Build stronger communication skills for today’s evolving workplace with two flexible online courses focused on professional connection, collaboration, and effectiveness. Harnessing the Power of DiSC® provides valuable insights into communication styles, interpersonal dynamics, and behavioral awareness to improve teamwork, trust, and engagement. Adapting to an AI World explores people-centered skills, such as active listening, nonverbal cues, and cross-cultural communication, that employers say are more critical than ever with the advent of AI and addresses the challenges and opportunities of digital, remote, and hybrid workspaces. Whether you choose one course that best fits your goals or take both for a more comprehensive learning experience, these offerings provide practical tools for success.
COURSES At A Glance
DiSC® course:
June 1-30, 2026
AI course:
July 1-30, 2026
Online
Cost
Varies - See below for details and discounts!
What will you gain?
Effective Workplace Communication: Harnessing the Power of DiSC
Online access: June 1-June 30, 2026 (DiSC® Catalyst platform)
Live sessions: June 11 and 18, 2026 - 5:00pm-7:00pm (Zoom)
Early Bird discount: $175.00 (register by May 25, 2026)
Stout Proud discount: $175.00 (see details below)
Regular registration: $220.00
Strengthen the way you connect, communicate, and collaborate at work in this practical, engaging course that involves both online activities and two live Zoom sessions. This course introduces participants to the DiSC® Workplace Profile as a powerful framework for understanding communication styles and interpersonal dynamics in professional settings. Through interactive discussion and guided reflection, you’ll gain insight into how differences in work styles influence teamwork, customer interactions, and everyday communication. The course focuses on using behavioral awareness to improve collaboration, build trust, and create more positive and inclusive workplace experiences. You will also explore how adapting communication approaches can reduce friction, enhance engagement, and support stronger working relationships across roles and industries.
- Gain greater self-awareness of your interpersonal motivations and preferences by analyzing your DiSC® Workplace Profile
- Apply DiSC® Workplace Profile insights to build your capacity to recognize the interpersonal motivations and preferences in others
- Learn how to leverage differing DiSC® styles to create healthy, inclusive and engaging interactions and collaborations
Effective Workplace Communication:
Adapting to an AI World
Online access: July 1-July 30, 2026 (Canvas online platform)
Live sessions: July 9, 16, and 23, 2026 - 5:00pm-7:00pm (Zoom)
Early Bird discount: $279.00 (register by June 24, 2026)
Stout Proud discount: $279.00 (see details below)
Regular registration: $349.00
CEUs: 8 Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) PDCs
Strong communication skills are more critical than ever as workplaces become increasingly team-based, cross-functional, and multimodal (physical and digital workspaces). Through online learning in Canvas and three live Zoom sessions, this course focuses on the human side of communication in an environment shaped by digital platforms, remote collaboration, and AI-enabled tools. You'll examine how communication supports collaboration, relationship-building, and leadership across modern work settings. You will also explore essential people-centered skills such as listening to understand, reading nonverbal cues, and communicating across cultures—particularly in virtual and hybrid contexts where miscommunication is more likely. This course addresses how communication adapts across digital environments, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities of working with team members and customers you may never meet in person.
- Apply communication concepts to team- and small-group collaboration, relationship-building, and leadership
- Employ techniques such as listening to understand, nonverbal communication, and intercultural awareness in professional contexts
- Analyze how remote/hybrid work, digital platforms and AI challenge, affect and offer new opportunities for workplace communication
Who should enroll?
These courses are designed for professionals in any industry. They are ideal for anyone looking to communicate more clearly, collaborate more effectively, and strengthen workplace relationships in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.
- Length and Format: 8 hours of engagement through a mixture of online and live sessions
- Badge: Participants who complete these courses are eligible to earn a digital badge - learn more at UW-Stout Badging
What will it cost?
Varies by course so see details above
Important Notes:
- Faculty/Staff/Students: Use your UW-Stout email when registering to receive discount.
- Alumni: Reach out to gieskingj@uwstout.edu to receive a discount code BEFORE completing the registration form.
- FAQs: For information on Payment and Cancellation Policy, Disability Accommodations, and other issues, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Richard A. Schutta, Ph.D.
Dr. Schutta has been an instructor of communication for over ten years, with a decade of dedicated service at the University of Wisconsin–Stout. He earned his Ph.D. from Regent University in 2022, where his academic work focused on media effects, public speaking, interpersonal and professional relationships, and effective organizational communication. In January 2025, Dr. Schutta became a Wiley Everything DiSC® Certified Facilitator, further enhancing his ability to support individuals and teams in developing stronger interpersonal awareness, collaboration skills, and workplace communication strategies. With a blend of academic expertise, practical experience, and a commitment to learner-centered instruction, Dr. Schutta brings a dynamic and engaging approach to professional development.