By Kelly Smith, OU Writer

To help Oakland University faculty and staff further develop their professional and personal skills, Oakland’s University Human Resources launched 50 online learning courses through SkillSoft.

“I’m pleased Oakland University is now offering online training and development courses to our faculty and staff members. With more than 50 courses available, every employee can participate in quality training programs without the inconvenience and cost associated with travel,” said Oakland University President Gary Russi.

SkillSoft, a leading provider of comprehensive e-learning content and technology products for business and IT professionals, features multi-modal learning solutions that support and enhance the speed and effectiveness of both formal and informal learning processes.

Courses are available online, through any Windows-based computer with Internet access, including those in UHR’s conference room and the lab in 207 Varner. Many public libraries also offer Internet access.

Conveniently available at any time of the day and any day of the week, all courses feature the ability to continue exactly where the user left off. Completion of courses will be noted in the user’s training history.

“I strongly encourage all faculty and staff members to take advantage of this training opportunity for their personal and professional benefit and to help Oakland University achieve its vision to become a university of distinction,” Russi said.   

The online curriculum is divided into three categories: business skills, IT end-user and IT professional.

The business skills curriculum features courses in interpersonal communication skills, work relationships, professional telephone skills, customer service, finance for non-financial professionals, hiring and interview skills, management and leadership, performance appraisals, overcoming negativity in the workplace, delegation skills, controlling the workday, and participating in teams.

IT end-users who are looking to sharpen their skills in Outlook, PowerPoint or Visio may take core and advanced courses to help increase their productivity and proficiency. Training courses in Access and Excel also are available to those who wish to update their knowledge of these popular Microsoft programs.

The IT professional curriculum features courses for database administrators and operators, application developers, individuals preparing to take Cisco-related exams, IT project managers, and those who support top management and high-level executives. 

For details about specific courses and to sign up for a course, visit the Faculty and Staff Training Web site and click on SkillSoft Training.