Course list

Based on the research and expertise of John Hausknecht, Ph.D., you will evaluate the possibility of working with or without a system, identify the properties and benefits of different systems, and explore different approaches to performance management. Steps to mitigate risk will be outlined, common rating and feedback errors will be examined, and support in delivering feedback will be provided.
  • Oct 7, 2026
  • Oct 21, 2026
  • Nov 4, 2026
  • Nov 18, 2026
  • Dec 2, 2026
  • Dec 16, 2026
  • Dec 30, 2026

Coaching, as both an industry and an employee development tool, is growing in prominence and importance. Responsibility for coaching is increasingly falling to HR professionals, who can be called upon to coach employees directly, train managers to be better coaches, build coaching capability within the organization, and identify external coaching resources.

In this course, you will begin practicing skills and behaviors exhibited by effective coaches. The course situates coaching within the broader context of employee development, enabling you to analyze workplace situations and diagnose when coaching is an appropriate developmental tool. You'll gain insight into how both institutional awareness and self-awareness are needed to foster and support successful coaching efforts.

  • Oct 7, 2026
  • Oct 21, 2026
  • Nov 4, 2026
  • Nov 18, 2026
  • Dec 2, 2026
  • Dec 16, 2026
  • Dec 30, 2026

Drawing on their deep knowledge of labor relations and conflict management, Professors Alex Colvin and Harry Katz guide students through a series of activities that apply labor relations concepts to their own workplace (or a workplace with which they are familiar).

The course examines the regulatory and organizational labor relations environment and assesses the current state of relations between management and workers. Students learn how to prepare for possible labor disruptions and look at effective negotiations and conflict management. Videos by Colvin and Katz, backed up by additional interviews with industry experts, provide informative content that assists students as they complete a five-part course project aimed at applying the concepts in a practical manner.

While union environments are a significant focus of the course, many of the concepts can be applied to non-union environments as well.

 
  • Sep 9, 2026
  • Sep 23, 2026
  • Oct 7, 2026
  • Oct 21, 2026
  • Nov 4, 2026
  • Nov 18, 2026
  • Dec 2, 2026
HR professionals need to adapt to changing objectives and market conditions to recruit, select, and retain employees with the necessary skills to further organizational goals—all while steering clear of legal and other risks. Professor Hausknecht draws on his research, teaching, and consulting experience in staffing to provide a relevant and rigorous overview of the field. He offers numerous practical examples to help build the skills needed to staff modern-day organizations and grounds his recommendations in the latest research findings.
  • Sep 23, 2026
  • Oct 7, 2026
  • Oct 21, 2026
  • Nov 4, 2026
  • Nov 18, 2026
  • Dec 2, 2026
  • Dec 16, 2026

People may assume that it's employee satisfaction or commitment to their job that promotes higher performance, but it's engagement. In this course, you will examine the foundational drivers of engagement and explore the components of successful engagement initiatives. When completed, this course will help you identify strategies for bringing about engagement in organizations.

In companies where 60-70% of employees are engaged, shareholder returns are approximately 24%. Compare that to companies where only 50-60% of employees are engaged: shareholder returns are as low as approximately 5%. Similarly, teams with high engagement experience 4.1% turnover, as opposed to approximately 14.5% turnover for teams with low engagement.  These figures clearly illustrate the significant impact that managers and HR professionals can have if they better understand what impacts the engagement of employees.

  • Sep 9, 2026
  • Sep 23, 2026
  • Oct 7, 2026
  • Oct 21, 2026
  • Nov 4, 2026
  • Nov 18, 2026
  • Dec 2, 2026
In this course, you will learn when training is the right course of action and how you can design and deliver instruction to meet your training needs. Professor Bradford Bell of Cornell's ILR School will take you from the analysis stage to the evaluation stage, as you explore training within your organization. In the process, you will conduct your own analysis, create a training plan, incorporate instructional events that facilitate training transfer, and determine evaluation methods and measurements for your program.
  • Sep 9, 2026
  • Sep 23, 2026
  • Oct 7, 2026
  • Oct 21, 2026
  • Nov 4, 2026
  • Nov 18, 2026
  • Dec 2, 2026

The conversation around employee pay has changed over the years from one of base salaries, bonuses, and cash compensation, to a “total rewards” approach that seeks the right blend of monetary and non-monetary elements that will engage each employee while generating valuable business results.

Cornell University ILR School faculty Linda Barrington and Diane Burton are the thought leaders behind Cornell's prestigious Institute for Compensation Studies. This team of authors offers a learning experience that applies evidence-based, social science approaches to the field of compensation. This course will equip you with the tools and insights needed to apply a “total rewards” view to compensation that aligns with your organization's strategic goals and operational realities.

  • Sep 23, 2026
  • Oct 7, 2026
  • Oct 21, 2026
  • Nov 4, 2026
  • Nov 18, 2026
  • Dec 2, 2026
  • Dec 16, 2026

Symposium sessions feature two days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions that will explore today's most pressing topics. The HR Symposium offers you a unique opportunity to engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond. Using the context of your own experiences, you will take part in reflections and small-group discussions to build on the skills and knowledge you have gained from your courses.

Join us for the next Symposium, in which we'll share experiences from across the industry, inspiring real-time conversations about best practices, innovation, and the future of human resources work. You will support your coursework by applying your knowledge and experiences to some of the most pressing topics and trends in the HR field. By participating in relevant and engaging discussions, you will discover a variety of perspectives and build connections with your fellow participants from across the industry.

All sessions are held on Zoom.

Future dates are subject to change. You may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending Symposium sessions is not required to successfully complete any certificate program. Once enrolled in your courses, you will receive information about upcoming events. Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request.

eCornell online Workshops are live, interactive learning experiences lasting 1 to 4 hours and led by Cornell faculty experts. These premium, short-format sessions focus on AI topics and are designed for busy professionals who want to gain immediately applicable skills and strategic perspectives. Workshops may include faculty presentations, breakout discussions, and guided hands-on practice.

The AI Workshops All-Access Pass provides you with unlimited participation for 6 months from your date of purchase. Whether you choose to attend one Workshop per month or several per week, the All-Access Pass allows you to customize your AI journey and stay on top of the latest AI trends.

Hosted by Cornell faculty at the forefront of their fields, Workshops cover a range of cutting-edge AI topics applicable across industries. Workshops are offered at three levels to allow you to choose topics that match your experience.

  • AI Foundations
    • These Workshops introduce core AI concepts, terminology, capabilities, limitations, and practical applications. No prior AI experience is required.
    • Best for: Beginners, AI-curious professionals, and teams starting their AI journey.
  • AI in Practice
    • ​​​​​​​These Workshops focus on practical skills, workflows, and strategies that help participants use AI more effectively in their day-to-day work. Some familiarity with AI tools is recommended.
    • Best for: Professionals who have experimented with AI and want to build confidence and capability.
  • AI Leadership and Transformation
    • ​​​​​​​These advanced Workshops explore emerging technologies, strategic implementation, governance, organizational impact, and specialized applications. AI fluency is expected, and some Workshops may have prerequisites.
    • Best for: AI leaders, transformation teams, executives, and advanced practitioners.

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How It Works

I decided to invest in my future and work toward a career in HR. As a dad of two with a full time job, this online program gave me the chance to work when I could. It was a fantastic way for me to develop my skills and advance my career.
‐ John F.
John F.
  • Early-career HR professionals (i.e., fewer than 5 years of experience) looking to build a well-rounded foundation across core HR functions, including performance management, staffing, engagement, and compensation
  • Individuals transitioning into HR from other fields (e.g., management, administration, or operations) who want formal training to establish credibility and competence in the profession
  • Aspiring HR professionals, including recent graduates or career changers, who want a comprehensive introduction to the key pillars of HR practice before entering or advancing in the field