Seminars

About the Program

Unique! Current! Informative! These are key adjectives that describe the wide range of seminars which we teach at Concordia University. If you are looking to hone your skills, look no further. Concordia's seminars offer you in-depth and interactive study that can improve your knowledge in selected subjects and help you become more productive.

All seminars are taught by professors possessing professional experience and superb knowledge in their field. Classes meet on the Concordia University campus in Portland on Friday and Saturday (from 5 pm to 9 pm on Friday and from 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday).

While each seminar has its own content and format, they may include speakers, panels and a variety of interactive group projects. So, one can enroll in a single seminar or enroll in a series of seminars. Early registration is encouraged since courses may close due to enrollment limits. No meals are provided with tuition, however, the dining hall is open Fridays 5 pm to 6:30 pm and on Saturdays 11 am to 1 pm and again from 5 pm to 6 pm for your convenience.

College Credit

If you choose to receive baccalaureate or graduate - level credit for the seminars, you must register in advance for the course through the registrar's office.

You can also register on-line during open registration times.

Undergraduate seminars are listed with a SOM 451 prefix
Graduate level seminars are listed with a SOM 551 prefix

Seminar Descriptions

School of Management Seminars
SOM 451 and 551

Summer 2010

 

Fall 2010

Personal Finance

Chris Magana
September 10-11

This seminar is designed to teach the basic to intermediate concepts and principles that all people need to be financially successful in an increasingly complex financial world. The student will increase their understanding of personal finance and develop critical thinking skills with respect to financial planning concepts. Students will apply the knowledge gained to their personal financial situation: how to use credit responsibly, invest efficiently and make better financial decision.

Prior Learning Assessment

Becky Bush
Sept 11

Students in select B.S. programs have the opportunity to receive academic credit for skills and knowledge acquired and used outside the classroom. PLA requires the student to articulate and document those skills and knowledge in competence essays following nationally structured standards. To get started, students participate in BA/HCA 299, an introductory seminar. PLA is designed for those who work well independently who have substantial "realworld" experience. For more information, see the PLA coordinator in the School of Management.

Project Management

Kathy Christiansen
Oct 8-9

This seminar provides an overview of project management concepts and metrics using the same process model as that used in the Harvard Business School:  Defining and Organizing the Project; Planning the Project; and Tracking and Managing the Project.

Storytelling in Business

John Szczepanski
Oct 29-30

From boardrooms to showrooms, stories inspire and motivate. As marketers, we engage in a craft as old as human culture itself. This course explores the structures, themes and imagery of storytelling as they apply to the disciplines of marketing research and promotion. Guest speakers will illustrate examples of storytelling in their work, and students will learn and practice techniques to help better connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Cecil Reinke
November 12-13

Litigation has proven to be a highly costly and ineffective manner for resolving conflicts. Accordingly, a number of alternative procedures to resolve disputes short of litigation have developed. This course reviews some of the procedures (e.g., mini-trial, mediation, arbitration, etc.) and explains their appropriateness and limitations.

Spring 2011

Servant Leadership: Do You Have What It Takes?

Griff Lindell
Jan 28-29

This seminar will explore the component of servant-leadership as a fundamental philosophy for life and work. Based on a highly interactive and collaborative teaching/learning environment, attendees will learn the steps to developing leadership skills and how a servant leadership perspective improves personal growth, people awareness and work/life productivity.

Included in the course fee is an online survey (the Life Orientations ® survey) and an individual report based on survey results. The survey measures a person's relative preference for four basic behavioral styles. These Styles are not competencies: participants are not labeled, judged, or limited by their survey results. Labeling someone with a personality type can become an excuse for sub-standard performance. ("I'm no good at that -- I'm just not that type of person.").

Learn why people behave the way they do and how that information can be helpful, especially to the servant-leader, to best communicate with individuals on the team to motivate understanding and action.

Understanding Conflict in the Workplace

Lori Tucker
February 11-12, 2011

This highly interactive course encourages participants to analyze and strengthen their personal management skills by evaluating the dynamics of office and personal relationships as they impact the workplace. Learn how to avoid the undesirable outcomes of the disgruntled employee/co-worker while capitalizing on his or her strengths for the benefit of the organization.

Sports Sponsorship

John Herron
February 25-26

The seminar will explore key terms and concepts to offer basic knowledge of sports industry sponsorships. Students will gain understanding of the value sports organizations offer its sponsorship opportunities; and in-turn, the corporation's evaluation of such sponsorship opportunities. Furthermore, the discussion will touch upon the mechanics, audience leverage, and measurable results that create a successful partnership.

The Power of Groups

Tbd
April 8-9, 2011
Collaboration, Associations & Clusters

Businesses today understand there's little value in "going it alone." Our seminar will address the power of groups, from informal collaborative gatherings to structured associations, as well as broader industry-wide clusters. Through case studies and guest speakers, we will explore the benefits and challenges of working together with competitors in order to build capacity and grow markets.

Health and Human Services Seminars
HHS 451 and 551

Integrative Medicine

Sue Frymark
July 30-31

The purpose of this seminar is to introduce participants to Integrative Medicine, its increasing popularity, and its relationship to mainstream medical care. It will explore the relationship between mind, body and spirit.

Effective Communication Techniques For HC Professionals

Lori Tucker
September 17-18
This seminar introduces students to several tools which will enhance communication between health professionals and their patients or clients. Students will learn to speak assertively while also demonstrating empathy and compassion. The seminar will focus on proven listening techniques to encourage productive conversations. This highly interactive seminar includes role plays with progressively more difficult scenarios so that students gain practical experience in utilizing effective communication techniques. Through this seminar students will gain insight in how to prevent ineffective conflict.

Behavior Change and Goal Setting

Julie Dodge
October 1-2

Peak When It Counts: Periodization In Exercise & Sport

William Freeman
October 8-9
The supreme goal of sport training is to peak at the perfect moment, such as a championship competition. Periodization is a way to make the planning and implementation of training as objective as possible, with the goal of continually improving its effectiveness. It is the most common method of designing training programs for Olympic athletes around the world.

Grief and Dying

Kimberly Shumway
November 5-6