NIH Training Center
Highlights Newsletter

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Students Return to NIHTC Classrooms

Welcome Back Onsite Banner - NIH Training Center Picture

The NIH Training Center (NIHTC) buzzed with excitement as students arrived to attend onsite training classes in March. NIHTC staff and students were in high spirits, and several commented that it was nice to attend training in person again. Mid-level Leadership Program (MLP) attendees were able to connect with other members of their cohort who, until recently, they had only met virtually. The Basic ITAS for Timekeepers class was well-attended, and the class evaluation showed that most students recommended that the class continue to be delivered in person. One student commented: “It was great to be back in training in the classroom with so many people in different roles and ICs. I think it was good for our mental health. It gives a sense of hope for the future and things returning to somewhat normal.” We couldn’t agree more!

If you plan to attend a class onsite, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with NIHTC locations, transportation, parking, and amenities. The NIHTC has two locations—White Flint and Natcher Conference Center. 

We recommended that you plan your trip ahead of time and allow additional time before class to navigate to the building. The NIHTC is excited to welcome students into our classrooms again and we are here to answer questions you may have. 

We listen to you. The classes listed online with in-person options are those in which customers have previously expressed interest. We’ll continue to offer virtual training, with select in-person options that are in demand—much like we have provided for our development programs. Browse our course calendar for onsite classes or reach out to NIHTrainingCenter@nih.gov for more information.


Don’t Delay—Register Today! Fulfill Your Supervisory Training Requirements

Supervisory Training Requirements - Register Today image

Supervisors are in the middle of the NIH three-year supervisory training cycle (2022/2023/2024). The NIH Training Center offers classes for experienced supervisors fulfilling their training requirements. There are two formats—a two-day Supervisory Refresher class and the SuperShort class series, which covers the same information as the Supervisory Refresher class but is segmented into three-hour sessions to support more challenging schedules. 

New supervisors can register for the Supervisory Essentials class, a three-day interactive training that equips new supervisors and managers with the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to grow as leaders. 

Plan ahead of the December 31, 2024, training deadline and register now. Visit the Supervisory Training website to learn more about supervisory training requirements. 


All About the DDM Seminars

The Deputy Director for Management (DDM) Seminar Series offers the NIH community engaging presentations to provide meaningful insights into leadership and management concepts, challenges, and solutions. This year’s topics address the hybrid workplace; purposeful inclusion; overcoming Zoom fatigue; and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace.

Please join us for the DDM seminar on June 8 from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. For details and to register, visit the DDM Seminar Series website.

Allison Gabriel Photo

June 8, 2023 — Allison Gabriel  
“Zoom Fatigue”

In December's DDM seminar, Alexandra Samuel shared her insights on how to carve a path towards a thriving and productive hybrid culture. The February seminar featured Ruchika Tulshyan, who addressed inclusion best practices for generating innovation, growth, better teamwork, and trust. These videocasts are available for viewing on the Past Seminars website. The DEIA in the Workplace seminar, which was previously scheduled in April, has been postponed. Please monitor the DDM Seminar Series website for the rescheduled date.

Consider Next Year’s DDM Seminar Series Speakers!
It is never too early to start considering speakers for the FY24 DDM Seminar Series. Nominations will be open from July 1–July 31. Note a stellar speaker now for submission during the summer.

Please contact NIHTrainingCenter@nih.gov with questions or comments.


Interested in Coaching? Plan Ahead

Coaching between people

The demand for one-on-one coaching engagements has soared in FY23. Please plan now if you would like to secure an executive coach, or if you are out of hours and wish to renew using FY23 funds.

Deadline for New Executive or Team Coaching Requests: July 7

Deadline to Renew an Existing Executive Coaching Request (with two or fewer hours remaining): August 1

Coaching is a thought-provoking, personalized service that can help you increase your personal and professional effectiveness. For more information, please visit the coaching website or contact Keisha Berkley


Introducing the eCatalog

The NIH Training Center is launching a comprehensive, easy-to-use eCatalog. Our online course catalog has been the primary tool for students to find courses, and now the eCatalog provides another way for students to explore available courses and view relevant class information all in one place. 

Features of the eCatalog:

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  • Get the big picture – Our classes are packaged into a single document for easy viewing of classes offered at the NIHTC.
  • Browse by topic – The classes are organized by topic area so you can quickly find courses that align to your role or interests.
  • Interactive – Find a course you want to take? Click the course title to take you to our live web registration site.
  • Download and share – Save a copy for offline viewing. Bookmark courses of interest. Share with your supervisor during performance and development discussions.

We would love to hear from you! For more information about the eCatalog or to provide feedback, please reach out to NIHTrainingCenter@nih.gov.


ExLP Cohort Visits Capitol Hill

On February 23, NIH Executive Leadership Program (ExLP) participants visited Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and congressional staff. During this session, participants explored the intersection between the NIH and the broader political climate along with the dynamics of legislative, policy, and budget development.   

 Participants met with:       

  • Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. House of Representatives, Michigan’s 6th Congressional District (D) 
  • Grace Graham, Chief Counsel, House Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Emily Goff, House Labor, Health & Human Services (L-HHS) Appropriations Subcommittee
  • Meghan Mott, Senate Labor, Health & Human Services (L-HHS) Appropriations Subcommittee
  • Aisling McDonough, Chief of Staff for Rep. Anna Eshoo
  • Jennifer Main, Chief Financial Officer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health & Human Services
  • Alex Keenan, Democratic Staff Director, Senate Labor, Health & Human Services (L-HHS) Appropriations Subcommittee

Here are a few comments received about this immersive experience:

"It was eye-opening to see the Hill's perspective—how well-coordinated the NIH is with its stakeholders. Stakeholder groups come together to advocate for one budget."

"The discussion with Adrienne Hallett and the visit to the Hill were helpful reminders of our necessary and sometimes complex interactions with Congress. This served as a helpful reminder of the politics involved and provided insights on how we might better interact to maximize outcomes."

"The visit with Congress and staff was the highlight of the session. This interaction really opened a new perspective to which most are not exposed to.”

US Capitol ExLP Group Photo
The ExLP 2022–2023 cohort visit Capitol Hill. Pictured left to right: Raymond Jacobson, Rebekah Geiger, Tiffani Lash, Theresa Cruz, Lisa Cunningham, Alice Chen, Colleen Hadigan, Beth Chandler, Patricia Jones, LeShawndra Price, Larissa Aviles-Santa, Carolyn Hutter, Pamela Thornton, Liza Bundesen, Xavier Soosai. Not pictured: Patrick Bellgowan, Michael Chiang, Victor Voloshin, and Shannon Zenk.

Our ExLP participants graduated on March 23. Stay tuned for information regarding an upcoming ExLP alumni event available to all graduates of the program. 

Recruitment for the 2024–2025 ExLP will begin in the spring of 2024. If you meet the criteria and would like to apply, details will be available on the ExLP website next year. For questions about the ExLP, contact Keisha Berkley.


Management Seminar Series Going Strong!

The 2023 Management Seminar Series (MSS) kicked off in February with more than 250 participants from 21 ICs across NIH. This year’s MSS schedule includes six two-hour monthly seminars created and presented by MSS Coordinators and Advisors who are former MSS participants, NIH Management Interns, and Presidential Management Fellows. Seminar topics include Emotional Intelligence, Developing Belonging, Change Management, Improving Quality and Productivity, Managing Up, and Leadership Values. Participants will additionally work together in breakout sessions and conclude with a networking event in August.

The NIH Training Center is also happy to announce that a collaboration with the Office of Research Services (ORS) has enabled shift workers to more easily participate in this year’s MSS.

The MSS is a foundational building block for career development and cross-IC networking at NIH for GS 7-13 non-supervisory employees. If you or a member of your team is looking for an affordable, multi-layered program to engage with NIH professional development opportunities, check out this program now - before the call for nominations is solicited of Executive Officers this October.

MSS Series Banner 2023 - You Under Construction

Visit the MSS website for more information or contact Rick Hawkins with questions.


View Our Past Issues of Highlights

Highlights Past Issues Full Final

Take a look at our previous newsletters dating back to FY17 Q1.


Editorial Team

Danielle Sullivan, Editor
Barb LeClair, Managing Editor
Elena Juris, Editor in Chief
John Edmond, Media Content and Web Specialist

Contributors

Keisha Berkley 
Rick Hawkins
Bob Michon
Danielle Sullivan