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Certificate in Workplace Investigations

It always seems impossible until it’s done. – Nelson Mandela

REGISTRATION: $1,200

REGISTER

BUILD CONFIDENCE. PROTECT YOUR ORGANIZATION. GET IT RIGHT.

When an allegation of misconduct arises, you're expected to know exactly what to do, quickly, fairly, and within the law. Yet many managers, HR professionals, and labor relations specialists have never received formal training in how to conduct a thorough, defensible investigation.

This program gives you the skills, tools, and confidence to handle investigations with professionalism and integrity, protecting both your organization and the people involved.

 

WHO THIS PROGRAM IS FOR

Managers, small business owners, and HR or labor relations professionals who need to conduct or oversee investigations into issues such as:

  • Harassment or discrimination
  • Theft or fiscal misconduct
  • Performance or behavioral concerns

How you handle an investigation can affect legal risk, employee trust, and your organization's reputation. This training helps you get it right.

 

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

Through an interactive virtual format, you'll learn and practice the essential skills for conducting effective, timely, and legally sound investigations. You'll receive sample forms, worksheets, and time for individualized feedback and questions.

By the end of the program, you will be able to:

  • Plan the investigation and create a clear file and timeline
  • Identify and collect relevant evidence
  • Conduct interviews effectively, in person or virtually
    • Understand Weingarten Rights for unionized employees
    • Set the tone, build rapport, and manage resistance
    • Take accurate and defensible notes
  • Evaluate evidence and determine findings
    • Assess credibility and address inconsistencies
    • Confirm and disconfirm key facts
    • Apply the seven steps of just cause
  • Document your process with confidence and clarity

 

WHY IT MATTERS

A well-run investigation can prevent lawsuits, preserve morale, and demonstrate your organization’s commitment to fairness.

 

WHY CHOOSE HRLR'S PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM?

Home to one of the top Masters programs in Human Resources and Labor Relations, as well as an internationally recognized doctoral program and a thriving undergraduate program in Human Resources and Labor Relations, Michigan State University's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations is known as one of the top institutions for emerging HR and labor professionals.

As an extension of the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, our professional development and certification programs offer a premier source of education in human resources, labor and employment relations, workers' compensation, and leadership.

 

ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Learn more about the Certificate in Intergenerational Communication program.

Practical strategies for understanding generational differences and maximizing team performance.

Coming soon

Learn more about the Certificate in Organizational Inclusion program

Employees' perceptions of managers' ethical behavior influences employee trust and loyalty.

Learn more

 

REGISTER FOR CERTIFICATE IN WORKPLACE INVESTIGATIONS

SELECT A DATE TO REGISTER

  • 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.

AGENDA

Learn the 4 steps to EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE INVESTIGATIONS

  • Plan the investigation
  • Conduct the investigation
    • Evidence
    • Investigatory Interviews
      • Setting the tone, clarifying roles, explaining the process
      • Communicating employee rights, responsibilities and expectations
      • Encouraging admissions
      • Written statements
  • Document the investigation
    • Types and tools
    • Avoiding common errors
  • Evaluating the reporting findings

INSTRUCTOR

Tina M. Riley

Dr. Tina M. Riley, 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 Ph.D. in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education, with a concentration in Communications, and a Master of Labor and Industrial Relations from Michigan State University.

REGISTRATION POLICY

  • Registration will close 2 business days before the start of the program or until the program reaches a maximum registration limit of 47.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • 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
  • 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.

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.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • MSU's Federal ID Number is 38-6005984
  • Business casual attire.
  • Please, no audio or video recording.

RECERTIFICATION CREDIT HOURS

Recertification

This program has been approved for 7 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.

Certificate in Workplace Investigations