Professional Development
The Office of Human Resources (HR) serves UMKC by focusing on the university’s most important asset: its employees. As a strategic partner with UMKC’s leadership, we develop and deliver innovative HR programs and services designed to support the mission of the university and enhance UMKC’s organizational effectiveness. To effectively meet the changing needs of our many customers, HR is dedicated to continually assessing and improving programs and services. We welcome your feedback and ideas regarding opportunities to improve efficiencies, simplify processes, increase productivity and raise quality.
About Our Programs
The goal of the HR Talent Management team is to provide a broad range of professional development and training opportunities to meet the needs of our community. We have many options available, including instructor-led courses, online learning resources in Percipio, certificate programs, and partnerships with education providers, such as Kansas City Professional Development Council and Saint Luke’s LIFEWISE program. Additionally, Talent Management offers coaching and consultation services to individuals and work teams.
How to Register
Register for Instructor-led Courses in Percipio:
- Visit Percipio.
- Login with your university Single Sign-on (SSO). First time login instructions.
- Once logged in select UMKC from the menu titled “library” at the top left side of the page.
- Select the box “custom channel” to open the UMKC channel.
- Under the banner, select “Attend”. Then select the Instructor Led Training you are looking for.
- Use the Learn more & Register link to get course information, save items to your playlist, view list of upcoming sessions, and register.
- If there are upcoming sessions, you will have a list with links to enroll or withdraw yourself from a session.
- The Percipio system will send an email confirmation with a link to add to your Outlook calendar.
Professional Development Opportunities
Administrative Leadership Development Program (ALDP)

The University of Missouri System Administrative Leadership Development Program (ALDP) is a prestigious program that provides professional development opportunities and ongoing support to administrative leaders on all campuses system-wide. ALDP enhances effective leadership with a focus on building the foundation for a robust learning environment.
Program Benefits
Administrative leaders uphold and define the UM System mission and the direction and values of its departments. The ALDP is respected as a proving ground where emerging and current leaders alike can expand and refine their leadership skills.
The UM System seeks applications from administrators each fall for a spring cohort to become a part of the ALDP. We strive to select a diverse group of leaders that includes a wide range of experience and expertise. At the end of the program you will:
- Learn more about yourself and your leadership characteristics
- Offer guidance and support to the staff managed by ALDP members
- Work with a network of peers to make a difference on your campus
- Build commitment among department colleagues toward academic excellence and the UM mission
Contact the UM System HR at hrservicecenter@umsystem.edu for information on this program.
Henry W. Bloch School of Management: Executive Education Seminars
Bloch Executive Education recognizes the needs of organizations to strengthen their leadership talent, as well as professionals, to continue their pursuit of professional development. As such, we have developed seminars for individuals or teams designed specifically to build professional and leadership talent.
The seminars are one-day programs focused on current business concepts and future trends with emphasis on practical learning and applicable techniques. Participants are given the opportunity to build skills to improve decision-making in a safe “practice environment” where they can test assumptions and realize outcomes with peers.
An individual can choose to take one or several classes and earn recognition of completion by participating in any one of the four seminars. There are no prerequisites to participate.
Information can be found on the Bloch Executive Education website.
Upcoming Seminars
UMKC employees may attend at a discounted rate of $195.00 per person for each session. There are limitations on the discounted rate, please contact Megan Gonzalez in the HR office gonzalezme@umkc.edu or 816-235-6401 if you would like to learn more about this opportunity.
Saint Luke’s LIFEWISE Program
Saint Luke’s LIFEWISE™ provides employers with a comprehensive toolkit of options for managing employee health and managing costs associated with preventable conditions and unhealthy lifestyles.
While our solutions have evolved over the years to meet employers’ changing needs, our health and wellbeing objectives have remained constant:
To find the best possible solutions for managing health risks through proven interventions and strategies; to improve employee health as a means to reduce or eliminate unnecessary utilization of expensive health care services; and to demonstrate a return on investment with quantifiable results by delivering the most cost-effective, highest quality services and programs.
Workshop topics offered throughout the year may include:
- Ergonomics
- Communication
- Creativity and Innovation
- Leadership Development
- Workplace Effectiveness
- Wellbeing and Health Topics
- Time Management
UMKC Human Resources Special Topics
HR offers in-person training and development opportunities throughout the year. These courses are open to all and provide an opportunity to learn and network with colleagues. Additionally, the courses listed below can be adapted to fit departmental needs.
Embracing Multiple Generations
Participants will learn about the five different generations represented in the workplace today and the benefits, challenges and management techniques for working with these generations.
Guide to Public Speaking
Do you get nervous speaking in front of a crowd? No worries, public speakers are not born to be speakers, they are made. Join us to learn tips on how to prepare, control your nerves and deliver a great speech.
Leadership from Any Chair
Come see how leadership can occur not just in traditional roles, but in every job! We will discuss traditional and transformational leadership and help you discover your personal leadership style.
Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar
It’s your future. Unlock the mysteries of your UM Retirement benefits! If you were hired prior to October 1, 2012, join a representative from the UM System Benefits office as they explain how retirement benefits are calculated, what to consider when deciding the best date to retire, benefit options available, taxability of retirement benefits, retiree health insurance benefits and the retirement application process.
Team Building
Participants will learn the difference between team building and team development and learn tips and strategies to apply team building when needed.
Supervisor Development Series
This Supervisor Development Series hosted by UM System is designed for newly hired or promoted supervisors who manage staff. By participating in this program, supervisors and managers will be equipped with the fundamental skills necessary to be an effective and successful manager of talent.
For more information on this program visit Supervisor Development Series on the UM System website.