Learning and Talent Development offers professional development opportunities to help UW–Madison employees lead, collaborate, and build trust. Influencing Teams from Within and Building Trusting Work Relationships are both free courses that are designed to strengthen team dynamics. For a more in-depth look at communication styles, individuals and teams can explore Working Better Together: Everything DiSC Workplace, a low-cost program. Emotional Intelligence@Work, a course designed to enhance workplace relationships, is offered as virtual sessions or in-person cohorts.

Nominations are now being accepted for the Partners in Giving volunteer awards. Employees are encouraged to nominate campaign volunteers who have done outstanding work to support the campaign. The nomination deadline is Saturday, Jan. 31. Award descriptions and the nomination form are available at giving.wi.gov/awards.

The Administrative Professionals Conference will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Union South. The conference serves UW–Madison employees and others who would like to learn professional skills across a wide range of topics, including career management, leadership, personal development and workplace skills, relationship building and communication, inclusive excellence, and well-being. Conference planners welcome proposals from interested speakers who would like to present breakout sessions in support of one or more conference themes. Session proposals are due by Feb. 6. Registration has a $125 fee and is open through March 31.

Registration is now open for the Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference: Helping Children Thrive When Life Gets Tough. This free, virtual event is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The conference sessions provide practical, research-based strategies for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting children and teens. Topics include resilience, emotional regulation, mindfulness, preventing burnout, and supporting teen mental health. Register online at go.wisc.edu/raisingwi.