University of Minnesota College of Continuing & Professional Studies

10/30/2026

Ever had to push back on an unrealistic deadline? Ask for more resources? Work through competing priorities with a colleague?

Congratulations, you’re a negotiator.

And good negotiators don’t just know when to stand firm. They know when to give ground. Successful negotiation isn’t about winning at someone else’s expense. It’s about finding common ground and reaching agreements that work for everyone.

Negotiation is part of everyday work, whether we recognize it or not. And a few smart strategies can make the difference between a frustrating conversation and a productive outcome.

Discover how to prepare for difficult conversations, understand what the other person really wants and find common ground without giving up what matters to you.

Read “The Everyday Art of Negotiation” for practical tips you can put to work right away: ccaps.umn.edu/story/everyday-art-negotiation

Want to take your skills further? Join us for Negotiate for Agreement, Dec. 8-9, 9 a.m.-noon, online.

PDBlog

10/29/2026

Stop Prompting. Start Automating.
Build Your First AI Automation

What if AI could do more than answer your questions? What if it could take repetitive tasks off your to-do list?

No coding skills? No problem.

Join us Nov. 12 for “Beyond the Chatbot: Build Your First AI Automation (No Coding Required),” a free, interactive webinar hosted by AI architect Bryce Kayanuma, Ph.D.

Watch a working automation come together from start to finish, using nothing more than plain-language instructions. You’ll discover how to:
- Spot everyday tasks that are ripe for automation.
- Write better prompts that get better results.
- Let AI ask you the questions to build exactly what you need.
- Know when to hand a task to AI and when to keep a human in charge.

Beyond the Chatbot
Thursday, Nov. 12 | Noon–1 p.m.
Register: ccaps.umn.edu/webinars

10/29/2026

When the pressure is on, do you lead your team or take over?

For new managers, the temptation to jump in and solve problems can be hard to resist. But what feels like helping in the moment can create bottlenecks, dependency and frustration over time.

In our recorded webinar, “From Individual Contributor to Impactful Leader,” leadership coach Carolien Moors explores the mindset shifts that help new leaders move from doing the work themselves to achieving results through others.

One practical takeaway: Effective delegation starts with five clear conversations about outcomes, purpose, boundaries, authority and check-ins.

Whether you’re preparing for a leadership role or already managing a team, discover strategies for building trust, developing your people and leading with greater confidence.

Watch the webinar recording: ccaps.umn.edu/webinar-archive

10/27/2026

Being great at your job doesn’t automatically make you great at leading people.

The skills that get you promoted aren’t always the ones that help you succeed as a supervisor.

Listening. Curiosity. Self-awareness.
According to leadership coach Carolien Moors, these often-overlooked skills can make all the difference in building trust and helping others succeed.

What made your best supervisor stand out?

Read “The Superpowers of Effective Supervisors” at https://ccaps.umn.edu/story/superpowers-effective-supervisors

10/22/2026

At CCAPS, we know transfer students! ALL of our undergrad degree-seekers come from either another institution or another college within the University of Minnesota. We are so of the depth and range of experiences and knowledge they bring to every class!

Explore all of our student and alumni stories: Link to stories in comments.

10/21/2026

Former College in the Schools (CIS) student and recent University of Minnesota graduate Ellexa Orbeck ‘26 encourages current high school students to approach concurrent enrollment programs like CIS with curiosity rather than viewing it as an option reserved only for high-achieving students.

“To this day, I find it incredibly lucky that my school, considering its small size, offered college courses through the University and other colleges and universities,” she shares.

“CIS classes aren’t just for top students. They’re a great way to explore subjects you’re interested in and earn college credit along the way. Some of the most fun and engaging classes I took in high school were CIS courses!”

10/20/2026

Be alive for the impact of your money.

Listen to "Aligning Money and Purpose" on The Midlife Academy Podcast https://ccaps.umn.edu/story/tma-podcast-episode-11-aligning-money-and-purpose

10/19/2026

From cadaver labs to a trauma ER, Alex Rapp is getting real-world experience on her road to becoming a physician. Read how she balances being a teaching assistant, working as a medical scribe and completing her Health and Wellbeing Sciences degree. Link to story in comments.

10/19/2026

Thrilled to help share this remarkable news about CCAPS alumnus Nick Smith '19. We're looking forward to celebrating him along with other standout University of Minnesota alumni award recipients later this week! Without questions, we are !

Twin Cities Homecoming is a celebration of representing all stages of life and career. Nicholas Smith (BS '19) is the recipient of the 2026 On the Rise Alumni Leader Award. From leading Medicare benefit strategy at UnitedHealth Group to becoming the first alumnus chair of the Healthcare Management Advisory Board and mentoring future health leaders, Nicholas exemplifies extraordinary vision and dedication 🔗 umnalumni.org/aaanicksmith2026 or LINK IN BIO.

10/17/2026

If sharing company (and purpose!) with a great group of students from across the University of Minnesota, earning credit while traveling, using your skills to both learn and help others, and the thought of Costa Rica in January sounds appealing, the University’s Pura Vida Learning Abroad program may just be the thing for you!

But don’t miss out! The deadline to apply is October 31. Did we mention Costa Rica in January?