Advanced Topics for Certified HR Specialists - CHRS
REGISTRATION: $1,200
THE LATEST INFORMATION FOR CHRS
Designed exclusively for those who have earned the CHRS or CHRS for K-12 Administrators designation through Michigan State University's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, this program offers an inviting space to reconnect, share experiences, and grow alongside fellow HR professionals.
In this year's class, we will focus on creating and maintaining a culture of trust and employee well-being, a necessity in today's stressful, disconnected world. A culture rooted in dignity, respect, and trust is at the heart of a thriving organization, driving performance, retention, and meaningful daily connection.
On day one, you will learn how to:
- Adapt your communication approaches to better engage employees
- Identify common barriers to effective workplace communication and apply strategies to overcome them
- Apply one powerful interpersonal skill that can immediately improve how others respond in conversations
- Develop practical strategies to de-escalate tension and maintain professionalism under pressure
- Build confidence in addressing conflict early and constructively
On day two, you will learn how to:
- Stay ahead of critical legal shifts by exploring changes in the enforcement focus of the NLRB and the EEOC
- Refresh your memory regarding key elements of major employment laws, and identify recent changes to minimize risk and enhance organizational compliance
- Recognize key considerations, and appropriate responses when addressing accommodation requests under the ADA
- Implement actionable strategies to develop and maintain a workplace culture of employee well-being, addressing your workforce's needs for trust, psychological safety
AGENDA
Day One:
- Intergenerational Communications
- Communications and Managing Conflict
Day Two:
- Employment Law Update
- Fostering a workplace culture of belonging and wellbeing
RECONNECT!
Reconnect with your fellow CHRS, share ideas and experiences, and strengthen your professional network!
Note: This program is open only to current Certified HR Specialists.
BECOME A CERTIFIED HR PROFESSIONAL
For aspiring and new HR professionals, as well as experienced HR professionals.
Intended for superintendents, HR administrators, HR staff, and building administrators.
REGISTER FOR ADVANCED TOPICS FOR CERTIFIED HR SPECIALISTS
October 21 & 23, 2026
Meeting on Wednesday & Friday
8:30am - 12:30pm ET
Live Interactive Program via Zoom
REGISTRATION FEE: $1,200
REGISTER NOW
(Registration closes on October 16, 2026 at 11:59pm ET)
- All of our classes include strategies to maximize learning and ensure an enjoyable, informative learning experience.
MSU employee discount available. Please contact Kristi White at whitekr@msu.edu for more information.
INSTRUCTORS
Dr. Tina M. Riley, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations at Michigan State University and served as the School's Director of Professional Development and Associate Director for 20 years.
She is a results-based educator and executive coach with expertise helping individual leaders, and organizations, achieve their full potential through high-impact communications that build trust and promote inclusion and engagement.
Her engaging and holistic approach to teaching facilitates learners' ability to move from theory to practice. Her teaching style makes complex concepts accessible to graduate students and seasoned professionals alike. Dr. Riley teaches academic and professional development classes including leadership and interpersonal skills development, labor relations, developing inclusive workplaces and conducting workplace investigations.
With her passionate and engaging style, Dr. Riley develops and presents customized leadership development programs for both public and private sector organizations, from manufacturing to the courts. Organizational leaders and HR professionals from across the globe including Bahrain, Cameroon, Canada, Georgia, India, and Nigeria report finding her programs to be highly beneficial both for individuals, teams, and organizations.
Dr. Riley holds a PhD in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education, with a concentration in Communications, and a Master of Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University.
Bryan Davis Jr., JD and MHRLR, is an experienced labor attorney with a background focused on representation of public and private sector labor organizations in negotiating collective bargaining agreements, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks, and representing clients in labor arbitrations and matters arising before the Michigan Employment Relations Commission and the National Labor Relations Board.
In his capacity as an Assistant Attorney General in the Michigan Department of Attorney General's Labor Division, his work primarily focuses on representation of state agencies and employees, advocating on behalf of clients in administrative hearings and appellate matters, and providing legal advice on novel and/or developing areas of the law.
Melanie Zaremba, M.Ed., brings over 20 years of experience in training design and delivery to her role as the Director of Professional Development and Associate Director of Outreach at Michigan State University's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations (HRLR). Since joining the school in 2016 as Communications Director, Melanie has demonstrated a passion for creating impactful programs that empower individuals and drive organizational success.
With a focus on interactive and engaging learning experiences, Melanie specializes in facilitating training sessions on strategic communication, media interaction, leadership development, and career success strategies. She also teaches an Applied Organizational Leadership course at Michigan State University.
One or more instructors listed above may be teaching this program.
REGISTRATION POLICY
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Registration will close 2 business days before the start of the program or earlier if program enrollment reaches capacity of 47.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Cancellation fees may be waived if the participant registers and attends the same program within 12 months. Fees may only be waived once.
- Participants may send a substitute from the same organization for the same program and date by notifying Kristi White via email at least 5 calendar days in advance of program start date.
- Cancellation more than 30 calendar days before program start date: full refund.
- Cancellation 14 – 29 calendar days prior to program start date: 50% cancellation fee, remainder of program fee refunded.
- Cancellation 13 or fewer calendar days prior to program start date: no refund.
MSU reserves the right to cancel programs when enrollment criteria are not met or for conditions beyond its control. Any additional costs incurred by the enrollee of canceled programs are the responsibility of the enrollee.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations for people with disabilities or special dietary needs (when in-person) may be requested by contacting Program Coordinator, Kristi White at whitekr@msu.edu. We will do all we can to accommodate you. It would be especially helpful if you would contact us at least three weeks before the program.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- MSU's Federal ID Number is 38-6005984
- Business casual attire.
- Please, no audio or video recording.
RECERTIFICATION CREDIT HOURS
This program has been approved for 8 continuing education credit hours towards Professional Development Program recertification.
Learn more about Recertification
Questions? We would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this or any of our training programs. Please contact Director of Professional Development, Melanie Zaremba at mzaremba@msu.edu.