Weekend Workshops & Open Courses

Navigating Difficult Conversations for Life & Leadership

From social media feeds to the holiday dinner table, we are surrounded by divisive dialogue and culture clash. Learn to rise above the noise and elevate the conversation in this workshop, taught by Stephanie Elie-Martin, Ph.D., director of evening business programs at Whitworth University. You'll learn a new way to interact and communicate, so that you can build, maintain and honor your personal and professional relationships.

• Friday, Nov. 8 | 6-9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 9 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 15 | 6-9:30 p.m.

Sociology of Gender

If you feel like your understanding of gender is being challenged or is incomplete, you aren't alone. Join Deidra Kelly, assistant dean of the School of Continuing Studies at Whitworth, for a course that examines the development of human understanding about sex and gender and the way this understanding influences the systems we participate in and perpetuate.

• Mondays | 6-10 p.m.
• On campus (Hawthorne Hall) or online via Teams

Strategic Leadership in Public Service Organizations

Leaders in the public service realm face unique organizational challenges as they seek to serve diverse stakeholders. Bring your public service experience to this course, taught by Chet Roshetko, military medic and leader in the Spokane healthcare industry, where you will apply a strategic planning process to your work in public service. You'll leave with the tools and skills necessary to build a strategic plan.

• Wednesdays | 6-10 p.m.
• Saturday Sessions | Nov. 16 and Dec. 14
• U-District or online via Teams

Bible for Doubters

What does it mean to "believe?" Is there room for doubt in a life of faith? Bring your big questions and deepest doubts to this theology course, taught by the Rev. Alyssa Bell, D.Min., certified spiritual director, pastor and author of Calm and Quiet My Soul. You'll deepen your understanding of biblical themes and narratives while experiencing the care and grace of spiritual coaching.

• Tuesdays | 6-10 p.m.
• On campus (Hawthorne Hall) or online via Teams

Excel Skill-Building

Expand your Excel skills with this user-friendly course taught by Joey Pascal, Excel expert. You'll learn to build pivot tables and other specific functions from scratch so you can streamline your data-based work tasks.  

• Friday, Feb. 14 | 6-9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 15 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 21 | 6-9:30 p.m.

Tales of a Headhunter: What Employers Really Want

You earned your bachelor's degree, but how do you land that perfect job? Discover what employers are really looking for from a recruiter's perspective. Develop the job search tools necessary to navigate an ever-changing employment market and obtain a fulfilling career.

• Friday, Feb. 14 | 6-9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 15 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 21 | 6-9:30 p.m.

Wildest Dreams Retreat

There is a direct connection between human well-being and the feeling that one's life has purpose. But how do we find meaning amidst the mundane and purpose amidst necessity? This overnight retreat gives students a chance to unplug and carve out time and space to think deeply about the ways that their unique values and strengths come together in service of the people and issues they care about most.  

• Overnight
• Friday, March 28, 6 p.m.-Saturday, March 29, 4:30 p.m.

The Ethics of AI: How to Lead in a World of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a controversial subject in our current world. This workshop is designed to explore the ethical challenges posed by AI technologies. Participants will learn about responsible AI use, ethical decision-making, and the impact of generative AI on society, privacy and bias. Through case studies and discussions, leaders will gain the tools to navigate complex AI issues while fostering trust and innovation.  

• Friday, March 28 | 6-9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 29 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 4 | 6-9:30 p.m.

Intro to Operations Management | Six Sigma Green Belt

Examine concepts, processes and methods of managing and controlling operations in any organizational setting at the introductory level. Discuss current issues such as eight wastes, supply chain strategy, quality plans and systems thinking.

• Thursdays | 6-10 p.m.
• Online via Teams

Conflict Management

Investigate how individuals can manage relational conflict more effectively, with an emphasis on the language and structure of conflict. Students will develop skills in managing social and task conflict in both professional and personal contexts.

• Tuesdays | 6-10 p.m.
• On campus (Hawthorne Hall) or online via Teams

Project Management | Six Sigma Black Belt

Discover the factors necessary for successful project management. Topics include project management concepts, needs identification, the project manager, teams, project organizations, project communications, project planning, scheduling, control and associated costs.

• Thursdays | 6-10 p.m.
• Online via Teams

The Nature of Trauma

The study of biological, psychological and sociocultural perspectives influence an individual's overall health including; behavior change theory and application, coping and stress management, psychoneuroimmunology, the impact of personality and cognitive patterns, vision and goal development to facilitate health behavior change.

• Wednesdays | 6-10 p.m.
• On campus (Hawthorne Hall) or online via Teams

Doubt, Trauma & the Book of Job

This course examines the book of Job, how it depicts the experiences of doubt and trauma, and how it wrestles with questions about suffering and injustice. As we compare the book of Job with other biblical texts that address similar issues, we will explore the dialogical nature of scripture and how to read it, and consider how we should respond to doubt and trauma in our own lives, communities and society.

• Thursdays | 6-10 p.m.
• U-District or online via Teams

Jazz in America

Comprehensive review of the cultural settings from which jazz emerged. Major jazz styles, composers/performers and recordings.

• Mondays | 6-10 p.m.
• U-District or online via Teams

Theology & Ecology

Develops a biblical theology of creation care rooted in Scripture's portrayal of creation and redemption in Christ. Attention is given to environmental issues and the ecology and natural history of the Northwest. Includes study, work, worship, outdoor exploration and disciplined reflection.

• Thursdays | 6-10 p.m.
• On campus (Hawthorne Hall) or online via Teams

Cultivating Faith at Your Friends Farm: Integrating Ecotheology Through Joy & Nourishment 

Join us for a transformative workshop that explores the intersection of spirituality and the earth. This workshop will delve into how ecotheology can inform and enrich the soil and the creatures that grow from it; emphasizing the sacredness of the land and our role as stewards of creation. Through shared discussions, hands-on activities and personal reflection, students will gain insights into harmonized faith with environmental stewardship, fostering a deeper connection to the earth and its natural rhythms.  

• Friday, June 28 | 6-9:30 p.m. Virtual
• Saturday, June 29 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Your Friends Farm

American Political Process

Explore Western political theory and its intersection with public administration. Particular focus will be placed on issues related to social services. 

• Tuesdays | 6-10 p.m.
• On campus (Hawthorne Hall) or online via Teams

Applied Cross-Cultural Communication

Explore the importance of competent communication in the international arena. Study of how elements such as ritual, status, symbolism, concepts of time and use of space create our world view. Enhance both your professional and interpersonal skills in the area of communicating effectively across cultures.

• Tuesdays | 6-10 p.m.
• On campus (Hawthorne Hall) or online via Teams

Climate Change: Past, Present & Future

Climate change is a global problem that requires understanding, a sense of concern and then action to be solved. Understanding will be accomplished by learning about mechanisms that have produced changes in global climate over the past millions of years, what is presently occurring and what can be accurately predicted for the future. Through this understanding, students will develop a stronger sense of caring for our planet and, from caring, create openings for action.

• Thursdays | 6-10 p.m.
• On campus (Hawthorne Hall) or online via Teams

Race & Ethnicity

Examine racial and ethnic relations around the world, with emphasis on the United States. Explore race as a social construct and its intersections with class, gender and immigrant status. Emphasis is put on racism within social institutions along with analysis of beliefs and privilege at the individual level.

• Tuesdays | 6-10 p.m.
• On campus (Hawthorne Hall) or online via Teams

A Biblical Introduction to God

Discover a Christian view of the nature and character of God based on the Bible. Our goal: to bring students' perspectives on God into conversation with the biblical view, as we learn to think, speak and write theologically.

• Thursdays | 6-10 p.m.
• U-District or online via Teams