WCU Stories      September 4, 2019

Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment is offering workshops focusing on project management and becoming a “superstar” administrative assistant in early October.

Both workshops will be held at the university’s instructional site at Biltmore Park in Asheville.

A two-part “Tenets of Project Management” workshop is set for 9 a.m. until noon on both Tuesday, Oct. 1, and Tuesday, Oct. 8. Todd Creasy, professor in WCU’s College of Business, will serve as instructor.

“During this program, participants will learn how to manage a project by using the five phases of project management and several other critical topics related to being a successful project manager in any industry,” Creasy said. “Research has shown that organizational initiatives which are managed through the project management process are more likely to achieve the desired results, within the established budget, and are completed on or before the scheduled due-date.”

Program participants also will have an opportunity to learn how to lead small and large projects, from initiation through close-out.

The registration fee is $279.

A workshop for front office administrative assistants, “Become a Superstar Front Office Administrative Assistant,” is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4. Bobby Hensley, WCU’s associate director of continuing education, and Jill Thompson, the university’s associate director of professional development, will serve as instructors.

“As the first point of contact for your organization, front office administrators are the face of the company,” Thompson said. “Their professional demeanor, knowledge and level of service will create the first impression for your customers when they walk through the door or call on the phone.”

Participants will learn to manage job functions by adopting systems and behaviors that save time, increase accuracy and help to maintain goodwill within an office setting. The training is designed for administrative assistants who are within the first one to three years of their careers, or those changing into an administrative assistant role.

The registration fee is $119.

For more information and to register for either workshop, visit pdp.wcu.edu and click on “For-profit and Nonprofit Professional Development Workshops” or call 828-227-7397.