills development.  The mix of activities cover a full range of situations encountered in leadership roles and were both exciting and challenging.  I found the staff and moderators to be extremely welcoming, knowledgeable, and skilled in recognizing strengths and areas for growth.”

Brandon Lucas
Systems Administrator
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline 

"I thought the Leadership Skills Assessment course was going to be just another generic workshop; some basic tools that I could take back to work with me. It was much more than that. The Leadership Skills Assessment allowed me to understand the elements of leadership better and where I fit into those elements. It was both challenging and educational as I participated in the different scenarios and engaging activities with the other participants and the USI staff. The USI staff were genuine and supportive. This course allowed me to better understand my strengths as a leader and how those strengths can benefit not only myself but my colleagues at work. It also highlights the areas in which I can better grow and develop my leadership characteristics. The course is real, and the feedback is valuable. And its only 1 day! In such a short amount of time you can learn so much."  

James Nance, MS, CSP
EHS Specialist
BWX Technologies, Inc.

Using well-recognized and accepted assessment center methodology, assessors observe and evaluate participants during a series of work simulations where participants encounter challenges and tasks common to supervisory and management positions. The outcome is a comprehensive report outlining the participant's strengths, developmental needs and training recommendations. The assessment is valuable for aspiring or current supervisors and managers from all industries. Fee includes refreshments and lunch. This course addresses the following soft skills: leadership, written and oral communication, problem solving, decision making, interpersonal relationship skills, sensitivity, planning, organizing and prioritizing abilities. 

Registration fees are refundable in full up to one week before the course date.  No refunds will be made for cancelations less than one week before the course date.  Substitutions are permitted up to 24 hours prior to the course start time. No refunds will be made for no-shows.

“The Leadership Skills assessment is a great way to evaluate your progress in leadership skills development.  The mix of activities cover a full range of situations encountered in leadership roles and were both exciting and challenging.  I found the staff and moderators to be extremely welcoming, knowledgeable, and skilled in recognizing strengths and areas for growth.”

Brandon Lucas
Systems Administrator
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline 

"I thought the Leadership Skills Assessment course was going to be just another generic workshop; some basic tools that I could take back to work with me. It was much more than that. The Leadership Skills Assessment allowed me to understand the elements of leadership better and where I fit into those elements. It was both challenging and educational as I participated in the different scenarios and engaging activities with the other participants and the USI staff. The USI staff were genuine and supportive. This course allowed me to better understand my strengths as a leader and how those strengths can benefit not only myself but my colleagues at work. It also highlights the areas in which I can better grow and develop my leadership characteristics. The course is real, and the feedback is valuable. And its only 1 day! In such a short amount of time you can learn so much."  

James Nance, MS, CSP
EHS Specialist
BWX Technologies, Inc.

Using well-recognized and accepted assessment center methodology, assessors observe and evaluate participants during a series of work simulations where participants encounter challenges and tasks common to supervisory and management positions. The outcome is a comprehensive report outlining the participant's strengths, developmental needs and training recommendations. The assessment is valuable for aspiring or current supervisors and managers from all industries. Fee includes refreshments and lunch. This course addresses the following soft skills: leadership, written and oral communication, problem solving, decision making, interpersonal relationship skills, sensitivity, planning, organizing and prioritizing abilities. 

Registration fees are refundable in full up to one week before the course date.  No refunds will be made for cancelations less than one week before the course date.  Substitutions are permitted up to 24 hours prior to the course start time. No refunds will be made for no-shows.

“The Leadership Skills assessment is a great way to evaluate your progress in leadership skills development.  The mix of activities cover a full range of situations encountered in leadership roles and were both exciting and challenging.  I found the staff and moderators to be extremely welcoming, knowledgeable, and skilled in recognizing strengths and areas for growth.”

Brandon Lucas
Systems Administrator
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline 

"I thought the Leadership Skills Assessment course was going to be just another generic workshop; some basic tools that I could take back to work with me. It was much more than that. The Leadership Skills Assessment allowed me to understand the elements of leadership better and where I fit into those elements. It was both challenging and educational as I participated in the different scenarios and engaging activities with the other participants and the USI staff. The USI staff were genuine and supportive. This course allowed me to better understand my strengths as a leader and how those strengths can benefit not only myself but my colleagues at work. It also highlights the areas in which I can better grow and develop my leadership characteristics. The course is real, and the feedback is valuable. And its only 1 day! In such a short amount of time you can learn so much."  

James Nance, MS, CSP
EHS Specialist
BWX Technologies, Inc.

For new or prospective leaders, this course is ideal for building the knowledge and skills needed to launch a successful management career. The following topics are explored: primary roles and responsibilities, resources and information needed, supervising former peers, developing action plans, resolving conflict, appropriate use of various communication methods, interpersonal relationships, providing feedback for performance improvement, leading teams, delegating tasks, training and monitoring employees and more.

"Kathleen Lapekas is a very thorough and motivating instructor! I learned so much about leadership, supervising and handling conflict. The two days went quickly; her presentation is well-thought out and the role playing helped greatly in teaching what works and how something else may lead you down a less effective path! Eye-opening!" - Becky Eckert, Payroll Manger, USI

Preparing for retirement is probably the single most important concern most people have today. Costs are rising, the future of Social Security is uncertain and many people have not accumulated the savings they will need to enjoy the retirement lifestyle they deserve. Are you on track for enjoying the retirement of your dreams, or do you need to improve your knowledge and acquire the know-how it takes to manage your money wisely and to pursue your retirement goals? Join investment professionals for this introduction to the concepts and practices that will help make your retirement comfortable and free from money worries. You’ll learn how much money you need to retire, how to draw income from your retirement accounts, managing taxes, investing, estate planning and much more. For those already retired or planning to retire in the next 10 years, the seminar takes a conservative approach to wise money management in addition to identifying lifestyle issues facing mature Americans. An in-depth workbook with valuable exercises and worksheets is included.

Your enrollment fee entitles you to:
• Over eight class hours (three sessions) with a licensed financial services professional
• A 120-page workbook to assist you with concepts and to use as a reference tool
• A private, confidential consultation with the instructor to review your goals, analyze
your investments and answer your questions regarding one of the most important
planning stages in your life.

Session 1
• Obstacles to a successful retirement
• What does your retirement mean
to you?
• How much will retirement cost
• Considering your sources of income
• Basic Social Security information,
including taxation

Session 2
• Distributions from your investment/
retirement accounts
• Required minimum distributions
• Education regarding investments
(stocks, bonds, annuities, mutual funds)
• Education regarding types of accounts
(IRAs, employer plans, 529s, UTMAs, etc.)
• How will your retirement income be taxed?

Session 3
• Managing your estate (assets,
beneficiaries, trusts, taxes,
probate, wills, intestacy)
• How to protect your wealth and health
• Education regarding insurance
(life, health, long-term care, disability,
liability, etc.)
• Planning for incapacity
• How the SECURE Act 2.0 affects
retirement plans
• Qualified charitable distributions

Preparing for retirement is probably the single most important concern most people have today. Costs are rising, the future of Social Security is uncertain and many people have not accumulated the savings they will need to enjoy the retirement lifestyle they deserve. Are you on track for enjoying the retirement of your dreams, or do you need to improve your knowledge and acquire the know-how it takes to manage your money wisely and to pursue your retirement goals? Join investment professionals for this introduction to the concepts and practices that will help make your retirement comfortable and free from money worries. You’ll learn how much money you need to retire, how to draw income from your retirement accounts, managing taxes, investing, estate planning and much more. For those already retired or planning to retire in the next 10 years, the seminar takes a conservative approach to wise money management in addition to identifying lifestyle issues facing mature Americans. An in-depth workbook with valuable exercises and worksheets is included.

Your enrollment fee entitles you to:
• Over eight class hours (three sessions) with a licensed financial services professional
• A 120-page workbook to assist you with concepts and to use as a reference tool
• A private, confidential consultation with the instructor to review your goals, analyze
your investments and answer your questions regarding one of the most important
planning stages in your life.

Session 1
• Obstacles to a successful retirement
• What does your retirement mean
to you?
• How much will retirement cost
• Considering your sources of income
• Basic Social Security information,
including taxation

Session 2
• Distributions from your investment/
retirement accounts
• Required minimum distributions
• Education regarding investments
(stocks, bonds, annuities, mutual funds)
• Education regarding types of accounts
(IRAs, employer plans, 529s, UTMAs, etc.)
• How will your retirement income be taxed?

Session 3
• Managing your estate (assets,
beneficiaries, trusts, taxes,
probate, wills, intestacy)
• How to protect your wealth and health
• Education regarding insurance
(life, health, long-term care, disability,
liability, etc.)
• Planning for incapacity
• How the SECURE Act 2.0 affects
retirement plans
• Qualified charitable distributions

Whether you are part of a construction project using classical Predictive project management or a member of a small, self-directed team on an IT project using Agile methodology, we've got you covered with this Project Management program. Or maybe you are somewhere in between. We cover Adaptive techniques too! Learn from subject matter experts that have been there, done that! Our instructors are PMPs with a wealth of experience in Predictive and Agile worlds. They will gladly share their knowledge, successes, and failures, and will invite participants to share theirs.

This program uses materials with up-to-date examples and questions from both engineering, construction and IT projects, and time has been built into the program for live discussion on related subjects, including time for participant’s current challenges. The program is based on the PMI’s PMBOK 7th Edition and Agile Practice Guide. Regardless of which environment you work in, proper project management will increase the likelihood of successful project outcomes and a satisfied customer. When you can radically reduce time to market, you move the organization quicker to success!

This 35-hour course helps to prepare you for the PMP® exam. Participants will receive an easy-to-read text, workbook, optional online quizzes, tests, and a mock exam. Participant progress will be monitored, and the instructors will provide feedback. Upon course completion, participants will have learned the following:

• Project management concepts, framework, and skills
• Project integration, scope, schedule, and cost management
• Quality, resource, and communications management
• Risk, procurement, and stakeholder management

This program consists of 12 sessions–each session 9am – 12pm. There is a Starbucks located in the library for food/drinks; or may bring your own to class.

The Public Speaking & Presentation Skills course is designed to help learners develop their platform speaking and presentation skills. In this class, we will cover strategies for building confidence in public speaking, as well as effective techniques for delivering professional presentations, handling challenging questions, and actively engaging the audience.

SOCIAL SECURITY PLANNING: WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW
After being told for years that Social Security is going broke, people are realizing it will soon be their turn to collect. Decisions you make now can have a tremendous impact on the total amount of benefits you stand to receive over your lifetime. This informative seminar covers the basics of Social Security and reveals strategies for maximizing your benefits including:

Factors to consider when deciding when to apply
for benefits
• When it makes sense to delay benefits—and when
it does not
• Why you should always check your earnings
record for accuracy
• How to estimate your benefits
• How to coordinate benefits with your spouse
• How to minimize taxes on Social Security benefits
• How to coordinate Social Security with your other
sources of retirement income

Your enrollment fee entitles you to:
• Over one and a half hours of class time (one session)
with a licensed financial services professional
• A six-page resource handout with tips and tricks
regarding Social Security
• The option of a private, confidential meeting with
the instructor

Class Curriculum
• Will Social Security be there for me?
• How much can I expect to receive?
• When should I apply for Social Security?
• How can I maximize my benefits?
• How will my benefits be affected by taxes?
• Will Social Security be enough to live on in retirement?

SOCIAL SECURITY PLANNING: WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW
After being told for years that Social Security is going broke, people are realizing it will soon be their turn to collect. Decisions you make now can have a tremendous impact on the total amount of benefits you stand to receive over your lifetime. This informative seminar covers the basics of Social Security and reveals strategies for maximizing your benefits including:

Factors to consider when deciding when to apply
for benefits
• When it makes sense to delay benefits—and when
it does not
• Why you should always check your earnings
record for accuracy
• How to estimate your benefits
• How to coordinate benefits with your spouse
• How to minimize taxes on Social Security benefits
• How to coordinate Social Security with your other
sources of retirement income

Your enrollment fee entitles you to:
• Over one and a half hours of class time (one session)
with a licensed financial services professional
• A six-page resource handout with tips and tricks
regarding Social Security
• The option of a private, confidential meeting with
the instructor

Class Curriculum
• Will Social Security be there for me?
• How much can I expect to receive?
• When should I apply for Social Security?
• How can I maximize my benefits?
• How will my benefits be affected by taxes?
• Will Social Security be enough to live on in retirement?

SOCIAL SECURITY PLANNING: WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW
After being told for years that Social Security is going broke, people are realizing it will soon be their turn to collect. Decisions you make now can have a tremendous impact on the total amount of benefits you stand to receive over your lifetime. This informative seminar covers the basics of Social Security and reveals strategies for maximizing your benefits including:

Factors to consider when deciding when to apply
for benefits
• When it makes sense to delay benefits—and when
it does not
• Why you should always check your earnings
record for accuracy
• How to estimate your benefits
• How to coordinate benefits with your spouse
• How to minimize taxes on Social Security benefits
• How to coordinate Social Security with your other
sources of retirement income

Your enrollment fee entitles you to:
• Over one and a half hours of class time (one session)
with a licensed financial services professional
• A six-page resource handout with tips and tricks
regarding Social Security
• The option of a private, confidential meeting with
the instructor

Class Curriculum
• Will Social Security be there for me?
• How much can I expect to receive?
• When should I apply for Social Security?
• How can I maximize my benefits?
• How will my benefits be affected by taxes?
• Will Social Security be enough to live on in retirement?

SOCIAL SECURITY PLANNING: WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW
After being told for years that Social Security is going broke, people are realizing it will soon be their turn to collect. Decisions you make now can have a tremendous impact on the total amount of benefits you stand to receive over your lifetime. This informative seminar covers the basics of Social Security and reveals strategies for maximizing your benefits including:

Factors to consider when deciding when to apply
for benefits
• When it makes sense to delay benefits—and when
it does not
• Why you should always check your earnings
record for accuracy
• How to estimate your benefits
• How to coordinate benefits with your spouse
• How to minimize taxes on Social Security benefits
• How to coordinate Social Security with your other
sources of retirement income

Your enrollment fee entitles you to:
• Over one and a half hours of class time (one session)
with a licensed financial services professional
• A six-page resource handout with tips and tricks
regarding Social Security
• The option of a private, confidential meeting with
the instructor

Class Curriculum
• Will Social Security be there for me?
• How much can I expect to receive?
• When should I apply for Social Security?
• How can I maximize my benefits?
• How will my benefits be affected by taxes?
• Will Social Security be enough to live on in retirement?

Whether your desire is to increase your human resource knowledge or obtain HR certification, the newly-designed Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Learning System can help you reach your learning and development goals. The learning system is based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge and features the most up-to-date and relevant study materials available today including SmartStudy tools, learning modules in print or e-reader formats and extensive multimedia online resources accessible via mobile devices. Add USI's HR instructors, who are also experienced HR practitioners from the Evansville area and you have a formula for success. The course prepares professionals for SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP certification exams. Visit www.shrm.org for more information about certification. All materials will be provided.

  University of Southern Indiana is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

What other Lifelong Learners say about this course:

“Attending USI’s SHRM Learning System course was crucial to my success in passing the SHRM-CP exam. The weekly instructor-led classes at Innovation Pointe kept me engaged in the learning process and allowed me to connect with other HR professionals in the Evansville area. The SHRM online learning modules and practice tests enriched the classroom experience so I was able to retain knowledge through repetition of reading, discussion and online assessments throughout the 16-week session. I highly recommend this course for anyone pursuing the SHRM-CP/SHRM-CSP certification or simply interested in expanding HR expertise and learning from local pros. It’s a great way to make friends in the biz also!”

Christina Mayes, MSEd, SHRM-CP
Manager, Safety and Training Administration
Vectren Corporation

"For anyone considering taking the SHRM CP or SCP Exam, I would highly recommend taking the Exam Prep class. If I had tried to prepare for this class on my own I would have been completely overwhelmed and the process would have taken much longer. Meeting weekly with the cohort and knowledgeable instructors gave me a clear timeline for studying. The instructors brought the study material to life. The cohort and instructors shared their various experiences which helped me get outside of thinking of just how my organization (a small nonprofit) would handle different scenarios. Without a doubt, I am more prepared for the SHRM Exam because of this prep class!"

Audrey Hatfield
Administrative Manager
Counseling for Change

VESi is committed to developing online education courses for professionals that are convenient, relevant, and affordable. Convenient because these interactive courses provide expert instruction at a pace that fits your schedule and are compatible on all devices. Relevant to the significant educational and social issues in today’s schools, as well as to the requirements you need to meet for re-licensure or career advancement. Affordable because our format allows us to keep quality high and prices low.

As the Gold Standard in CIA Review, Gleim's strong reputation for excellence is founded on our content, proven success record and excellent customer service. Pass the CIA Exam faster with our Premium Review System providing SmartAdapt™ technology, tons of multiple choice practice, instructor videos and more! Online access at any time. Register: USI.edu/GleimCIAreview

Gleim set the standard with the first CMA course over 35 years ago and has been innovating the exam prep industry ever since. Gleim covers every inch of the ICMA's Learning Outcome Statements with experts walking candidates through videos, comprehensive digital and physical books, audio lectures, and signature answer explanations in the largest test bank of multiple-choice and essay questions. Receive additional support from our team of content experts and Personal Counselors to ensure you are exam day ready. Gleim equips you with everything you need to pass. Online access at any time. Register: USI.edu/GleimCMAreview

Over 1 Million CPA Exams Passed Using Gleim. Be 100% exam day ready with our comprehensive study materials, largest bank of multiple choice questions and simulations, instructor videos, access until you pass and unparalleled candidate support. Online access at any time. Register: USI.edu/GleimCPAreview

Gleim EA Review is the most widely used EA prep course. More EAs have used Gleim to pass the Enrolled Agent exam than all other prep courses combined. Our Premium Review System includes access to the largest test bank available, adaptive course technology, instructor videos, an Access Until You Pass™ Guarantee, and mentors and exam guidance that provide the personalized support you need to pass on the first try with confidence. Online access at any time. Register: USI.edu/GleimEAreview