The 2026-2027 HR Learning Catalogue is now open, offering over 100 virtual and in-person professional development opportunities for employees across the Queen’s community.  

The catalogue includes a wide range of certificate programs, leadership development options, and skills-based workshops that support employee growth, collaboration, and career development. Programming continues to evolve in response to participant feedback, emerging workplace trends, and organizational needs.  

"The recent Employee Experience Pulse Survey reaffirmed that professional development remains a priority for employees across Queen's," says Lisa Walsh, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources). "We also heard a clear interest in developing project management and AI-related skills. In response, this year's catalogue introduces new certificate programs and enhanced learning pathways that help employees build practical capabilities while supporting the university's evolving priorities and future success.”
 

Highlights from the updated learning catalogue include:

• Global Opportunities Workshop: An interactive session that explores Queen's global engagement priorities and highlights ways for employees to build global connections, broaden their perspectives, and support the university's international impact.
• Project Management Certificate: A new certificate program that helps employees strengthen their project planning, organization, communication, and delivery skills through practical, workplace-focused learning.
• Data Proficiency Certificate: Offered in partnership with IT Services, this popular certificate program consists of four core workshops that equip employees with practical skills and tools to improve everyday processes.
• From Diversity to Inclusion Certificate: A program that strengthens employees’ understanding of equity, accessibility, anti-racism, intercultural competence, and inclusive workplace practices. New learning opportunities from the Office of Indigenous Initiatives are now available as part of the certificate program.
• Operational Excellence - Problem Solving with AI Certificate: A program that helps employees strengthen their AI literacy and apply AI tools to meaningful operational challenges in their work. Following a successful pilot, this certificate program is being enhanced based on participant feedback and is anticipated to return in 2027.
• Manager Learning Series and Monthly Coffee Chats: A suite of workshops and coffee chats to support managers in improving communication, team building, change management, and leadership strategies.
   

Last year, more than 2,000 participants took part in Learning Catalogue programming. The year also saw more than 153 certificate graduates and more than 50 Queen’s-affiliated facilitators share their expertise across the university community.

Most Learning Catalogue offerings are available at no cost, or with minimal fees for select cohort-based programs. It is open to all employees, including staff, faculty, managers, contract workers, casual staff, and postdoctoral fellows. Managers are encouraged to support opportunities for learning through regular development conversations, dedicated time for training, and recognizing progress through the Performance Dialogue Process.  

For full details and to explore the 2026-2027 HR Learning Catalogue, visit the HR Intranet. New workshops and learning opportunities will continue to be added throughout the year.
 

Applications now open for exploring and emerging leadership programs

In conjunction with the Learning Catalogue, applications are now open for both the Exploring Leadership and Emerging Leadership programs.

Exploring Leadership supports early-career employees to understand and develop their leadership potential, while Emerging Leadership is designed for new managers looking to strengthen their skills, confidence, and effectiveness. Together, these cohort-based programs help participants build practical leadership capabilities, expand their networks, and contribute to a thriving and inclusive Queen's community.

Leaders in non-academic positions may also be interested in the Matariki Global Leadership Program, an international leadership development opportunity offered through the Matariki Network of Universities. Additional information, including application dates for the next cohort, is anticipated to be released in November.

Applications for both programs are open until October 19, with programs running from December through May. Visit the HR Intranet to learn more and apply.