Looking to sharpen your skills, explore a new area of expertise or prepare for your next career move?
As the Associate Director of Workforce Development, I have spent years helping professionals develop new skills through continuing education. During my time as chair of the Staff Council Professional Development Committee, I helped expand access to career and skill-building opportunities for employees by creating a centralized resource hub and launching the Staff Council Webinar Series.
Now, I’m encouraging Rice employees to take advantage of the professional development opportunities available through Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. With tuition reimbursement and department-funded training available for many programs, it's easier than ever to invest in your professional growth.
Whether you're looking to strengthen your leadership, sharpen your communication skills or learn the fundamentals of project management, there's something for employees across campus.
Popular Courses Coming this Fall
Here are some of the Glasscock School's most popular professional development offerings that are available this upcoming Fall semester:
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Fundamentals of Project Management – Learn practical tools to organize projects, collaborate across teams and keep work on track, all valuable skills that apply across nearly every profession.
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Leading With Purpose: A Leadership Experience for Women - Designed for early- to mid-career professionals, this program helps women strengthen their leadership skills by exploring purpose, building confidence, aligning values and connecting with a supportive community of peers.
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Mediation for non-Lawyers - Whether you manage people or collaborate across teams, this course helps professionals develop practical conflict resolution and communication skills.
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Speak with Impact: Essential Skills for Public Speaking – Designed for professionals at any career stage, this course helps participants deliver confident presentations, communicate clearly and connect with a variety of audiences.
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Leading Self, Teams, and Organizations Workshop – Ideal for managers, team leaders and aspiring leaders, this workshop helps participants strengthen their leadership style, build high-performing teams and lead positive change.
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Introduction to Project Management for Leaders – Learn the fundamentals of project management, from planning and team leadership to tracking progress and delivering results, in a course designed for current and aspiring leaders.
Use Your Tuition Reimbursement Benefit
Rice faculty and staff receive 10% off eligible Glasscock School professional development courses. Many of the courses listed above also qualify for Rice's tuition reimbursement benefit, which covers 75% of tuition and fees, up to $5,250 per fiscal year, for approved job-related courses.
Benefits-eligible faculty and staff with at least six months of service must submit a tuition reimbursement application and receive supervisor approval before the course begins. Employees who successfully complete an approved course with a grade of C or higher are eligible for reimbursement.
Many Rice departments also sponsor employees — and even entire teams — through department-funded professional development opportunities, so check with your supervisor to see what options may be available.
Keep Learning
Whether you're looking to strengthen your current skills or prepare for your next opportunity, professional development can help you grow at every stage of your career.
Visit the Staff Council website for a centralized collection of professional development resources, learn more about tuition reimbursement through the Knowledge Café and explore upcoming courses through the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. If you're interested in department-funded training for your team, contact the Glasscock School at continue@rice.edu to learn more.